Okay, does anyone remember a few weeks ago when I talked about how we were hemorrhaging money? And how I was going to stop spending money and not put one single toe in Ann Taylor Loft?
Well, this month I mean it. Because, oh my goodnessgracious, somehow September was even worse than August. I think I've written more checks this month than in the last 6 months combined. We didn't even buy anything! Well, nothing big, like a car, or super cool, like an iPhone. Let me show you how this worked:
$125 to sign Ellie up for soccer
$15 to buy soccer cleats
$10 for Soccer Pictures. Because we have to buy the picture of the team. Especially with Daddy in it!
$5.50 for a Soccer trophy (YES, we have to buy her trophy. Apparently $125 doesn't include a stupid $2 trophy. Do NOT get me started about this)
$60 for Soccer goals bought by my husband. (Because we are not allowed to practice on a field with actual goals. Again, not getting started.)
$10 for snacks for soccer team (2 boxes of Capri Suns, 2 boxes of pretzel sticks, 1 big bag of oranges)
$5-10 will probably be asked to contribute for a gift for the coach at the end.
And we signed Gracie up for soccer too. See how it snowballs? And we also have school pictures, PTO directories, and school spirit wear to purchase. And they all outgrew their shoes. And have ballet lessons (see soccer list). And girl scouts. And it just goes on and on and on. As much as were trying to save money, its just flying out the door!
So now, I mean it. This can NOT go on. I think we've got these back-to-school purchases done (I dearly hope). No more buying stuff!!! I mean it this time!
So this week I learned that it is impossible to try to cut back spending in September. What did you learn this week? Read more posts here!
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About Melissa
I feel your pain! I singed 3 of my 4 up for Gymnastics and the bill was over $400 – ugh. So happy that my oldest is ok with not doing any thing right now.
Just think – Christmas will be here soon!
Kim
(Jo-Lynne’s neighbor and former blogger)
I hear you loud and clear, I feel your pain and frustration…been there done that! Here is a heads up for you, May and June are just as bad. It just kind of sneaks up on you without warning. We all know that Christmas is December, we plan on it, we know it’s going to happen. But when you have children, they are in school, September and May/June should have bells on the calendar to remind you.
Feeling your pain!!!! Oh so much to spend money on.
Oh man do I feel your pain! We are “eatting out of the pantry” for a while…cutting whereever I can.
Our money was flying out of our hands this month, too! And now I’m working on xmas gifts, so the pain just isn’t going to stop anytime soon, I’m afraid!
Oooo, I haven’t been in Ann Taylor Loft in ages. It doesn’t help that I never go into downtown Boise, so I’m never near it. But I did hit Ann Taylor this weekend and a cool thrift shop. Does that count? That’s kind of like recycling, isn’t it? But I swear I’m done buying fall clothes. For now. We just bought flooring for the bedroom and living room and are paying a friend to build a pergola over our patio. Where does all the money go?
I so feel your pain. I never seem to buy anything but am always spending a ton of money – between birthday parties and weddings and tuition for Aubryn’s school and all the extras I have to shell out in connection with that. I even cut out swimming lessons and music this fall. It’s been tough since my salary was cut in July. Don’t even get me started on how painful it is to take time away from Aubryn when I am getting paid less to do so! Where does all the money go? It’s not like we ever go out to dinner or to a movie or do anything, really.
Hate to tell you this but it is only beginning – you got about 20 more years of this. But it is all worth it in the end – watching them enjoying all the activities.
Can you believe how much it costs to send your kids to school? I mean, my kids go to public school and it’s costing us a fortune! With the supplies, fund raisers, directories, lunch money, school clothing etc, it’s non-stop! I too am trying to cut back, but it’s obvious September is not the month to do it!
Wait until you have to pay for car insurance for your teenage driver. At least soccer is less expensive than hockey:)
she wants to take horseback riding lessons. talk about expensive!!!
Ouch!
We try to restrict our after-school activities a bit with having 3 kids – but still costs a fortune
Yeah. Good luck with that.