The Challenge Week 1

I’m currently on day seven of my new budget. I was hoping to report that I religiously stuck to my allocated funds, but alas, I wasn’t so good. R350 really doesn’t go far these days. It was, however, the first payday I can remember that I didn’t rush out to spend money.

I had to buy OTC medication that the medical aid doesn’t cover, which ate more than a third of my cash. I also had to spend a little money on supplies to make a birthday present for a special little girl. And yesterday, I splurged on takeaways. The total of the overspending sits at R220, which I’ll have to cover over the coming weeks.

These three purchases aside, I think I’ve done pretty well. I was careful with my grocery shopping, which means I have four meals in the freezer to get me through those nights I can’t face cooking. I also made a point of telling a few friends about my situation. Now that they know about my lack of discretionary spend, I can’t rock up with treats without having to explain myself.

I do realise that I’m in a much better position than many others who are trying to get by on minimal funds. There is food in house, as well as toiletries and cleaning products, which means I don’t have to spend money on these things right now. I have been grateful this week for the eggs, bacon and coffee that were purchased last month. They came in very handy.

I was also treated to four meals this week. On Wednesday night I was invited to a hotel stayover in Midrand where I was let loose on a prawn and roast lamb buffet. I made the most of the experience, since I knew it was going to be a long while until I was able gorge on such expensive and delicious food. On Thursday morning, I stayed for breakfast and cappuccinos.

On Sunday A-Friend took me out for lunch in Cullinan, which also came with cappuccinos. And then she fed me T-bone steak last night for dinner. These four meals alone are probably more than some people eat in a week, so I know how fortunate I am to be able to keep my stomach full. But I don’t do well with hunger, which is why I caved yesterday and bought takeaways.

I get to draw cash tomorrow for the coming week. I’ll have to plan carefully to make sure I don’t run out of anything important. I have to remain vigilant and not allow myself to not care about later in the month. I might not have succeeded this week, but I did a hell of a lot better than I ever have before, so I still believe I can make it work.