My Attempt At Budgeting

Hi. I’m Keyla, a penny pincher and “Free” is my favorite number. Yes, I'm a sucker for savings, and I’ll do whatever possible to get a nice discount or offer. I use every discount code I found, sign up for reward programs and “check in” on Social Media if it’s to get something free (BurgerFi, I’m talking to you!).

My life-appointed sister gifted (or regifted!?) the book The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and it activated me. I committed myself to write down EVERYTHING! I kept track of every cent and dollar leaving my bank account. I must admit that, just as with diets, I succumbed to temptation and did not save, or used my credit card when I shouldn't have. But I kept at it, trial and error, learning new lessons and a new found discipline to go about money.

The book has an impressive budget plan. I didn’t follow it to the dot just because there were things that didn’t apply to me or I wanted to do differently (and because I’m headstrong!) but, I started working on my Emergency Fund, getting rid of some debt and working my way to a less stressful relationship with money.

I paid all the big things (house, cars, etc.) and utilities of the month, and began to take out $100 for savings. I feel very strongly about the phrase “out of sight, out of mind.” And whatever was left after was assigned to be spent on groceries or any surprise investment (doctors, medicines or a bday gift for one of the many, many, many we have as parents of a 5-year-old).

So with my weekly budget ready I sometimes tried to squeeze an additional $20 for our savings jar. And work with my creativity in the kitchen so I’d make my allowance. Mind you I was carrying the cash I could spend in an envelope so I wouldn’t use my credit cards!

Every digit made a difference and I wasn’t about to leave any penny behind. By mid-year, I had saved around $720. After so much trial and error, and with a lot of discipline I was able to appreciate and use the credit card. I’d started paying utilities, insurance, phone, gasoline, and anything I could with the card and IMMEDIATELY, I mean, immediately making the payment even, when the transaction wasn’t "posted" on the account. That meant that while doing that I would get miles or cash back, I preferred the latter, and would have some additional savings. The advantages of budgeting are endless, and it's always the right start to a more fruitful life.

What about you, any tips on how you save some money? Share away!!!

Side dish: “Tengo razones” by Chenoa.