Measurable results

I have a coup to report. This may be my first real one. "Why do you call your blog 'SMB's Financial Coups' when you've mainly reported blunders?" you might ask. What can I say; I'm optimistic.

As I may have mentioned in comments or elsewhere, we recently had installed six new functioning windows, a picture window, and a new storm door. In December I had paid the deposit, minus $100 or so, out of our savings. They finished the work last week, and the balance of $1456.50 was due. In addition, I had my quarterly haircut-and-highlights appointment on Friday, which was $150. (Admittedly, I don't budget for this.)

To back up a bit, for the last few months J and I have noticed that there seemed to be more money than usual in the checking account. It's been a couple of years that we've been able to steer clear of our personal "danger zone"--i.e. under $200 or so in the checking account, but this was different. We didn't do anything with this money, such as move it into savings, I suppose because we might have been subconsciously worried that we'd forgotten to pay a bill or that "something" might come up. Even though I've been carefully watching my spending for the past few months, it still didn't dawn on me that I might be seeing the benefits of that change. So, the money continued to build up.

The result of all of this is that I was able to pay for the balance of the windows, plus my hair appointment, out of our checking account. This did push us into the "danger zone" of having only $150 in checking until the 15th, so I did move a few hundred from savings so that we wouldn't have to worry. (Could we tighten our belts enough that we spend only $150 until the 15th? Yes. I'm sure we won't, but it could be done.)

Seeing quantifiable results from a few lifestyle changes is my inspiration to continue.