Escaping the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Living

Last weekend, I took Keilah to a dance clinic put on by an area high school dance team. Keilah was apprehensive about attending but was excited for the event after I told her about the games, t-shirt and pizza (included with the $25 fee). At the end of the clinic, the kids – approximately 75 – put on a show for the parents. Keilah was overwhelmed with the big group and ended up not doing the dance with the kids. At the time I was really bummed but now that I’ve had a week to think about it, I have realized – don’t try to talk your kids into an extracurricular activity they don’t want to do! Next time, I will ask Keilah if she wants to go and if she says no, I’ll save the money for an activity that she will enjoy. 

Outside of managing Keilah’s school activities, I’m focused on healthy cooking and portion control. I’ve noticed a lot of foods have recipes right on the box. For example, the StarKist Hickory Smoked Tuna Pouch has a great quesadilla recipe and the Tomato Pesto has a great bruschetta recipe. MMMMM!!! The best part is the recipes are just enough for one or two meals. When cooking for one or two people, I’ve learned that I need to cut most recipes in half OR invite a friend over for dinner to avoid wasting food. I can only handle leftovers for a couple meals. Also, last weekend, I went out to eat with a friend and instead of ordering two entrees, we split a sandwich. 

Saving money in inconspicuous ways has been top of mind lately. Also, Scott Hoerth, my financial coach has challenged me to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck living.  He suggested that I budget a month in advance. I’ve been working hard to live within the $200 per week allowance but now I am writing down my bills, their totals and “assigning” them to each paycheck. I know ahead of time that the first paycheck of each month goes to the Alliant and US Cellular bills while the second paycheck of each month goes to the Madison Gas and Electric bill. 

Overall, saving money and budgeting is becoming a huge part of my life – and the reduction in my debt makes me feel lighter each day!