From D.I.N.K To O.I.N.K. - January Summary

So starting on January 1, 2013 I officially did not have a job.  I decided to take the payout (or severance pay) instead of applying for basically the same job with a new company.  Since then, I have been a housewife.  Our goal is to live on one income (my husband's) and use my severance pay to pay the mortgage as long as possible. 

Hence From D.I.N.K. (Double Income No Kids) To O.I.N.K. (One Income No Kids).  January was the first try at this new budget.  I created a budget in Quicken and can run a report at the end of the month to see how we did. 

Here's January's Summary:

• Over budget on:
• Auto/Gas - This is because of the travel both of us did on separate occasions (me to NY to see my family and hubby went to Canada for a family outing)
• Gas & Electric - This could be because of cooking more and being home all day using the computer, tv, etc.
• All other items were on or under budget!

So far, so good. However, this week it was announced that the government will be doing furloughs starting in April if a budget is not reached by March 1.  Hubby said that he will be furloughed 1 day/pay period from April through September.  If a budget is not reached by July, he will be furloughed 2 days/pay period through September.

Time for the rant - of course Congress & Senate will NOT be furloughed and get their whole paycheck!  That's what I don't think is fair. They should also be furloughed to see how they like it.

We'll see what happens.  I feel that we will be fine.  Worst case, we will need to look at the variable budget items - cable/tv/internet, cell phone, dining out, etc.

NOTE:  Once I do get a job (the goal is by the end of the year), we will do double payments with the 2nd payment going to the principle on the mortgage.