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I don't know what I'm doing

August 15th, 2007 at 08:54 pm

About 8 months ago, I decided to get my family's finances under control. Since then, I've developed a detailed budget and better yet a detailed way to keep track of it. We've made some progress, but have lots more progress to make. We just bought a house about a month ago.

Why did I decide to begin a blog? I need motivation and a place of accountability. While we scrimp in many places on the budget, I question overspending in other areas. For example, why do I bother hanging clothes out to dry when I give into my husband's wishes to eat out...and not just cheap fast food!

I feel like I'm too old to be doing this. I'm ashamed of my debts because I think I know better. Why did it take so long for me to truly understand the burden debt really causes? I want to be free of these debts!

10 Responses to “I don't know what I'm doing”

  1. Elly Says:
    1187209176

    Welcome! Smile

  2. Ima saver Says:
    1187210378

    Hopefully you will find a lot of saving information on this site. Welcome too!

  3. ceejay74 Says:
    1187214508

    Welcome! I'm in the same boat--I'd be really frugal about some things but think nothing of blowing $60-$80 (for 3 people) on a night drinking with friends, or going out to eat even though there were a ton of groceries in the house. When we sat down and realized we couldn't keep spending money we didn't have, we reckoned we spent $1200 in one month just on eating and drinking out!

    I'm 33, college-educated, fairly bright, but it just wasn't sinking in. Now, since March, I've stopped putting anything on cards and have begun an aggressive debt-repayment plan. My family cooks at home almost every night and freezes leftovers to take to work. We hardly go to bars, and when we do, we each have a tiny bit of cash that is all we can use.

    I totally relate to all your feelings, including the one of shame. But I think it's hard to develop discipline in our culture if you're not naturally thrifty. I've found this site to be incredibly motivating and supportive. Now I don't feel isolated in my quest to become debt-free someday.

    Hope you get as much out of your blog!
    CJ

  4. Househopeful Says:
    1187216214

    Welcome! This is a great place for inspiration and for encouragement. Its good that you're taking control of things. I think that personal finance is always a work in progress. We all have setbacks and sucesses. So don't be afraid to share or ask questions. I've found some great support on this site.

  5. boomeyers Says:
    1187218920

    Hello! Smile Good luck on your journey!

  6. Amber Says:
    1187232824

    Congrats on the new house and the progress you have made thus far, regarding your finances. Also this site is the perfect place for motivation

    About a year ago I felt the same away about my debt, ashamed and maybe I was too old but this site along with others and books has helped me to be at one point to be debt free ( I had to buy a new car) and to be accountable for my money and believe me you it has helped. I am 33 and have never had a credit card with a zero balance and now I do, I was never able to get a car loan on my own and this was the first time, not only that I never had more than about $100 in the bank saved now I have almost $5000 if you include all my saving accounts. So hang in there it will get much better, believe me

    Oops I forgot to say welcome Big Grin

  7. dtjunkie Says:
    1187264156

    Welcome!

  8. terri77 Says:
    1187285971

    You've made an important first step on the path to becoming debt-free. Good luck!

  9. glblguy Says:
    1187352420

    That's awesome. You've made the the first key step in getting control of your finances, "Recognition".

    It's a tough journey, and it won't always go smoothly, but stay focused, stay the course.

    One thing I did notice, there are a lot of "I"s and "I'm" doing a budget, and "I'm" tired and "I'm" doing this.

    Since you are married, there can't be an "I" there has to be a "We". We are ashamed of debts and know better. We are doing a budget. We are cutting expenses. We question overspending...

    Unless you are both on board, and are both doing and discussing the budget, while it may still work it will make the process long and hard. You have to do this together as a team. Both of you should do the budget and agree to follow it. Make a commitment to each other.

    Remember, there is to I in Team :-)

    Good luck, going to keep an eye on your site and see how you do.

  10. shiela Says:
    1187917009

    How did I missed this blog? Welcome and congrats on the new house. Glad you could join us on this journey to financial freedom!

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