I had high hopes for October that things would be less stressful and less expensive. However that did not happen.\u00a0 What did happen is that I have been trying to remember how far we have come\u00a0 as well as these\u00a0 two very powerful truths.\u00a0 1. You can’t have a testimony without a test. Otherwise it is just you moaning (very wise Christian lady said this often)\u00a0 2.\u00a0 Satan would not care what we were doing or try to interfere if it did not have enteral value.\u00a0 Finally I have been assured and have visible proof that God is and will provide over and above anything I could imagine.\u00a0 I would love to have a No Spend November but this is not a realistic goal for our family at this time. What I am planning is to keep spending at a minimum for the remainder of the year and to watch as God multiples and supplies our every need.<\/p>\n
Groceries- Goal $800 per month.\u00a0 We spent $1114.93\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 This did include not one but two trips to Costco this month. I am starting and planning for a 4-6 month pantry challenge in November. I am only going to buy what we are out of as well as try and use up as much as possible that is already on hand. I am allowing a couple of exceptions including our trip to Disney in December, Christmas and the Super Bowl party. My goal for now until March or April is $200 a month but if that does not happen God will provide.<\/p>\n
Gas- Goal is $400.\u00a0 Total spent was$420.30\u00a0 for gas\u00a0 this month. This amount does\u00a0 not include the two tanks of gas we spent going to and from the beach. The reason is I included those in our trip breakdown. This is not a category I have much control over instead this is really a place holder and way for me to stay realistic when making the budget.\u00a0 We also had to have an oil change in the Tahoe this month which is the first one that we actually paid for. November will be pricey as well due to registration and insurance both being due.<\/p>\n
Blogging-The goal will be 15 posts per month.\u00a0 This is post 5 for October.\u00a0 \u00a0I am guessing that is one of the lowest months ever.\u00a0 I can plan and hope but God is in control.<\/p>\n
Debit-\u00a0 \u00a0The goal for 2026 will be to pay off the Home Depot Credit card without interest. We failed at this.\u00a0 New expenses continue to come up. I am frustrated and hope to be able to had a new realistic budget in place by January 1 2027. Otherwise I am just allowing God to control my fears and money.<\/p>\n
No Spend Days- Goal for 10 no spend days a month. As I mentioned above I would love to make 15 or more no spend days for the money but only time will tell.<\/p>\n
Health\/Exercise-I am a stress eater. Life is stressful. Enough said<\/p>\n
Foster Care-\u00a0 \u00a0Disappointed as our court date was continued due to Mom’s being appointed a new attorney. Our next court date is November 17th.\u00a0 I am planning a whole blog post about Foster care and how the system is working right now.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I had high hopes for October that things would be less stressful and less expensive. However that did not happen.\u00a0 What did happen is that I have been trying to remember how far we have come\u00a0 as well as these\u00a0 … Continue reading