Controlling The Budget

It is time to examine the budget again.  It is time to determine what can and cannot be controlled. In recent years it has dawned on me that I there are times when I pay more attention and exercise more control over my budget than others.

I began wondering why this was. I also wanted to know when it was so I began to examine those things which I can and cannot control.

Making it stretch

•   Controllable Expenses
  
• Utilities
• Gasoline
• Groceries

Utilities

I can turn the air off and place fans in the windows when the weather permits. No longer being in Arkansas means that I am experiencing highs in the 80s during the day, and the temperatures at night are usually around the mid 60s. This is comfortable enough that if I can remember I can crack a window overnight and keep the air off longer during the day.

We have a dishwasher. I can reduce the usage by only running it when I absolutely have to. I can hand wash most of what we use (a lot of it isn't supposed to go in the dishwasher). It is nice to have when I get sick or fall behind however, so I will indulge in its use at times.

There is a washer and dryer in the apartment so I no longer have to worry with quarters. I do need to get back in the habit of hanging the clothes out to dry, unless it's a load of sheets or blankets. Fortunately loads that contain just these items are rare. It really does save a lot of money when you don't use the dryer as often or at all.

Gasoline Expenses

We can cut down on this expense by rationing gasoline for appointments, skipping the going out of the way and running multiple errands at once. This will mean fewer fill ups, and more gasoline for our outings together. It is more important than ever as the prices at the pumps increase.

Grocery Expenses

The budget is a set amount each month which means I have to stick to a list, and go by what we have and purchase things to compliment it. Theresa is good at making lists, she can follow her own. She also keeps me on track for mine.

Extras

Always a controllable expense. We will save small amounts for them, it adds up.

---