Dead comm is dead cause I went and got myself into debt after getting myself out of it! Feeling a bit sorry for myself, but I'm back and making an effort again! My suggestions? First, stop spending. Take your credit card out of your wallet and put it somewhere safe. Personally, I keep mine in the freezer in a block of ice--if I really, really need it, it takes 24 hours to defrost (can't microwave it, it fries the card). I've never had anything urgent urgent that's come up that's needed more notice than that.
Secondly, give yourself some slack. You say you've got $400 spare. Maybe put $200 of that on the credit card (an automated transfer as soon as your pay comes in?), and then $125 in a high interest savings account where you can't access it immediately (I use ING, but whatever has no fees/high interest). I actually find the "1 business day" thing works well for me. I transfer money in there, then schedule it for transfer out two days before my bills have to be paid. That way I do pay things, but I don't spend the money on other stuff.
Use the remaining $75 for luxuries. But don't them impulse luxuries. What everyone else has said with the craft stuff is right--make sure you finish two before you buy another one. Make lists. Plan your next purchase--you'll get so much more enjoyment out of that!
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My suggestions? First, stop spending. Take your credit card out of your wallet and put it somewhere safe. Personally, I keep mine in the freezer in a block of ice--if I really, really need it, it takes 24 hours to defrost (can't microwave it, it fries the card). I've never had anything urgent urgent that's come up that's needed more notice than that.
Secondly, give yourself some slack. You say you've got $400 spare. Maybe put $200 of that on the credit card (an automated transfer as soon as your pay comes in?), and then $125 in a high interest savings account where you can't access it immediately (I use ING, but whatever has no fees/high interest). I actually find the "1 business day" thing works well for me. I transfer money in there, then schedule it for transfer out two days before my bills have to be paid. That way I do pay things, but I don't spend the money on other stuff.
Use the remaining $75 for luxuries. But don't them impulse luxuries. What everyone else has said with the craft stuff is right--make sure you finish two before you buy another one. Make lists. Plan your next purchase--you'll get so much more enjoyment out of that!