While not done with my intervention, almost all of my bills are paid out once a month. The bill will hit a credit card, and then once I receive my benefits, I pay the cards off in whole. If for whatever reason I can’t pay off all of my bills, I will budget in a way where my smallest card gets paid off in full, and work my way up making sure that all cards get at least the minimum payment. While I am confident it is not as severe as I make it, I will not make a purchase that I will not be able to pay within a year. I do not want a credit card that would last me for years because I went over a budget.
The most expensive thing I could think of will be a MacBook. I will really like the Pro, but I will not be able to receive one within my configuration that will meet my budget. With that said, I will get the best MacBook Air I can afford, and make it last as long as possible. The next most expensive item will likely be the smartphone. As with the MacBook Air, I will buy the best I can afford, and make it last as long as possible. Ideally, it would last me 5 years. While I won’t have the latest and greatest, it is the best I can do for myself especially since I don’t see anyone gifting me a nice MacBook Pro.
The only money I account for when budgeting is my SSI? benefit. If I was to get additional money for any reason, then I will adjust accordingly. Since there is a lot of friction in depositing cash into my bank account as there is no branch in Pittsburgh – I will keep that cash on me, and use it instead of using my credit card. This effectively does the same thing as deposting, and paying out from there.