Money Matters

The girls and I have been going through the "Money Matters" workbook this last semester.  We do it 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  When we started it, they really weren't too interested, but over the semester, it has become one of their favorites.

The use and purpose for money, responsibility with money, how to save, how to earn money etc. have all been covered. 
Today we read all about charitable giving and why we should give, including HOW to pick who to give to  and how to research how much goes to the purpose of the charity. 

Each of the girls has been able to learn how to save both in long term savings and short term "goal saving." 
Tonight, that short term saving payed off as 2 of them were able to purchase something they have been saving for.
And icing on the cake for me was when Miss Alli came up and gave me a big hug.  "Thank you mama for teaching me how to save!  Now I don't spend all my money on gum and candy!"
"When I see it, I just cross my arms and pass it by!" 
That was so good to hear! :)

Family Finances

Mike and I set up our budget in a program we use for our business called Account Edge.  I was looking for simple, but he is looking for me to learn AccountEdge better so I can be more useful in the business. So it was a win-win situation. :)

I have officially entered the purchases made this month into the program and created categories for tracking.  It appears I will be able to track food expenses, gas expenses, clothing expenses, home education expenses, and the possibilities are endless. :) 

On Wednesday, I'll add a category for Dental expenses.

I also want to track savings earmarked for vacation and holidays.  I wonder, if we VISUALLY SEE where we are lacking, if it will help us to prepare better, and make different choices?  We are already pretty frugal, but we can always be more frugal. After all, I really don't need a burrito by Gluten Freeda to make my day. Especially if it is a splurge of $ 2.50, and frankly, didn't taste that good. 

My biggie is also going to be keeping track VERY CLOSELY of receipts.  2 times last year I needed to return something and could NOT find the receipt. Not a good example for the girls.

My First Month's Grocery Checkup AHHHHH!!!!!

I am shocked. I am really glad that I am doing this, as I was off on what our actual spending was.
I would like to try and cut by 1/3.
Now, before I give the number, I need to say that this includes ALL cleaning products, paper products, prescriptions, supplements and food. I also shoppe at Sam's Club, but not every month. This month just happened to be a big hit.
Sounds like I'm justifying things...... LOL

SOOOOOO......the horrible number is : 978.69
from September 1 - September 30.

We do not eat out, except somtimes on a Sunday afternoon. It costs less than 20 dollars for the whole family.
I am also feeding 6 people on a regular basis, and there are others during the week. It is not uncommon to feed friends or customers who are waiting on a vehicle around dinner time.

Now, I'm going to go over our budget and see what can be cut out.

Checking In On Our Budget

I am very concerned that I am not keeping good track of expenditures. It isn't that we are being lavish, or wasteful, though I must say, we are using more toilet paper and paper towels than I'd like to see.

But I do not have a solid figure on how much we spend for groceries, toiletries and cleaning products on an average each month. I say on an average, because sometimes I purchase things that last more than a month... so I think it would be fair to test for 3 months to get an accurate picture.
I'm dedicated to finding this out.... Since it is already September 7th, I am going to start with today till October 7th. Then October 7th till November 7th, and then November 7th till December 7th.
This should be the most expensive time of year considering Thanksgiving and Christmas. :)
The only thing I will not include is medication and gas.

So here is to finding out what our TRUE budget is. :)
Anybody want to join me in this adventure???
Pretty Please???
It will keep me accountable. :)