The week was going pretty well for me. Despite the fact that I have been having a bad case of blogger’s writer’s block, I’ve been gaining momentum in other aspects of my life. I was feeling a sense of peace and ease. That is, until I took a look at my bank account last night.
I felt myself hyperventilating a bit when I noticed my balance. And then, I thought there must be a mistake somewhere—a double charge, no a triple charge! Or maybe someone hacked into my account and stole my funds. There had to be an explanation why my balance was so low.
I began looking through the transactions that had posted and there was nothing that was fraudulent or in error. And then I began noticing a trend—there were over twenty charges for items that I purchased last week online. That MAC online sale? Damage. That outfit from Spiegel that I didn’t really need? Damage. Over twenty-five items of damage.
Damage to my bank account that is.
Add to those charges, were other charges of automatic payments or subscriptions that I forgot to “stop”. Those amounts add up. I don’t even remember buying all of this stuff. I mean, I knew I purchased a few things online but had no idea that I had spent so much. Everything I bought was on sale!
Earlier this year, I wrote about speaking with a financial planner to get my financial house in order. And I was doing a good job, but this month, I went a little crazy and the end result is that I am broke. I don’t want to touch my savings, but I just may have to because my balance not get me and my family through the rest of this month.
I made a crazed call to my Financial Mentor who told me to relax, relate, and release. She proposed that I return most of the items and stop all of the automatic payments that were not for actual bills. I felt a little better when talking to her. And we came up with a gameplan, one that I will be following to the “T’.
- Internet shopping is for must-haves only and cannot exceed $100 per month under any circumstance.
- The debit card will not be used for any more Internet purchases. I will use a prepaid card for online transactions.
- I must keep a daily record and tally of my amount spent on Mint.com account as well as keep a money diary.
- Eating out will be limited to no more than twice per week and cannot exceed $75.00 per week.
- Any memberships and subscriptions not in use will be canceled immediately in writing.
- I am to take out $200.00 per week cash and use that without using my credit card/debit card for weekly expenses.
- I am to unsubscribe to stores and online merchants mass email campaigns so I will not be tempted to make a purchase during their next big SALE.
I feel a little better now that I have the game plan, but I still am kicking myself for spending so much money last week like I was Kim Kardashian or some Hollywood socialite. You must do better, Danyelle! Ugh!
TheFabChick says
Awww yes, I know this all to well! Think I will be using the tip of taking $200 cash and just spending that… Good stuff!
The Cubicle Chick says
She says this will help me “see” my money and have more control over my spending. With a debit card, you just swipe and go. I was doing this before but stopped. Now I am back on track!
Fly11 says
I LOVE the taking out $200 a week as opposed to using the debit card. I used to treat the ATM like a crackhouse=DON'T GO NEAR IT! I have developed a hatred for cash because I spend it sssoo easily thus my solution was debit card only, NO CASH. In time though, I've gotten comfortable with swiping $1.32 so I'm still being wreckless. However, if I take out my "Free money" it'll help me keep track of what I am spending, how much is left without having to login and check a balance. GREAT TIP!
The Cubicle Chick says
The thing about cash is I seem to misplace it all of the time. I will find a ten dollar spot in a jean pocket months later. So I have to get better keeping up with it. And plus it’s dirty–which is something I do not like. But in order for me to stay on track, I have to be able to SEE what I am spending. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, no let me get my card. 🙂
Go!Spa says
I’m right there with ya Girlfriend! I have an online shopping addiction–my daily e-mails from Rue La La, Bath & Body, Groupon & more make shopping online much too easy! Good tips, thanks Danyelle!