So since I found out that my unemployment payment would roughly be $200 per week I have been trying to work out a do able budget but, it has been a little rough. Especially when I just found out that my first check will not be for that amount but, $56 shorter for some apparent reason.

I want to be able to continue to paying my mother the same amount of rent that I have been paying up until I lost my job since a) Kidlet & I live here b) I don’t have to pay utilities & c) because I know that she needs the money. I need to have enough money to help contribute to buying groceries and be able to buy personal items for Kidlet & I. Also, I have to set aside money each week to save up for school supplies & school clothes / shoes for Kidlet. I swear all school supplies have gone up since I went to school!

I have eliminated the following things that I used to pay for that I didn’t need but, really made me feel good:
Acrylic Nails – $35+ tip for a full set (every 2 to 3 months), $20+ tip for a fill (every 3 weeks)
Pedicures – $30+ tip (every few months as needed)
Eyebrow Waxing – $15+ tip (every month or so)

The monthly set expenses that I have are:
Rent – $400
Prescriptions – $20
Cigarettes – $60 (which will be going away after I get an anti-smoking medication)
Netflix – $8 (My one frivolous expense but, it benefits myself and Kidlet and it is cheaper than video rentals from a big box store or actually going to the movies)

I do have occasional doctor and dentist co-pays as well but, they are $5 or less per visit.

I have also discussed summer plans & outings with Kidlet and we have decided on weekly trips to the central library and to the beach which would only cost us the price of bus fare. We also discussed the possibility of one trip each to a local amusement park & to our science museum after saving up for tickets & entrance fees.

I guess I am just trying to find ways to acclimate both Kidlet & myself to living on $350 per week less than we have been …. and it’s hard.