Can see sun with head out of sand - 2.5yr

[adinva]

Definitely open to suggestion, but what i'm doing so far is:

My bank where i have savings, checking, credit and check card automatically categorizes transactions into budget accounts. Its hard to see month to month variations or make adjustments so,

I madw a binder with a page for each major budget category. One page is for kids ( haircuts, clothing, medical, spending money etc), one is utilities, one is food, etc. i put a column for each month plus monthly and annual budget amount. I entered the data for jan-oct and now need to follow up monthly. Each month i will see if i went over for the month can i reduce that account for next month or borrow from another discretionary account. Starting in january i'll be able to see how the amounts varied by month last year so i'll know if i normally have a high gas bill that month or if somethings wrong.

Main prob is its backward looking. At month end i know if i went over. So i may take one account (food) and make an envelope of cash to spend for the month instead of charging it all, for a few months to train myself on how far it goes.

I don't carry any debt, other than my mortgage, so the months i've been overspending have been automatically coming out of my savings (aka the balance in my checking account). At this rate i would have maybe six more months before i would run out and be bouncing checks.

The page per budget category allows writing notes such as 4 new tires purchased in november with warranty, shouldnt have this expense again for x years, etc. i also noted on the kids page the (two) times h gave me some cash for the kids school supplies and cleats.

I buy almost nothing for myself. I like shopping in second hand stores for items $5 or less. I need very little and hate department stores. But- i might budget for a new piece of clothing now and then, intentionally, rather than only buying when something falls apart. I'm a lot freer with boys' purchases but they arent very acquisitive either.

If we budget, and then dont spend, i could roll the balance somewhere: to next year, to a fun fund, to college or just to begin replacing lost savings.

My first goal though, is just to see if i can stay in the black this december.