Like a lot of you Im new to Gails budgeting ideas and the show and it all finally sank in a while ago that this was something that a) Worked!!!! and b) I could live with because basically Gails budgeting ideas dont tell you what you dont have they tell you how to handle what you do have so that eventually you have more to play with.

For me once I had figured out the categories for the budget and the numbers and got the jar amounts ( I dont actually use the jars. That amount is all that I’ve allowed myself access to via my debit card)

I broke my budget down to daily amounts ie budgets for restaurants (previously my biggest expense) I allowed a reasonable amount in the budget for restaurants and I can spend it all on the first day and once it’s gone I get to brown bag lunches till then next pay period and the allowed amount resets or I can brown bag it and wait to go out for lunch or buy pizza for dinner.

My main goal was first to get to the next paycheck still having some money instead of having to borrow a few bucks from wherever to get to the next pay.

It was definately a thrill the first time pay day rolled came and there was still money in the bank – was only about 3 dollars that first pay but the amount thats left over is slowly growing and the debts are lowering at the same time. My next goal is to get the last big debt paid off and that should be done in about 8 months then onto power saving for retirement.

Good Luck and happy debt free futures to everyone!

I was channel surfing last night and came across your program on CNBC. I was amazed at how well you came across to the people you were trying to help. I just received my paycheck and the first thing I did was put 10% of it into my Roth IRA. The rest of my check has been divided out according to the monthly bills I have. This will be a work in progress, but I am looking forward to getting completely debt-free. Once this happens I do not plan to go back. Thanks.

I have been doing so well, but I have discovered my achillies heel. I have been saving well, working towards a debt free life, and my daughter has just had a growth spurt. Annoyed at needing to replace basically her entire wardrobe all at one, I decided to sell some of her better clothes on ebay. Shoes and other stuff as well. As I have lost about 20kgs, I listed some of my clothes that were just plain to big.

Most of this stuff is selling well, but my secret is I cannot go on ebay without buying something. I replaced my daughters wardrobe, bought a new plaque (not even sure where it will go) and bought some beautiful tea cups, which I adore. I have just realised I have spent over a $1000 in 9 days. My listings haven’t even finished as yet.

WHat do I do now?

Now I need to figure out how to factor in gifts for others and little expenses for my son.

I’m determined not to go into debt for Christmas this year. I have shopping for my son almost done, and I’ve started a list for the other people I want to give to.

Gail, thanks for helping me stay focused and figure it all out. It’s taking time but I’m getting there.

On a side note, it amazes me how many people have no clue what they earn. I work for a bank and deal with credit. I would say at least 60% of my customers can’t tell me what they earn per hour or what their annual salary is. Most don’t know their mortgage payments either.

You can search on this site for articles on the “Magic Jars”. The interactive budget worksheet is where you do your budget and it calculates how much goes into each jar. We have been using the jars for 2.5 months and it has turned our finances around. I suggest giving it a look if you don’t have a budget, or if you would like to improve your finances and feel you are spending too much on the wrong things. Good luck!