So, I did my first monthly budget since filing

[rpg1977]

Now that I know what my payment is, I sat down and did my first monthly budget...ever. After I put in my mortgage, bk payment, utilities, groceries, medicines, entertainment, household/auto, I was done. It felt very strange not trying to budget in 11 credit cards and 2 loans and fuss over how they were all going to get paid. It felt odd to not break out the balance transfer checks to pay one and borrow from that one to pay another. It felt weird knowing that I will be making progress and that next month, my $790 BK payment won't be $1790 because the company decided to up interest rates and minimums due.

It felt good to know what to expect this month and to feel like I am on my way.

Am I proud that I filed? Of course not. But I'm proud that I am moving ahead and learning my lesson.

[eddiep]

Nice!
I am still trying to adjust, hard to believe but I am 43 years old and have never had a budget before! If I couln't afford it I just charged it, I have to be firmer with the kids (actually spoiled teenagers) they always blow my budget.

[lrprn]

Now that I know what my payment is, I sat down and did my first monthly budget...ever.

Way to go, rpg!! You are experiencing the joy of actually being in control of your debt now instead of your debt controlling you. It's a heady feeling, isn't it? Congrats on your budget and sticking to it. You've taken the first real step to NEVER finding yourself in overwhelming debt again!

[liz417]

Nice feeling huh? Congrats on finally taking control of your finances

[Billssuck]

Congrats...I know that feeling too. But it is scarey to wonder "what if?" What if the car breaks down and I can't afford to fix it, what if I need expensive dental work done, etc. But I am trying to put back a little every month for those events and that is hard to do since there are "what ifs" every month. But I know for sure that I don't sit down and feel like puking everytime I write out the bills anymore because there just isn't enough coming in for what needs to go out. I too feel like I'm finally headed in the right direction...

[jade73]

Congratulations!! It does feel great!

[graciemae]

It's a great feeling, isn't it? I remember the first time we paid our bills after filing, we felt so strange actually having enough money to pay everyone without having to charge groceries or school supplies......There was still that, "what if something big needs repaired" feeling but we gradually saved a little bit at a time and now we feel much better. I do sometimes worry out of habit.....it's like I don't know how to feel comfortable with our bills, income, and expenses......even when I know they are all budgeted and we can pay. I wonder if I will ever feel completely financially secure????

[jade73]

It's a great feeling, isn't it? I remember the first time we paid our bills after filing, we felt so strange actually having enough money to pay everyone without having to charge groceries or school supplies......There was still that, "what if something big needs repaired" feeling but we gradually saved a little bit at a time and now we feel much better. I do sometimes worry out of habit.....it's like I don't know how to feel comfortable with our bills, income, and expenses......even when I know they are all budgeted and we can pay. I wonder if I will ever feel completely financially secure????

I always feel this way too. I worry alot about our jobs. I don't think anyone is recession proof!