makin’ bank challenge: week #1
“It’s just another manic Monday…”
I’ve been listening to the ’90’s Pop’ station on Pandora all morning (obviously). Is it just me or was the music better back then? Or maybe it’s just the nostalgia that comes with it? Who knows. I digress.
It’s officially been one week since I kicked off my Makin’ Bank Challenge for April. If you missed it, I basically laid down a few goals for myself in an attempt to be more aware of how I spend my money and start saving. I would say it’s going fairly well so far. This week was (of course) a little crazy so there were a few expenses that I wasn’t expecting but I’m proud of the things I did accomplish.
The Good:
1.) I kept track of my spending
I was adamant about this one and I’m really proud of myself for sticking with it. I have to admit, it was really eye opening to see how quickly things add up. I also noticed how much less I’m willing to spend when I use cash. Swiping my debit card is so simple and I forget that I’m spending money.
2.) I had a job interview
Yep! And (I think) it went really well. I won’t know anything for 4-5 days but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Let’s just say that my coffee addiction may soon be taken to a whole new level…
3.) I took over my phone bill
Until now, my parents had still been paying my cell-phone bill. Yesterday I updated my information so that the auto-pay will come from my bank account rather than theirs. It’s definitely a big addition to my monthly bills but it feels really good to take another little burden off of their shoulders.
The Not-So Good:
1.) I went over my “budget”
My total spending this week came out to $144.98 which is definitely more than I was hoping to spend. But, looking back, I did a fairly good job at not buying unnecessary things. I ate out a few times (I blame my work schedule for that!) and I had to restock kitty food, toilet paper and body wash. My sister and roommate both have birthdays this month so I also had to buy their gifts which is where most of my budget went- can’t complain about that! I didn’t do any extra shopping for clothes or makeup though, even when I was at Target twice <– still not sure how I managed that one.
Oh, and this happened…
Damn you and your ridiculously expensive gas, Los Angeles.
Overall I’d say it was a really successful week! Being more aware of how my money is spent feels good and, if I keep it up, I know I’ll be financially stable (and hopefully independent!) in no time.
If you took on the challenge with me, how is it going for you??
Here’s to acting like “grown-ups”…
-Emily
build your bliss 
I’m glad I’m not the only one who goes to the supermarket multiple times a week… #guiltyascharged
Haha! You’re definitely not the only one! I haven’t had time for a proper grocery shopping trip so I’ve just been picking up things as I need them. It’s probably not the most cost-efficient way to do things but oh well!
Omg 90s Pandora is the jam. I agree with you and think music was just better back then!
Right?! I love it. (:
Right now I am interning but am looking for a summer job because this no pay thing is just not working! Good luck with possible getting the new job!
Thank you! And good luck with finding a summer job. I know how frustrating internships can be!
WOW BABE! RIGHT ON! I think all of your successes over power/shine you going over budget for sure!!!!!!!! Taking over your phone bill is HUUUUUUGE and yay for a job interview YAY!!!!!! I had one too!!!!!!!!!! Still waiting to hear back, though.
Love you
You had an interview too?! YAY! Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Let me know when you hear from them!
Ugh gasoline prices – don’t even get me started on that one. But you should be super proud of yourself, girl! You did great for your first week, and with all the realizations you’ve been making, I’m sure you’ll only do better from here on in 🙂 Oh, and good luck with that job! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Thank you so much! I’ll keep you guys posted.
And tell me about it- gas is not my friend.
Nice job girl! I give you so much credit for doing this challenge! Budgeting is DAMN hard…and getting out of Target without extra purchases is even HARDER! So kudos to you there! And I am sure the job interview went great! Can’t wait to hear what it was for 🙂
Thank you! It’s sooo hard. haha. I’m hoping it’ll get easier with time though.
And I hope so! I’ll keep you posted when I hear from the manager. (:
Go you! …And I hear ya on the LA gas front: I did an internship there two summers ago and it was a killer on my wallet 😦 LA’s worth it though! Keep up the good work- you’re heading in the right direction, and you’re an example to follow 🙂
Aw, thank you!
Job interview at Starbucks? 😉 haha that’s what came to my mind when you mentioned coffee 🙂 Good luck either way!
Haha! 😉
I’ll keep you guys posted!
With two birthdays coming up I wouldn’t say you did that bad at all! I’ve been writing down everything I buy for a few years now. Sometimes I’m doing well, sometimes … not so. Right now I feel like I was spending way more than usual but I guess that’s because some of my staples (almond butter, coconut flour and the likes) are quite expensive.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you regarding the job! Working at a café would be a dream of mine, too – not where I currently am.
Thank you! I’m impressed that you’ve been keeping track of your spending for so long. I wish I had started earlier!
Great goal for the month! I try to ignore the fact that I have any money (most of the time), which is the only way I can build up some fun money for myself. If I know I have it, I spend it. I’m so much better than I was when I was in college, though!
Good job on the budgeting, especially with adding that extra bill to your monthly expenses! I’ve been trying to keep my weekly purchases to $100 or less and some weeks I’m not so good at that but I think with more planning it’s definitely doable. And some grocery trips are more expensive than others because I’m stocking up on staples that will last awhile but it all balances out in the end.
That’s awesome!
Yeah, some weeks are definitely more expensive than others but it sounds like you’re doing a really good job!
Good luck with your job interview! I feel you on the gas – going hybrid was the best decision I ever made for the sheer fact that I rarely spend more than $40 in gas a month now. But it’s just expensive everywhere these days; it’s ridiculous!
I’m DYING to get a hybrid car! That’s definitely what I’m saving up for right now. (: