Figuring out where the money goes...

I don't really have a New Year's Resolution this year but we have decided to keep better track of where our money is going and to generally be more financially responsible.  I don't think we plan on making any major cutbacks but we want to be more mindful of what we are spending money on and make more of an effort to save up for items we want.    I have been using Gail Vaz-Oxlade's books as a guide to get started and thought I'd share her website for anyone else interested in doing the same thing.  Here's a link to her website: http://www.gailvazoxlade.com/index.html

I'm sure most of my Canadian readers have heard of Gail before as she's the host of a TV show called Til Debt Do Us Part where she helps couples with their financial situations and provides challenges and incentives for making changes.  I enjoy watching her show and have to admit that it motivates me yet it's still difficult to cut back on certain things.  So far, Jeremy has been doing great this year at his attempt to save a few dollars.  He's starting to take lunches to work and my job is to make them when I make my own as I always take my lunch to work.  I actually think he should make his own but it's not a big deal and it's a step in the right direction.  We are also attempting to car pool and started doing that last week...well, it was just one day but it's a start!

So far, we have completed the Interactive Budget Worksheet and have yet to negotiate all of the variable costs.  I imagine that they will change as we discover the true amount we are actually spending on each category.  Then, we can either make changes to those amounts or try to spend less on certain things if they are interfering with goals that are greater priorities.  I am still conflicted as to what my goals are in life as I have dreams of a beautiful home and feel like we're living in less than a dream home right now.  We have plans to do some renovations this year so maybe once that starts, I'll feel more positive about our humble abode.  At the very least, we have taken the initiative to check new house costs and consider how this dream of mine fits into our plans in life.  I have to admit that I love traveling and it's high on my list of things to do in life as well.  Clearly, we need to win the lottery so I can have my cake and eat it too! 

By the way, my resolution last year was to use my Envirosax Reusable bags for shopping.  I have done okay but could have done better so I am adding this to my list of things to improve this year.   The biggest problem is picking up something after work and not having any Envirosax with me.  I am going to try keeping a couple in the vehicle all of the time to solve this issue since these trips aren't usually big ones anyway.  I hope everyone is enjoying 2012 so far and that any resolutions or goals for improvement are going well.  My only advice is not to let a drawback stop you from achieving what you have set out to do. 

By the way, the image of the book I posted here is her new one.  It sounds like a good one for me but it seems kind of contradictory to spend money on a book when you are trying to be more financially responsible.