Nov 24th, 2008
What’s on Hold, What’s Not Getting Bought, and What I’ll Buy
In light of the ongoing issues with my truck and the unexpected expenses I’m dealing with, I’ve looked at my expenses over the next few weeks to figure out what I can do to cut my spending and reduce the hit on my emergency fund.
Some of the expenses that are out the next few weeks:
Taking one of my friends out for her birthday;
First birthday party for a coworker’s daughter;
Coworker’s wedding;
Going away party for two coworkers.
Some of the expenses that are suspended for awhile:
Nikon D40 digital single lens reflex camera;
1.5 terabyte hard drive.
Some of the expenses that will be paid without interruption:
Offering (tithing at the temple);
Mortgage;
Monthly investment via Sharebuilder;
Regular budgeting for fixed expenses;
Connectivity (Internet, phone) bills.
Some of the expenses that will be looked at for any way to reduce them:
Lunch out on the weekends;
Holiday presents;
Coffee and snacks.
It’s unfortunate that all of this happened; I will miss the fun of going out with my friends (even though I’m not going, gifts are on the way–I find that for me, giving a gift is a priority, but going on the outing, which only saves me a small bit, is not), and I really wanted to get a hard drive with more capacity for my growing media collection. Still, this is what might be called a first world problem. This is not my losing my home or being unable to afford food to eat. In a theme continuing from last week, I realize I have lots to be thankful for in this holiday season and am far more fortunate than many others. Sooner or later, I’ll get a new digital camera and a larger hard drive–and I’ll do it without going into debt and with a fully funded emergency fund.
