Give us an update.  Setbacks?  Accomplishments?  What adjustments have you had to make recently?  Any strokes of luck (good or bad)?  Any bills paid off?  Any new ones started?  Anything?

I'll start:

I'm just about to finish my first week of using the envelope system.  It's been a VERY long time since I've used this much cash, and I have to say it works better for me because it's more tangible.

I'm taking a setback because my car broke down and I have had to rent one.  Fortunately, my parents offered to pay for the repairs - still, once it is fixed I will continue taking the bus and use it as little as possible so it will last longer.

My mother will have her smallest credit card paid off by October, and she's gotten her friend interested in our idea of "sponsoring" each other.

I'm just paying minimums right now until I can get some $ in savings for emergencies ($1k goal).  This whole shenanigan with my car has highlighted the fact that I need to be able to pay for this stuff when it comes up.

Overall, I give recent events a "B."

Now, someone else's turn.

I paid off a credit card yesterday

Been a horrible month for me. 
First car repair- $200
Text Books so far- $366 (and i still have two more classes to buy for)
Second car repair- $? i have to send it to the shop

and only about $92 of income that came in this month for two odd jobs i did online. kay i'm done. Fingers crossed for the next few months and getting a job.

I vowed to conquer my debt one day, and the next day I had to replace the battery in my car! Oh well, can't work without it!  But I payed for that with cash, so life is good!

I paid $400 towards one credit card and $100 on another. Yea!! Plus tomorrow is payday.

Expenses at home I can't fix because I'm not there and wife is limited in fixing repairs:

Lawn sprinkler damaged after guy hired to mow lawn ran over it: - ~$30
Thermostat needs battery installed (wife can't open it for some reason) so might as well get AC serviced with it: - ~$100
Going to sign up for two etrade accounts and get bonus: + $50 combined.
Net = - $80 but can't complain because I have not had any major house repairs in the last two years.

Oh, and will be increasing deposit in saving program by $200

Overall i think this is good progress for the month.

Just paid late property tax bill $2200

This week I came to a very harsh realization: so long as I can conveniently access money, I will spend it without regard to my budget.  So, I decided to take drastic measure and get rid of my debit card.  It's not gone for good (I've put it in custody of a very trustworthy friend) but already I can tell that the decision will save me money.  Now, if I need to make a purchase, or get money out, I have to write a check or go to the bank (and I hate writing checks - hardly anyone takes them these days!).

Bad couple of weeks for me

Move closer to work to save my sanity.
Rent increase $150
Utilities increase $50
Travel cost decrease -$30
Security deposit $900(waiting for the old one of $550)
Two days partying when old friend came into town $200


NOT GOOD.

But I did get health insurance today. The only major setback was the partying everything else was planned. $200 what was I thinking?

ctboss wrote:

The only major setback was the partying everything else was planned. $200 what was I thinking?

Yikes!  I hope it was fun!  I know how it is, though.  Friends (especially ones visiting from out of town) are not as likely to understand what you're trying to accomplish.  It happens from time to time, but good job getting health insurance!