Expensive Weekend

1189/1200

There is no joy in writing the following sentence...  We spent WAY too much money last weekend.  We are eleven days into this Financial Independence project and we take an eighteen hour detour from our goal.  

Expense #1.  We purchased a 1/4 of a beef.  We didn't need a 1/4 of a beef, but we sure wanted a 1/4 of beef.  We have two meat freezers filled with chicken, duck, sheep, lamb, deer, and pork.  Of the meat in our freezer, zero has come from a store...additionally, we do almost 100% of the processing of our protein on our own.  We are proud to say that we know where our food comes from.  We also know that our price point for raising, feeding, harvesting, processing, and packaging our own protein is generally around $1.00/lb.  

The beef and processing cost $3.50/lb.  We bought 190lbs of some of the most amazing beef that money can buy.  This beef was locally processed and raised by very close friends.  Grass fed and finished, this is GOOD BEEF.  We are happy to have it.  Additionally, We are pleased to purchase this beef from our close friends...Unfortunately, the beef was not in the budget.  We did not anticipate this purchase as a true expense in our budget and we needed to raid the Miscellaneous/Gifts fund to pay for the beef.  Total Cost $665.00.  Whoopsies.

Expense #2.  We took a trip to the big city to purchase tools and supplies to install a small patio at our home.  This construction project was a budgeted and planned expense.  The monies have been accounted and encumbered for several months.  Regardless, we have now spent the funds.  Total Expense $299.29.  We still have $150.71 in this fund.  We will roll these monies into our next project!  The patio project was planned, expected and worthwhile.  We saved our money to purchase the tools and supplies, we worked hard to create a finished product that we will enjoy as long as we are in this home.  The Patio Project is an example of how budgeting is intended to work.  

Expense #3.  Unfortunately, a trip to the big city also led to a weakness in resolve.  Kids get hungry, grandparents get hungry...I get to pay for it.  I need to start with the caveat:  We budget $25.00/month for eating out...This amount covers two Little Caesar's Stuffed Crust Pizzas.  We simply don't go to restaurants.  Ever.  Except for Saturday...$84.96 at Buffalo Wild Wings.  Again, a budget amendment.  

In short, we spent more than $1000.00 in 18 hours.  We are back on track and focused on our goal of financial independence in 1189 days.  I guess this is why we have a budget.