Hints and Ruminations

Some of you have been kind enough to offer a few suggestions to help me alleviate my massive debt. Some of the suggestions were having a stoop sale, going pro and finding a rich benefactor, making concessions for big expenses, hustling for the cash or setting aside a wardrobe budget in case I might have another shoe emergency. This wasn't such an emergency after all because there happened to be a Payless 3 blocks from my house and they seemed to have something of a "no questions asked" policy.

Though these expenses have got me thinking about adding to my budget. How detailed should your budget be? I estimate what my bills will be when putting together a budget. I know Netflix is going to be a certain amount and I tend to spend a few dollars on comic books every month. I justify my entertainment expenses as they make it a bit easier not to wander outside and spend more money. But should I be budgeting for clothes? Should I be setting money aside for monthly haircuts? Should I add laundry costs to my budget? That all seems so formal. And though none of these things cost me any thing above $20 a week. Except the haircuts. (I've been told to check out bbmodelproject.com where you can sign up for a free haircut. Keep in mind you have no control there.) Anyway, the point is, I have a budget but I like to keep it loose. Money for all that other stuff can come out of whatever is left after the bills are paid. Though keeping it loose may be costing me. Even it does, it may be worth it to my mental state not to nickel and dime myself to death.

Today I did nothing. It was wonderful. Woke up, got some coffee and spent the morning reading. That was great. I hopped on Photoshop and reworked my banner for the blog. I returned the shoes and then had to buy some more groceries so I can live. And I went to the gym. Is that doing nothing?

THE DAILY BREAKDOWN

Starting Balance: -$117.50

In: $10
Shoes: $43.50

Out:
Coffee and donuts. $3.25
Groceries: $9.25

Ending Balance: -$76.50