verbinize wk 4: calculate

"I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people." - Isaac Newton
calculate
1. determine the amount of something mathematically
2. determine by reasoning, experience or common sense; reckon or judge
How many times have we stood bewildered looking into the emptiness of our wallets? How is the money gone so soon? Or we schedule a week's staycation to get caught up on projects at home and in the blink of an eye the week is gone and our chore chart is half-done?
Calculation is key. Many people who live beyond their means don't have a budget, and if they do, it's hard to stick to it in our "gotta have it," society. We live in excess and rely on credit cards to keep our lifestyle humming while racking up ridiculous interest charges. If we stick to a budget, the wallet empties at the right time, or better yet, we have first put aside the savings so when emergencies happen (as they inevitably do) the money is there to handle it. I know I don't calculate how much money I spend at Starbuck's because a) I'd fall over in an early-age heart attack and b) it might force me to find a less expensive writing place.
For others, budgeting time is the issue. *insert cough* But the word CALCULATE is stronger than budget, because it says how we are going about it: by reasoning, experience or common sense. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. That goes for figuring our time and expenses, too. I really suck at sticking to a realistic schedule. I think I can accomplish way more than I actually can in a day, a week, a year. However, my assumption that I can does mean I get more done than if I had the attitude that nothing was possible. So, I need to find a happy medium that won't give me ulcers.
Verbalize: I will calculate the time and money I spend in my life to asses how to achieve sustainability and happiness.
Verbinize: I will sit down and do a budget (with my spouse if I have one) and keep the budget up to date. After three months, I will review our actual spending to see where we are still overspending or have excess funds and readjust. I will live within my means and stick to essentials. I will cut out time wasters to have more time for family and friends and time to achieve my goals, including suckers like social media. (Guilty.)
Verb aids: Suze Ormon, Dave Ramsey, a local financial planner, and a calendar and calculator to keep track of money and time managment