I was able to cross several items off my to do list today including establishing and resetting our budget. For the month of December, the focus will be on staying on track so that we can end the year “even”.  I have made some major allowances for eating out and a couple more gifts that I need to purchase.  I am most disappointed that I did not get an emergency fund in place but it will be a in place next year!

Several major changes will be occurring a couple of highlights are:
budget will be based on two checks a month, and will include Matt’s steady income. In January and July, I will receive an extra check which will be used to pay for vacations and extras.
eliminated the “auto fund” instead small repairs, oil changes, taxes will come out of the gas budget. At the end of each month, any amount left in the gas fund will be transferred to the second account for more majority car repairs or saved.
added dinning out envelope this will allow us to eat out once a month or if we are careful twice a month. The plan is to add to this account with extra money that is found or left from the previous month grocery fund. This is a cash only envelope which is harder for us to spend. Grocery budget will remain at $600 a month as this is our average for the year!
hair fund has been moved to a cash only envelope. This will also be the “petty cash” if needed!

In April or before if we can pay off the Home Depot card, that payment will be transferred to our emergency fund.  I know that it will take several years but I plan to leave this as a regular schedule payment until $5000 is in the account!

I am excited that we are on the right track and I think we are in a good position to succeed this next year!