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It looks like I am going to be eating rice and beans for the rest of the month. I just updated my budget for the month and out of the $4000 I've budgeted for expenses, I only have about $54 left to last me for the rest of the month. Thankfully, it's only 5 more days left in the month of August. Sure, I could go over my budget without any major damage to my finances but that's not how I want to handle my finances. I try to stick to a budget to make sure I continue to spend within my means.
How did I get so close to maxing out my expenses? I didn't go on any major shopping sprees. I didn't buy anything extravagant. The car repairs I had completed this past weekend came out of my auto maintenance savings account so that wasn't the cause of it.
I just went back through my check register and it looks like I made alot of small purchases that added up to a big hit on my budget. You know how they say those small amounts add up? As evident from my spending this month, yeah they really do. I went to Starbucks more times this month than I usually do. I try to limit myself to one or two times a month as a special treat. Oh yeah, I also took my car in for a much needed car wash and detail. There were also several more small purchases like the few times I treated myself to a $2 chicken biscuit from Chic-Fil-A and a few visits to Taco Bell. For the next couple of days, I will be watching my spending very closely to make sure I stay under budget for the month. Next month, I will pay more attention to those small purchases.
Image Credit: compujeramey
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You're right. Those small purchases do add up. I cut out getting a .75 cup of coffee at the deli each morning and a larger cup in the afternoon. It saves me almost $600 a year just buying coffee in bulk and bringing it to work in a thermos.
I've been eating beans and rice for about a straight year now, so I kind of consider myself a beans and rice expert... maybe artist. This protein-carbohydrate double-threat packs a serious healthy punch. I use one can of black, one can of kidney, a spanish onion, & two cups of rice to make two overflowing bowls of keep-me-in-the-black magic.
Olive oil is a no brainer. I use just enough to barely coat the bottom of the pan.
Cut the onion up and leave the slices sitting in a pile for about 5 minutes before frying so the juices combine and form antioxidants. The vapors from this reaction are actually what make your eyes tear up.
Use Goya's Sazon seasoning. You will notice the difference.
The sharper the cheddar the beddar. Shred it yourself.
And always wash it down with a Corona. It increases the meal budget by like 30%, but the total cost is so low you've more than earned it. Perfection.
Absolutely do the small amounts add up. It's something that most people don't pay attention to, myself included. Thanks for the post, it's an eye opener for sure!