[for some reason I couldn't edit this post the usual way, so . . .]
Well, I haven't moved an inch in resolving any of my money situations since I started this blog six weeks ago. I haven't even kept up with a committment to continue posting here . . . or to start tracking what I spend.
This year, like all Thanksgivings, I got paid on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Made the week before go by effortlessly -- woo-hoo! I get paid early. "Splurged" and got shoes for all three of my kids. Bought unbudgeted tickets for a holiday performance my daughter is performing in. Made good on a couple of unpaid bills. Paid some current bills.
Thanksgiving morning, I realized I had spent all my paycheck, except maybe enough to but gas for the car for two weeks.
And, of course, the next paycheck, coming on the usual Friday, is two days LATER than this one.
My wife (we're estranged but still living in the same place) is a proponent of the Laws of Abundance, that mystical (though some might say self-evident) approach to money. I've read the books she has pushed on me and I've made faint-hearted attempts to greet each day with an acknowledgement that the world is an abundant place, that every dollar I need is already there in the universe.
But it doesn't last.
What gets me through the weekend is knowing that I have only one unpaid bill that is likely to generate a phone call, and that I may get through the weekend without having to spend any more money.
But mentally and psychically, I feel bankrupt. Which, of course, is the opposite of feeling abundant.
- - - -
An important addendum -- the Friday before Thanksgiving my wife was in a serious car accident. She's fine -- she walked away from a crash scene in which four cars were totalled. Insurance will take care of any lingering health issues, as well as the car replacement. There is the mental trauma she has to overcome, plus the inevitable hassles of dealing with insurance companies and car dealers.
So, the basic thanksgiving this year, especially for our three kids, was that she survived. Material goods and needs pale in comparison.
Blue Thanksgving -- Edited
November 25th, 2006 at 02:23 pm
November 25th, 2006 at 04:28 pm 1164472139
November 26th, 2006 at 02:55 am 1164509751
Try the tracking and blogging first. We are pretty non-judgmental, but you'll find that you spend less and justify your purchases better if you have to write them down.
IMHO, mysticism and money don't mix, at least for us mortals. You have to keep an eye on Mammon.
November 26th, 2006 at 05:14 pm 1164561277
Living paycheck to paycheck + having overdue bills + being estranged and living in the same house + holidays + the stress of everyday life would be quite enough to derail you on your financial goals. I am sure buying shoes for the kids and tickets for the play were food for the soul indeed.
I agree with baselle that tracking and blogging is a great way to get and stay FOCUSED on your good money habits. It is also a way to receive encouragement and support.
In any case, I wish you the best of luck....keep your determination, it will get better!