A Necessary Evil

For all the years I have earned for my self, it is only recently that I have found the need to budget my funds. *gasp*

It is only recently that I have realized that I need to actually stop and think about my purchases, big or small, or nothing will be left for the more important things anymore.

Yes, I’m an inconsistent spender. I’m either too gallant or too cheap. I either overspend on things I don’t need and underspend for things that I do need. I even find my self craving for the expensive “happy” food when I actually don’t have money. Not a good reason when you have your credit card with you.

I am starting to discipline myself and learn how to budget — Or as Alex calls it, a bidget (a small budget).

I need to sort out all the things I spent last month to 3 categories:

  1. Things I really, really need.
  2. Things I need but I can minimize.
  3. Things that I can live function without.

I will also have to be careful about the things I have or want to spend on soon in the coming months. With so many things that I need and want, they tend to overlap priorities.

This will be hard for me since I have never ever done this before. Sure, I tried saving once so I can get my self a pen tablet, but that was it. It was much easier to spend the money I have in one go and ask for the parents for extra.

It’ll take a bit more effort and care this time around. I’ll be needing help. Since my logic is a bit screwed, I have to ask people I trust what is deemed necessary or trivial when I’m confused. (Seriously, I put “food” on the top of my needs. See? My needs pyramid is screwed. smiley )

Anyway, yeah. Once I get my first paycheck for this month from my new job, it’ll be a long night of personal accounting.

Now, where are those damn receipts?

 

Commentaries

SexyMom 18/06/07 - 1:21 pm [#]

yes, start early start young! i wonder, why was this not taught in school. i have learned my lessons the hard way, financially, i was deep deep down about 15 years ago.

 
Kyameel 18/06/07 - 1:50 pm [#]

Oh yes, Sexy Mom. I don’t know if current curriculum includes personal budgeting. Probably only in certain schools? Back in school, I don’t remember this being in any of our HELE or TLE subjects.

Or they think parents should be teaching this kind of stuff? My parents taught me, but I was a stubborn little child.

 
Alex 18/06/07 - 7:17 pm [#]

Oooh. Tita Sexy Mom commented! smiley

It’s because teachers don’t have any experience on budgeting as well. For one thing, the don’t have anything to budget so that’s probably why they can’t teach it. Bwahahahahaha!

In any case, it’s always food, clothing, shelter at the top for me. Followed by the Internet. Harhar.

My parents (God bless their souls) were lousy with money. And it’s probably their lapses that taught me what not to do.

   
ami 19/06/07 - 12:26 pm [#]

I was asleep under a rock when God showered humankind with the skill for budgeting. It has to be one of the most difficult things to do. *sigh* Anyway, good luck! But you made me think about what’s on the top of my list so. . .I say. . .coffee. Coffee. COFFEE! smiley

   

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