Budget? I Don't Need No Stinkin' Budget!

As I've mentioned before, I hate checking my checking account, because, although I try to keep track of my expenditures in a less formal way (meaning, in my head), my figuring does not often take into account those little expenses that add up (sort of like those little extra calories from this piece of candy or that handful of potato chips that don't seem like much, until you wake up and realize you've gained 10 points from those little extra calories).

So, anyway, I looked today. Sure enough, it was lower than I had expected. Not so low that the bills couldn't be paid or that I couldn't get food for the next week. But low enough that I would have to reschedule that haircut. Again. Granted, this is a sort of luxury item - I could just go to the place that charges $10, but haircuts are something I prefer to pay a bit more for. I just like the better cut.

This isn't a bad thing. It's what we all do - cut back a bit here and there when we overspend. And I don't really regret the extra money I spent on gifts and food (including the nice roast for the Christmas dinner). It's not something I plan to do every week.

And, in spite of the title of the post, it has brought me back to the realization that I do need to keep on top of my budget a bit more. It has become my early New Years resolution. I've already started tracking my expenses again (I've done this before - last time I kept going for over 7 months!)

It will get easier, soon. But, for now, I'll just keep an eye on the numbers.