Ok, here is the deal with the budget. We do a zero based budget each month, per
Dave Ramsey. Part of the problem with publishing a zero based budget is that people can see how much money you make. I am not comfortable with that for two reasons.
- People I know in real life read my blog. While I know no one really cares, who needs that "I know exactly how much money you brig in each month, down to the penny" vibe? I mean, it is bad enough that you will all now know that I am a moron and pay more for rent than most people pay in house payments.
- Marty is contractually obligated to not tell people how much he makes, and since I don't really go out of my way to hide who I am, I am not willing to chance it.Since I don't have my anonymous money blog any more, I am going to only post part of my budget. I post it to keep me on track, but will not spill any big secrets. Cool? Cool.
So without farther ado...
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Gas/Electric: Both come from the same company (Consumers Energy) so we only get one bill. Starting this month, I am going to pay either $200 or the amount of the bill, whichever is higher. I am trying to get a head start on the high winter bills.Water: We are billed quarterly. Our highest bill was $145, so I send $50 to a sinking fund at ING each month.Cable/Internet: This bill is ridiculous, I know. I have tried to get it lowered, but we have such a good deal with Charter, we can't lower it. We could cut cable altogether, but then our internet would jump o $69 a month!! $20 of this bill is for our DVR box, $7.99 is for the cable box in my room and $6 (I think) is to rent the modem.
Car Repairs/Tires: Because of the problems we have had with our car lately we are starting a sinking fund at ING.
Entertainment: Blockbuster OnlineThere you have it. Even though I know it is hard to comment based on partial information, any comments, questions or observations are welcomed and appreciated.
1 comment:
Your budget looks great. Can you get on budgetwise billing with Consumers? DTE bills us an average rate all year, based on the previous years usage.. so I pay $102 all year, even when we are not using the heat, but I get no high bills or surprises in the winter. I had to sign up for it, but it has helped our winter budget stay focused.
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