I have the financial sense of a 5 year old.

I live paycheck to paycheck, like so many Americans do these days. Hell let’s just admit that I don’t even make it to payday half the time with more than 20 cents in my wallet. I have gotten used to the way things are. Until the shit hit the fan from just about every conceivable direction.

I filed my taxes early this year, I had so many plans for what little money I was supposed to get. I had to pay 4 months (overdue) on my car insurance, 180 bucks to traffic court, rent a car for 10 days so I can hand my plates in for a prior lapse in coverage and attempt to get ahead on rent again. So when my car broke down and I finally called the IRS to find out why I hadn’t received my refund 4 weeks after filing, I was none to happy to find out that they took my refund for delinquent student loans.

I just about had a nervous breakdown. I felt like my life was falling down around me. I started looking into bankruptcy law and debt consolidation. Neither of which are options for me since 90% of my debt is student loans, and I don’t even have a degree to show for it.

I am very fortunate to have some wonderful people in my life. I am getting a good bit of help to deal with the immediate concerns. I now need to make a conscious effort to change my behavior so that what they are doing isn’t in vain.

Things I have begun/ considered doing:

1. In addition to my change jar I will be putting any dollar bills left at the end of each day away as savings.

2. I will be only buying sale items when doing the household shopping.

3. I will become a crazy coupon lady.

4. I will create an accurate and sustainable budget.

5. I will aim to eat as many meals at home as possible, and bring lunch to work as well.

6. I am currently looking for a second job.

7. I am considering using some of my crafting talents to make things to sell on consignment.

I am also considering something like for something I make at home that I would normally get when i’m out, taking the balance/ savings and putting that away as well.

For example:

If coffee at home costs me 50 cents, but a cup out costs a dollar, I could put the saved 50 cents towards my savings.

Someone said to me today “It’s not actually savings unless you put it into savings.” I like that thinking.

I am also researching the benefit of no spend days, but I think simply eating meals at home will create those for me. I don’t really shop or buy random things.

I’m hoping i’m not biting off more than I can chew…because I also need to get my health and weight under control at the same time. Not so easy on a strict budget.