Shut the Front Door!

Posted on January 5, 2013 Updated on January 5, 2013

There comes a time in all of our lives when we must sit and reevaluate who we are and what we stand for and come to terms with the results. I have been weighed, and measured and found wanting.

My husband had some much needed time off and had been enjoying relaxing at home. Once a year his employer allows them to purchase packs of movies passes, and during this time off, we caught up on the holiday movie season. Since Hubby had taken me to see Django Unchained and Jack Reacher, I thought I would repay the favor.

In keeping with my 90 Day Challenge to live a cash only life, I went to the bank and took out $75. I figured this was enough for a nice lunch, some office supplies, and a few other items. It didn’t work out like that. I decided to take my hunk of burning love to Bippity de Boppedy for a late lunch slash early dinner. The food is amazing and so are the prices when you are ordering a la carte.
We ordered the chopped antipasto salad ($12.75) and the baked rigatoni (16.75). After we order dessert, a fantastic cheesecake with raspberry coulee and drizzle with hazelnuts (12.75), alongside two coffees, and a tip, we were at $65! Shut the front door! I was once more broke.
I was headed back to the drawing boards and reviewing Commandment Number 8, developing multiple streams of income. I started calling my clients and worked most of the day of Friday. I was back to having money in hand. I went back to work with my second business and started meeting again with authors to get some books flowing in the New Year. I do have multiple streams of income, I am just spending too much. I am responsible for my financial future and I have been wasteful. I did learn some stuff though.

I did not go back to the bank for more money.

I made more money.
The one thing I love about doing this cash only challenge is that I already have good habits and with Commandment Number 9, I owe no man. I do owe a woman though, and Sallie Mae is a stalker.
I opened the door to my bad practices and it is up to me to shut it. I am adding more to my Roth IRA and adding more to my savings. I am learning to pay myself first and only buy what I need.
What I learned about money today: If I go to the grocery store with cash, I am more mindful of what I spend. I actually bought food for the week and left the store with $20.