Making habits

I know that I would rather not post every time I mess or I'm doing the wrong thing, but what's accountability if I simply pick and choose what to confess to and what not to?

The wedding gift was purchased. After gift wrapping and shipping, it came to $58.63 for three items. I've done my dues. Next up, graduation gifts. That will come to about $50, but it wont just be a graduation gift. It will be a belated birthday and host gift, since I'll stay with them. As of right now, I am $150 over budget, and that is including a mere $34 I spent on groceries. Yes; I'm slightly panicked right about now! When the 8th comes, which will be my next paycheck, I'll have to pay pretty much my full $150 allowance on gas and tolls for my trip to NC.

I've noticed a silver lining, and something that makes me slightly proud of myself in the midst of this chaos: even though this is the first time in a while I've felt a bit of financial despair, I have not considered underpaying any of my debt though I could without penalty (to the total ring of about $40/mo), underpay taxes, which I am currently doubling (up to $150/mo), using the extra rewards from my CC (about $58 as of June), raiding my Christmas jar, who seems to be quite lonely these days, or asking for a loan. Not that I have anyone to ask a loan from, but it's stuff people consider, right?

So my financial habits are pretty much in place and staying strong in the face of adversity. For the most part. I am spending a bit more than I earn with the excuse (yes, it is an excuse) that I can pay it within the next paycheck. And I do pay within the next paycheck or sooner. But what when I can't? But isn't that how all debt starts?

It's nice to know that all of these conscious decisions we drill into our heads can find a permanent place among our daily unconscious habits. It makes me feel like I'm doing something right.