Total Tally Tuesday: Checking Account Balances!

Every Tuesday, we'll report exactly how much our families have in their checking accounts -- and what they're planning to do with it.

Lori: $201.70

My bills are covered for the month already, and I put an extra $300 from my paycheck into savings so that there's now $1800 there. After that, this past week I was able to get myself a haircut for the first time since last April. I got some much-needed shoes for my son (for half off). I got some shoes for myself for the first time in more than 5 years (also half off). And I had a Reiki session to give myself a little self-care. There's a part of me that feels a little guilty spending like that, especially all in one week, and especially on myself! And yet, I can't tell you how good and empowering it has been to know that I can take care of my own needs, and provide for my kids for the first time in years. On top of that, there's still money in the account and I get paid again next week. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed!

Leah: $2154.80

I have to pay a few bills that are due at the end of the month. Since we started actually budgeting our money it has become clear to me that the majority of our bills are due at the beginning of the month. Since we get paid only twice monthly, this leaves very little by the way of spending money for gas, food or anything else important that may come up. I may actually have to see if I can change some of the due dates for my bills or we may really have a struggle the first two weeks of every month. My husband's paychecks have been unpredictable lately so I have had to project how much this month would bring in. I just realized that I projected $57.26 more than we actually received. Now I have to go back to the budget and rework it again. I am looking forward to some predictability in monthly input and output.

Natasha: $746.40