Live Below The Line: Day 5

Today is Day 5 and the final day of our Live Below The Line Challenge.

Total for Today = $9.01.

That also makes our total for the week $47.49!
The goal was $10/day, for 5 days.  Woo-hoo!!

Remember back on day one when I was certain we could achieve this goal?  One reason I knew it was possible is because we've been budgeting carefully for years.  Currently, our monthly grocery budget is $350, but $300/month - roughly the same as $10/day - was our life just a few months ago.  Now, this doesn't account for dining out, which adds up fast.  Budgeting has allowed us to prioritize our goals, live without credit cards or debt, and enables us to give generously.  Do you have a budget?  If not, I seriously suggest sitting down and making one. 

A budget is not expense tracking!  We don't track expenses typically.  Honestly, the most annoying part of this week's exercise has been the painstaking accounting of every item.  Having a pre-written budget is like freedom from worrying about where all your money is going, and freedom is good!

We use the cash envelope system so I always know how much money is available and how long it has to last.  When the money is gone, it is gone - your priorities become straight fast.

Our breakdown for today.

Breakfast: 3 instant oatmeals, 1 cup cheerios, 3 cups milk, an apple, lots of water

($0.44 + $0.14 + $1.07 + $0.37 = $2.02)

Snack: 1 cup milk, 1 cup dry cheerios, lots of water

($0.36 + $0.14 = $0.50)

Lunch: pizza left over from dinner (already accounted for), 3 meat/cheese sandwiches, 1 peanut butter and jelly sandwich, tortilla chips, 1 slice of cheese, water

($1.02 + $0.15 + $0.15 + $0.12 = $1.44)

Snack: 3 servings of wheat crackers, 3 slices of cheese, 1 cup milk, water

($0.50 + $0.36 + $0.36 = $1.22)

Dinner:  2 fish tacos (yum, tilapia!), whole wheat pasta and sauce, beans, 1/2 container of strawberries, 2 kiwis, 1/3 cup applesauce, lots of water

($1.37 + $0.74 + $0.59 + $0.63 + $0.40 + $0.10 = $3.83)

Total for Today = $9.01 (GOAL MET)