I had no idea I was so damn bad at budgeting.

Money for the most part has not been an issue for me. I have almost always managed my finances fairly well. Recently, however, I have been experiencing an upswing in my social life and so I’ve been leaving the house a lot more. In New York City, that means spending a lot more too. Unfortunately for me, that also means that my debt repayment plans are being pushed back as I type this. Let’s take a look at where I currently stand. Click to expand if you can’t ready ant-tiny type.

Shockingly, I have spent nearly my entire month’s budget by this point, and I’ve got a minuscule amount of windfall coming in to save my butt for the next couple of weeks. I now have to be really good or I’m going to have a lot of debt to pay off in the long run.

Fortunately, I do have a game plan. I have decided that every single week, as I expose myself for the money-wasting jackass that I am (seriously, $125 in one day on just eating out), I am going to give myself a homework assignment. It’s going to be difficult, but I’m going to have to do it or else…well, there’s no consequence, really. But you might stop reading about my exploits, and I’d really hate that. As I start to improve and rehabilitate myself, I will post these less and less, by the way. If you’re thinking it’s tedious to read someone else’s finances, imagine what it’s like DOING this.

I’m going to have a no-spend spree coming up. Although there are a couple of instances where I HAVE to spend money, I’m going to limit myself as much as possible. This is about denying myself. It’s unfortunate, but I am going to have to pay for previous hedonistic streaks. Sadly, I know what comprises the bulk of my debt. I eat out constantly, and it’s obviously taking a toll. I have to pay for instance after instance of having chosen the easy way out over being responsible. And that’s okay’“but I won’t lie when I say that it does suck.

My homework is to spend no more than $100 over the next two weeks. Can I do it? Find out here on Queercents. And let me know what you think in the comments below.