How much money did you spend on Valentine’s Day this year?  Did you plan ahead or are you a last minute shopper?  How ever much you spent I hope that you remember always that its the thought that counts.  February 14th is actually named Saint Valentine’s Day.  A day of remembrance of the priest, Valentine. Intrigued to know the story…Click here to read more... Today Valentine’s Day is SUPER commercialized!  With the symbols of chocolates and flowers being a testimony of someone’s undying love, its no wonder the market cannot help but capitalize on the feelings of lovers.  I hid some money here and there to make sure I’d have enough to buy something for my sweetie. 

Hiding your money is a term I like to use for putting money aside, either in an envelope or in a savings account for a specific goal.  Last week I talked about my addiction to budgeting.  It is  important to make sure that all your bills and expenses add up to what your total income is for the month.  I know from personal experience how it feels to not have that happen.  To see a negative number in your checkbook registry and feel that pang in your stomach that things are not going right and you wonder when and if things will change for the better.  


 The first time it happened to me was the weekend I deposited my Express payroll check into my checking account on a Saturday in February many moons ago.  By that Monday all my bills had cleared and I was hungry.  Assuming my check would clear by the end of Monday’s business day, I made a small purchase for food on my debit card.  $4.23 was deducted immediately, however, my check, still being processed had not.  Tuesday morning it cleared.  $4.23 had come out of my account on Monday though, that could NOT wait.  My account was over withdrawn by $1.19.  Wednesday morning I got a letter in the mail saying what i already knew in BOLD CAPITAL SCARY LOOKING letters.  A charge of $20.00 would be added to my account as they were so kind enough to pay Subway the $4.23.  I hoped that it would never happen by putting an extra $20 in my account without recording it in my checkbook registry.  Of course all was fine and dandy until the over withdrawn amount was more than that.  So I hid $100 in my checking account.  It was then that I began reading more money articles and listening to advice of experts.  I then became addicted to working on my budget, so I’d never have that feel again when I knew I was gambling with funds and not be afraid to get the mail. Some banks charge $36.00 for over withdrawn fees, let me know if that amount has gone up since the last time I looked at their site. 

I do not hide extra money in checking account anymore and I’ll tell you why next Money Monday.  Enjoy the rest of this marvelous day!