I thought I would talk about another weird part of me. Once again, I don't really think I am weird or that this is a real quirk. But since my husband and my best friend disagree, I think I might not have the best perspective.
But I'm not changing.
It is all about how I handle money. Not all of our money. Just what I call Fun Money or extra money. Like Birthday money. Christmas money. Money from doing weddings. Money from my modeling.
I do NOT just get a check or cash and deposit it into our account. I like to cash it and place the cash in a designated envelope. If that extra money goes into our account, it is gone. Forever. It's like we never had it.
Let me explain why. I might get a little money for my birthday in August. And I think I might want to buy a cute pair of shoes. But in August I don't want to buy another pair of flip flops. I am done with flip flops. I might want a pair of fall shoes--animal print flats or even a pair of boots. But it is still over 100 degrees outside. Buy boots? At that time? No. I need to wait a month or two. Maybe I am giving too much detail at this time. (possible quirk #3).
So if I put that money in my account, come October it's not there. We've spent it on soccer uniforms, school clothes, etc. When I use our debit card, I feel like I am using our budget money for fun things--bonus things.
BUT if I cash the check, place it in envelope that is labeled shoes and stow it away, then I feel totally ok about buying those shoes in October or November.
This all makes perfect sense to me.
At any given time, I have an envelope labeled wedding/hair. I use the money from my weddings to buy my supplies. New curling irons, bobby pins, hair products, new makeup, more bobby pins. And sometimes I use it for my own hair cuts. Or for something I might want. A new fun top. (all girls know what I mean by saying "a fun top")
I also have an envelope labeled jeans. This is kind of a joke now. I want a pair of nice, designer jeans. I can't really justify spending that much money. But if I save a little here an there, then it doesn't seem like such a large purchase. But the problem is that I can't seem to pull the trigger. Gaining and losing weight back and forth for a few years doesn't help the situation. I never know what size to get. Anyway, I still have that envelope. Every once in a while I take about $30 out to get a cheap pair of jeans. Then I replenish it. Maybe one day I will go buy that nice pair of jeans.
See how when I explain it, it sounds perfectly normal?
I like my envelope system. It works for me.
4 comments:
Yeah, this is a great system for my wife...not necessarily me. We do the "fun money" thing very differently...I guess mine is not so fun. Oh well, she ends up getting things she needs or wants, and that makes me very happy. Love you babe!
Now give me some money.
i think it is a great system!! maybe i will try it!!
Missy, I do the same thing! Although not as organzized as you with the specific envelopes! I just have a small drawer in my dresser that is really hard to open and I stash it there. In fact, I still have Christmas and birthday checks in there! Just waiting for my pre-preggo body to miraculously reappear! I am still waiting......
brilliant. i always feel a weird sort of guilt reminding my hub "remember that birthday money...i'm gonna spend it now." You're a genius. i'm making the envelopes now.
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