Well, we've had more "surprises" to the tune of $390 so far this pay period. I went to check our balance online to make sure we'd have enough to cover bills (I figured we'd be within a few dollars once everything went through). I saw our balance was $265.43, but our available balance was only $65.07! I started to flip out because we had pending medical bills at $135 and $24. It took me a minute to realize that our available balance was only $65.07, because the bank was already taking the pending medical bills into account. Whew. I had started to cry and kind of flip out before I realized that though.
So, after those pending things go through, I'll have $65.07, but still have a $54 student loan payment. I expect to only have $9 for the rest of the pay period which won't cover gas SO, I transferred the last of the money from our Freedom Account to cover expenses. This kind of makes me sick to the stomach, but I guess this is the sort of thing it's there for. The fact that we're on the brink of disaster is what makes me sick to my stomach; this is one of my worst fears.
The bright side? I have been hording any cash I find around the house ($7 in my winter coat that I forgot about from last winter!) and have enough to cover any additional food we'll need. It'll be tight though.
Since we don't have family in the area, we'll make Thanksgiving really low key and inexpensive. I'll make the stuffing, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie that are our Thanksgiving staples. I'll buy some turkey slices from the deli and that'll be that. I have most of the things needed for the stuffing and casserole so this is good. We'll probably do the same for Christmas dinner.
Oh, I also had someone contact me about something I used to sell online (website still up, but says "out of stock") to see if I had any in stock. I do still have some inventory, told her what I had and that I'd discount it. She's ordered several things and so that's another $20 coming our way. What a blessing that is.
I just need to keep focused on the blessings and that these "surprises" will have to end at some point.
Almost Flipped Out Today & Frugal Thanksgiving Dinner
November 19th, 2008 at 07:58 pm
November 19th, 2008 at 08:31 pm 1227126677
Sorry to hear of your struggles, but it sounds like you are making things work ok.
November 19th, 2008 at 08:39 pm 1227127144
November 19th, 2008 at 09:01 pm 1227128481
November 19th, 2008 at 10:26 pm 1227133572
I need credit cards for the first month, but the second month my funding plan and budget worked. I get paid weekly and money from 3 of my paychsecks make up the mortgage payment. I know each of these paychecks I have to set aside X and I will always have money for the mortgage.
The reason why I think budgets fail is because people just do one side. They concentrate on the out going money and not how the in coming money will fund those out gos.
Good luck and I hope this struggle brings your family closer as it has mine.
November 20th, 2008 at 12:20 am 1227140453
About the turkey...stores usually put them on sale for between .39 and .59 cents/lb. around this time. Just today I got a 12 lb turkey for around $7.00. You could freeze the leftovers and incorporate them into any recipe that calls for cooked chicken. Much more cost effective than buying the slices.
November 20th, 2008 at 12:49 am 1227142198
November 20th, 2008 at 05:39 am 1227159556
Good luck to you.