Well since My Budget did not go as planned, I am able to SAVE even MORE! So because I have saved $10.50 from not having to buy the Girl Scout Cookies and because I had Saved $15.00 on my School Books then I will be able to Deposit $90.00 instead of $60.00.

Which will equal to $130.00 towards my Car. (I already opened one with $40.00)

I plan on making the Deposit some time this week. I am excited!

On my next check I will be able to SAVE $400.00 and then go to the Car Auction. Then I can prepare for my next Short term Goal. Yippee!

Now I know with a Car I will have more expenses such as Insurance, Gas and Maintenance but I will also be starting my second Job from Home. So then I will still be able to Save money. I also plan on playing the Stock Market Game and if I play it well then I will earn a good amount of money as well.

Well, I had got paid $730.28 (Lunch @ Work $16.35 plus I had Overtime)

Rent $240.00
Babysitter $86.00
Friday Smiths $15.88
Fund. Brownies $11.00
McDonalds $3.00
Walmart $8.05
Movie Rentals $8.68

TOTAL: $372.61

My Headset my parents are going to get me off eBay for $14.00 if I will do the dishes the whole week. I agreed. The headset is for my part-time Job I will be doing from home. I have an interview and I had faxed my information. I will be doing Telemarketing from home @ $9.00 an hour.

The rest of the money from my Lunch @ Work will be on my next pay period.

My School Books I am going to try to find used.

I will be making a Savings Deposit this week.

CASH ON-HAND: $8.00 (there was change and I put it in the Change Jar)

Isn't it funny how you Budget does not work sometimes because either you calculated your Check incorrectly or something else happens?

As soon as I get my Car I will be Working on my MLM Business and be calling people during my split shift at work and see if I can generate some income that way.

I am focused on One thing at a time right now. Just so I don't overwhelm myself.

You know Ramen Noodles are good for you for various reasons...

One, they are Cheap. They average between I believe .07 to .14 cents a pop.

Two, they are Good. The seasonings are added just right and you can always add (My favorite: Crackers & Hot Sauce)

Three, you can make various things with Ramen. From Stir Fry to Pizza.

Four, they are good for your Diet-I have heard a couple of things from people how they use Noodles as a way to lose weight.

Whether your a College Student, Single Mom, Frugal Family you can eat Noodles and Save!

When I was in Job Corps I sometimes did not go to dinner so I went to my "Locker" and pulled out my Noodles and cooked them-they are really relaxing (Like Coffee) because they are warm and they are soup.

I think Ramen Noodles are a great addition to any household Pantry.

And right now as I am at work I am going to make me some for Lunch.

I have a Plan to Maximize My Assets and Multiply my Streams of Income. My Plan is:

-Save $350 a month in my Savings account with a 2.35% (ING Direct)

-$50 a month toward http://www.sharebuilder.com/ a purchase a couple of Stock

-Get into Real Estate Investing using Creative Financing Techniques and
purchase my first property in 6-8 months

-Get a second part-time Job to supplement My Income

-Work on My MLM Business

-Budget My Income and Save

Some of the things may change and vary but that is the main idea.

That makes me happy. I ate my Leftovers today. So, I saved another $5.00 for Lunch. I am proud of myself.

Friday is Bill day but I am determined to save at least $60.00 which will total to $100.00 in Savings.

I feel I am disorganized and I need to fix some things in my Personal Life, School and Business.

I will be getting my Sales Aids for my Business today and I only had to pay $19 and the value was almost $50 but because I had Certificates I saved almost 75% and I am getting over 100 Brochures and some other little things.

Tomorrow for Lunch will either be Spaghetti Os, Ramen or Leftovers if there are any.

To boost my Business I am going to start studying Dani Johnson (MLM Guru) and work on my website so I can hopefully qualify for the $500 Bonus and save that money.

Check is going to be $738.80

Rent is $240.00
Child Care is $86.00
Lunch is $22.49
College Books are $245.00
G.S. Cookies are $10.50
Fundraiser Brownies are $11.00
Headset $30.00

TOTAL: $644.99
LEFTOVER: $93.81

Save $60.00 for Car.

Called Assistance and I am glad I did. They had my case closed because they thought I had already worked 2 full time Jobs and I don't!

Why did I buy lunch again? I have $22.49 that will be deducted from my paycheck because I decided to buy lunch again. I had brought Macaroni and Cheese plus a Drink and I still opted to buy Lunch!

How do you avoid the temptation to buy something? I am having a hard time with Disciplining myself. I really wished I didn't. I could have used that money towards my Savings.

After all my bills and expenses I will see how much I can deposit into my account.

I am still looking into part-time employment.

Today I brought leftover spaghetti for lunch and just in case I was tempted I also brought a soda from home. So NOT Buying Lunch I have SAVED $5.00.

I also get paid this Friday and I owe the babysitter $328.00 for the whole month of March (22 working days is $440.00 and I already paid her $112.00). I also recieved my assistance for $242.00 and out of my own pocket I will owe only $86.00.

Check $738.80

RENT -$240.00
Babysitter -$86.00
Lunch -$16.35
College $200+
TOTAL: $542.35+

Whatever is leftover I am depositing in my Savings for a Car.

Jacquelyn

I had been thinking lately of opening up a CD for a year because I would like to earn the maximum on the money I had SAVED so I can use it for any income that I will need for a House or Mobile Home. The interest rate on a CD with ING Direct is 3% so I can have at least $5,000 in Savings. I figure if I cut corners and budget my Car and Child Expenses that I will be able to save a good amount of money in a year. I REALLY want to save $400 a month and I understand that there are birthdays, holidays, unexpected expenses but I really think I can do it.

Savings Accounts

CD-Long Term Goals
Savings 1- Short Term Goals
Savings 2- Emergency Funds
CD 2- Elizabeth Savings Account

Those are the accounts I need. Right now I only have one and that is used for Short Term Goals.

Is it really possible to save $400 a month and still have money for all other Savings accounts?

I really need to find a way to supplement my income. Am I going to extremes?

I decided I am going to concentrate on my Business, learn how to live below my Means and Save and Be Frugal. Because that is the only way I am going to be able to save enough to live on. I would rather have the CD and not touch the money and earn higher interest than have a Savings Account and possibly touching the money.

At this moment until I get my Car I am going to wait to open up a CD Account.

I will need to build my business in order to open up an account for Elizabeth and have an Account for Emergency Funds.

So I am going to start small and work my way up.

Well today was a good day. I went to the Swap Meet and was given $20.00 to purchase something and instead of Saving it I purchased a Blouse. The blouse looks nice on me but maybe I really didn't need it?

I also recieved a $10.00 check from Job Corps for taking their survey because I was a previous student and I used in to go out to dinner with my Sponsor so we can hang out and talk about Business.

TOTAL: $30.00

I still question as if I should have SAVED it or not and one of the money saving tips is to SAVE unexpected Cash.

I do not completely regret spending it nor do I completely agree with spending it.

Anyway, I am going to set aside $50.00 a month for my Advertising for my Business because I now have Ecommerce which makes it a little easier for people to sign up as a Member or Broker.

I am disappointed in my spending actions lately. I am also disappointed that I have not followed through. I realize I have resources and I need to utilize them to their FULL Potential and I not doing that.

After reading some Journals I noticed people have set aside "no spend days." I am going to achieve that and focus soley on the things that are necessity.

I am also going to focus more on necessary investments that can INCREASE my cash flow such as Real Estate Investing and my MLM Business. Plus find a way to supplement my employment.

I also come to the conclusion that short term benefits are not as Beneficial as the long term rewards I can have.

One good thing is I have started putting change in my Money Jar.

I bought lunch again! Which is not good and doesn't help my diet either.

I am going to have to budget a couple of more things into my Budget as well.

1) My Daughter Necessities
2) Advertising for My Business

If you all are all wondering "What" My Business is I sell Discount Health Care for those who cannot afford it. I am not doing very well but I am not going to give up. I think it is a really good MLM company and there are over 45 million people in the United States who are either not insured or underinsured.

Anyway, I am looking into Tuition Reimbursement for June (Offered by My Employer) so I can continue doing Online Classes. That will cut out all Education Costs but I will not be eligible till June.

I am also getting WIC in my new area that I had moved to.

I don't think I will be able to move out for another year. I really would like to have some money in the bank and have supplemental income coming in and my Business booming. I am also looking into getting into Real Estate Investing. But, everything takes time.

Also I figure I will try to get a raise in the next 6-12 months. I understand I am new to the company but if I can get my Spanish back then I am up for a Promotion and then there is an Annual Raise as well.

I think I need a Plan and a little Organization.

Jacquelyn

Yes I know, shame on me. I had too. I just didn't want Ramen today but I will eat it tomorrow.

I notice on the reciept that I owe $10.11. I hope that is correct. I do have two previous reciepts from prior purchases. It may have been taken out of my previous paycheck. I checked and it will be taken out of this one.

I am slipping a little with my Budget and Diet.

I do not have to pay the babysitter for two more weeks but now I have to buy books for my Online Classes. UGH!

I am still going to try to put in $200 in my Savings. My next paycheck is next Friday (03/11/2005).

We are also having a Potluck with an Appetizer Theme, I am coordinating this event.

I also bought from one of my co-workers Fundraiser. $11 Brownies.

We are still a week away till next Payday.

Key Notes:
I was NOT Approved for Overdraft Protection. That is ok. I would probably be more in debt if I was.

I recieved my Child Care Assistance for March of $242.00

Spent: $21.11 (Brownies and Lunch)

Waiting for Direct Deposit

Monthly Income: $1477.60 ($10/hour 40 hours a week AFTER taxes)

Rent $480
Child Care $179
Ameriplan $35
------------>$694.00

I have a Pell Grant but my Grant will only cover so much. I have to pay another $200 for 2 books for two classes online.

-$200

------------------->$894.00

GRAND TOTAL: $583.60

I can SAVE that money, put some of it towards my Business and maybe do a little shopping.

Now this is fixed living at Home. My parents and I have an agreement as to how much I pay which covers utilities, DirecTV, DSL, Cell, Telephone etc.....

My Goal is to save $400 a month. I could probably do that especially if I have a part-time job and with a Car I should still be able to come out even.

Any ideas? Leave me a comment and let me know

Jacquelyn

Everyday I look for more Frugal Websites. I love the information!

1) http://www.savingadvice.com/
2) http://www.stretcher.com/

My Favorite Financial Website is http://money.cnn.com/pf/101/


That is mostly I find the most interesting. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them!

Jacquelyn

Here are some ideas I recieved from my fellow Budgeters:

1) eBay
2) Tutoring
3) Personal Services such as Pet Sitting; Babysitting; House Sitting
4) Notary-Never really considered it before
5) Pizza Delivery
6) Administration Services
7) House Cleaning
8) Loan Officer

All very good ideas.

Here are some more for Consideration:
1) Ironing
2) Demos for Grocery Market
3) Daycare (same as babysitting)
4) Waitressing
5) Promotions during Events
6) Yard Sales/Garage Sales
7) Mystery Shopping
8) Temp Agencies

Some of the Jobs I don't think I will be able to do until I have a Car. Others are Manageable like eBay and Administration Services can be done from Home.

Well, I opened up a Savings account for $40.00 and now I am ready to save! I opened it up at a Credit Union because it looks good on your Credit Report. But, I also still plan on opening up a Savings Account with ING Direct. Right now with my new Savings I am only earning .85% interest and I don't begin to earn that till I have at least $100 in my account.

I am still looking for ways to earn extra cash from home.

I cannot believe this did not occur to me before...but for everytime I get assistance on Child Care, which at the moment is about 60% of the cost....I should SAVE that money! DUH! I feel I am getting closer to my Car Goal. I will be going to an Auction in about a month or a maybe in a month and half to purchase myself a Vehicle. I am very excited.

I am also happy that I had controlled some more urges to spend. But, unfornantely I have to pay for my books and administration costs for College. Which is about every quarter. So it may take LONGER......UGH!!

I had paid rent $120.00
Went to IHOP 20.39
Shopping 20.00
TOTAL =$160.39
-369.40
=209.01
+7.39 (Bank Balance)
=$216.40

Tuesday I will be able to pay the rest of my bills and then put $40.00 in Savings. I will not be advertising my business officially. Right now I will just be doing cheap ways to do it. by putting up flyers and such.

Jacquelyn

Well I got my first paycheck! It was for only a week but who cares!

The amount was $369.40
Expenses & Bills 271.00

TOTAL = $98.40

Yes! I am able to save. I am also going to be opening a ING Direct account because they do not have a limited amount for Savings! I am going to save at LEAST $40.00 and then in the future have them automatically put money in my Savings!

Yay! I am taking a step to reaching my Goal of owning my own Car.

Tomorrow I get paid (Yay!) anyway I will have some expenses and bills that I need to take care of BUT I also need to begin Saving.


College Fee $97.00
Rent 120.00
Ameriplan Fee 35.00
AMP Sales Aids 19.00
Child Care Waived (Assistance)
TOTAL = $271.00

Now I will have to wait and see what is leftover for SAVINGS and Advertising and find out the TOTAL of my Paycheck.

BANK TOTAL: $7.78 (Looks like I will be eating Ramen Noodles for Lunch tomorrow)

I am hoping on my next paycheck I can have enough for SAVINGS and ADVERTISING.

I am also waiting to see if I will be approved for Overdraft Protection on my account.

Yes, I know I can save money by eating my Ramen Noodles but I figure I will get paid tomorrow so everything should be ok.

I am going to try to budget my check to work accordingly so I can save.

I had to add another entry because I have now solved another issue to my Savings-I had looked into using Excel and MS Money but either one is either inflexible or too complicated and now I had just discovered http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/ and I plan to purchase it this next payday as an investment to my Savings.

Jacquelyn

Well first I would like to add this is my first time at this website called SavingAdvice.com and the Forum is Great! I had just learned that I can post my signature after 10 Posts and that I get paid to write in my Journal. The Irony part of it all is I had already decided prior to starting a Budgeting Journal and you learn something new everyday.

Little about Me:
22 year old Single Mom from Utah living at home.

GOAL: A Car and Apartment.

Well I am going to start by saying I will begin my Savings on Friday, February 25th 2005 when I recieve my first paycheck from my permanent new full time Job @ $10/hour at 40 hours a week.

I am now thinking being Frugal becomes a Hobby!

I have a part time business that I am still trying to get off the ground and in the mean time I think I am going to have to start selling on eBay again in order to supplement my income. I have only did it once but now I think it may be beneficial if I did.

Well I will post more tomorrow on my effort to save money.

Jacquelyn