We did it!

Let me be the first to say that budgeting, really budgeting, is hard. In the past we only cared about what bill had to be paid from our accounts and what was left was ours to spend. There was no planning for an emergency, no lump sum planning, or even a blow money category. It was all blow money once the bills were paid as we saw it. Free to do with what we wished. Not anymore.

We started the envelope system, but are not doing envelopes for every category as some of bills for heating, electricity, and such are paid via our banks bill pay service. Quite frankly this would lead to a major pain in the rear yo withdrawal the money only to turn around and redeposit.

So how did we do? Let us take a look:
Total income this pay period- $1,025
Online Bill Pay
$150 – Groceries (Until 2/2)
$140 – Utilities, Gas
$100 – Utilities, Electric
$53 - Cable/Internet We have basic cable, 14 channels for $16.95( basic cable pending cancellation).
$76 – Bank of America Visa
$118 - Chase Visa
$100 – SallieMae

Envelopes
$35 – Utility, Water (billed quarterly)
$11 - Cell Phone Bill (we do not have a landline)
$49 – Car Payment
$88 – Gas for cars
$20 – Car Repairs
$25 – Clothing
$15 – Doctor/Prescriptions
$10 – Prescriptions
$10 – Toiletries, Haircare, Etc
$25 – Blow the Budget

We have $0.00 left at the end of this budget. Hopefully we will not blow it too badly as this is our first attempt. Wish us luck.

Envelope System and a Budget

Envelopes and the start to our budget