Mogul In Training

The final tally for my food cost on the road was $27.06.....not bad. My goal was $25. Initially, I had planned to just go to town and sign paperwork, then immediately get back on the road. But my plans changed and I decided to visit a few friends. I ended up catching up with girlfriend and going out to lunch. The lunch is what put me over budget. However, I had a blast with friends and it was well worth it.

The purpose of this spending plan was to make me more accountable with my money. I will continue to set spending limits and will, most of the time, adhere to the limit. But, I have never felt deprived thus far on my spending plan and did not want to miss out on an opportunity with old friends. I didn't make my goal this time, but this was a special occasion.

The spending plan is still in full effect......

Today I arrived in my hometown of New Orleans, LA. I have a quick turn around trip to finalize paperwork for the renovation of my Hurricane Katrina damaged home. I wanted to fly Southwest, but with such short notice, plane ticket prices were ridiculous. Therefore, I made the seven hour drive from Little Rock, AR.

This is my first trip since starting my spending plan. And because the trip was short notice, I had no time to save the money necessary for the trip. Luckily, I served as a ACT administrator last month and received the $180 check in the mail a few days ago. This check financed my trip. I am looking at about $110 in fuel cost. My American Express card covered my hotel room, so it is free. Because I am only in town today and will have a turn around trip on tomorrow, once I am finished the paperwork, I have put myself on a budget of $25 food cost. I know this does not sound like much, but......

I ate breakfast this morning at McDonald's for $3.89. I packed a Fiber Bar and iced tea for lunch and dinner was my favorite fast food restaurant 'Raising Cane's' for the best chicken fingers in the world for only $6.51. So, far I have only spent $10.40. I only need breakfast for tomorrow, and lunch for the drive home. I think I can make due on another $14.

This spending plan really has me accounting for every penny I spend, but I don't feel deprived at all. On the drive in when I stopped for gas in Jackson, MS, I usually would have spent a few dollars on overpriced junk food also. But, not this time. I was perfectly content with what I packed. I will update on my total when I am back in the 'Rock' on Thursday.

I hope this final step to my home renovation is short and uncomplicated. It's been 4 long years and I am ready to be done with the entire ordeal.