Comments on: We Had a Budget for Christmas, But I’m Not Sure Where it Went

By: debt monster

debt monster — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:43:34 +0000

Batteries sure are expensive.. about 3.99 for a 4 pack of AA or AAA. I checked because I received a large box of Energizer AA and AAA batteries as a “White Elephant” gift at work. I was so happy because I have kids with toys that need batteries and remote controls. It was about a $60 value.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I wish you a financially great 2007 from a fellow NCN Network member!

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:18:06 +0000

I wouldn’t beat yourself up over going over budget…. After all, you did less damage with a budget! Also, those little things like batteries are easy to forget when you’re making the budget. But, now you know for next year!

Also, now might be a good time to take inventory of the other Christmas supplies – wrapping paper, cards, gift tags, etc. That way you can know if you’ll need to buy more for next year. This would allow you to either budget for next year, or buy the stuff now at 50% off

By: bluntmoney

bluntmoney — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:10:31 +0000

Did you do a per-person budget, or just a total one? I find it easier to do one big budget, but maybe that’s just me.

By: GInger

GInger — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 12:50:14 +0000

I am glad you had a Merry Christmas enjoy your son now becauce it is so lonely when they are older. Anyway maybe what you can do is in Jan. go under budget on something to compensate for December. Thanks again for your blog! Ginger

By: sf mom

sf mom — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 04:39:06 +0000

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Clean the slate, make peace with spending over your budget, and do better next time.
BTW, think about investing in rechargable batteries. We have AA and AAA rechargables. We have extras to recharge while we are using the first set. It’s been fantastic for our daughter’s toys, cameras, remotes, etc.
Good luck! And a very merry Christmas season to you.
sf mom

By: 2SpottedDogs

2SpottedDogs — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 04:28:55 +0000

I think you’re doing great, all things considered. Like the first commenter said, how would this have compared to a no-budget year? And you’ve already isolated something you can learn from: batteries are budget-busters. Maybe this coming year you can keep an eye out for batteries when they are on sale and stockpile them when they are discounted to avoid having to buy lot$ of those pesky AAs on Christmas eve. I’m really inspired by your posts, so just keep plugging away!

By: CPA1298

CPA1298 — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 02:56:48 +0000

I wouldn’t feel too bad. $500-$600 isn’t terrible, and it could have been a lot worse. People on a diet plan need to have ’splurge’ days so that they can they focus on their weight-loss, and remember how bad it feels to be out of control. This is a good way to start the new year with redoubled determination and focus. I’m proud of your debt reduction to date; you’re an inspiration for all of who sing “I owe, I owe, it’s off to work I go”

By: Tricia

Tricia — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 01:51:11 +0000

Good question. I believe we would have spent more without a budget. And the damage would have been even worse if we weren’t committed to reducing our debt.

I am currently running reports to see how much we’ve spent other years. It is very interesting so far, to say the least. I’m going to try to post a report on it.

By: Cat

Cat — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 01:29:27 +0000

mmm, ask yourself this – how much would you have spent without a plan/budget?

Cat