it's that time of year

The tax man reared his ugly head at us this week — and I mean U-G-L-Y. We kicked, we screamed, but all efforts were futile. 

Because I lost my job when the newspaper I worked for folded last year, I spent 10 months working freelance — read: not getting taxed. So, the evil tax man government has come to take it, so rather than the refund that I became so accustomed to throughout my university days, I actually owe. Agh. I won't tell you how much, but just remember, while you're listening to the CBC, it's thanks to me.

So now, all frivolous shopping and spending is going to have to be done vicariously and virtually. So I'm going to chronicle our saving efforts — because just as fellow blogger Lacey pointed out, what are blogs for, if not total accountability?

As you may have noticed, I love to cook, so when I go to the grocery store, I never stick to my list. I thought about it for a while, and counted on my fingers for a while, and decided that Husband and I could manage for $100 every two weeks. That said ... I went a bit over this week, spending a total of $145. So, by my math, we should be able to function for three full weeks on this much. And you should see our freezer .. it's completely packed. The big thing that changed my spending this week was planning our week's meals in advance.  

This is the beginning of some major budgeting in our future — it's all part of the five-year plan, which will hopefully include paying down some major student loan debt, saving up for a house, buying a new car and preparing to start our family. We've considered the envelope system, but we're not ready to give up our big-point-earning joint credit card just yet. Once we've accumulated the points needed for a spring getaway with B and C, we'll ditch the plastic for a more debt-free existence.

Wish us luck, and feel free to pass any tips our way!