Umbrella 1.0

In April 2018, we began the journey with creating our first budget and categorizing what we actually spent, so we could make ‘informed’ decisions in our actual first budget in May.  May crept up on us with a harsh reality of trying to stick within the budget and a number of things that weren’t budgeted for:  Mother’s Day gifts, Graduation gifts, oh and a confirmation party to plan for my middle son.  As the weather forecast came in there was hope for a fantastic day to be outside enjoying spring at last.

Having an extended family party and a nice day is a rare occasion and I wanted to extend the party to the outside deck.  However, we lack shade in early May in Minnesota this year,  and the shade we do have does not reach the large deck we have on the back of the house.  I have one large umbrella covering about one half of the deck,  but really, really, really wanted another one to cover the other half of the deck.

Oh shoot,  this is not planned within the budget, as well as a number of these other items listed above for the May budget, so I thought I was going to have to go without my umbrella.:(  While sitting in my training meeting, trying to ‘justify’  the purchase, I knew was going to bring much happiness to my life as well as allow my family to enjoy the beautiful day.  Then I remembered, what about my Cash Back Bonus from DiscoverCard?  Do I have enough in there to cover the expense of this prize item?   I was very lucky.  I only cash it in about one time a year and do get to buy something ‘extra’ for me with the funds.

So there it was,  my Found Money.  Enough to cover the umbrella and the majority of the unplanned for gift giving.  The budget lived to see another day.  I held to the budget and while asking my husband if it would cause him undo stress to purchase an umbrella, and I was about to say,  “No, it was not budgeted for,  but I’m using my CashBack Bonus, so IT’S COVERED.

Don’t forget to look for LOST MONEY in those credit card benefits that will soon be closed when you work to become Debt Free.  It might be just what you need to shade yourself on a Sunny Day!