As part of my Budgeting Goal (Track expenses and save 50% of my net income), I created an empty budget for myself for January 2009.
Gave myself $1500/month for the budget.
I didn’t want to deprive myself, it’s a ‘normal’ budget for me (which is more comfortable than what I used to live on when I was getting rid of my debt).
For my actual expenses, I’ve highlighted them and yellow and the total is “minimum” expenses for January is: $1030.75.
Which you may have noticed does not include savings or retirement.
Why? Because I have a full emergency fund of $36,000 aside from regular savings.
And I don’t have contract right now so I should keep it on the down load minimum until I secure something, then I’ll pump cash into savings and retirement again, specifically:
- Retirement Fund: $1000/month
- Savings: $500/month
But for now, it’s ‘freelancer without a contract’ mode.
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.
I cleared $60,000 in 18 months earning $65,000 gross/year.
Now I am self-employed, and you can read more about 
I’m also going to start better budgeting in 2009. Not just for my own financial awareness, but also because I have a small (very small) home business that, though I don’t have a lot of time to put into (I work full time and also attend grad school full time), still does have its costs here and there. And at least for me, the best (easiest) way to start is to save every single receipt that I get. And if I’m somewhere that doesn’t normally give me one, I will ask. I’d like to be able to itemize my expenses after a month or two of doing this. Then, I’m also seriously considering getting your spreadsheet… But overall, getting finances under control is definitely a huge goal for me in ’09.
I like the way you keep a running total of how much you spend or ‘used’.
While I do keep very close track of my money, I tend to do it a month after the fact (as we accountants tend to do) – it’s difficult to adjust your spending once the month is over.
Think I’ve been spending way too much lately and will download your spreadsheet.
Michelle: Hee hee. It had to be.
Sharon Rose: THanks!
Amber: Thanks!
I'm going to start formally budgeting in January. It's something I haven't done yet, although I do keep track of my income & expenses. Anyhow, I appreciate seeing what others are doing. Thanks for posting this. 🙂
Hi there-all the hard work, organisation and determination has paid off! Happy new Year and best of luck for 2009!
I love that Starbucks is a category on its own. Hilarious!
tootie: Thanks!
Frugal Dreamer: AWw thanks 🙂 Happy New Year!
Looks awesome!!
Happy New year 🙂
I admire all of your budgeting! I’m trying to get our finances in order, and I just started using Quicken.
Happy 2009!