and by a lot, my average daily account balance is $3,500.
I also have $8000 cash in my savings.
I am afraid to spend. I get all nervous to spend. I may be afraid it may all go away? (I grow up with financial issues in my family)
I budget to the extreme, and spend very limited (but eat well and always pay bills) and then I save everything else.
I may find myself signing onto my bank 5 times a day and doing math- saying after my next check or ect ect i'll have this much...
AM I ok? Do I need to train myself to do something else?
good for you for saving what you have but honestly, you may not have enough.
you need 6 months salary or 9 months expenses in savings in case of emergencies. (in case of extended unemployment, medical bills, etc)
next you want to save 10 to 15% of your income for retirement.
if you're already doing both of those things then you do have extra money to spend.
if you're using a written budget then I'd suggest you add an entertainment category to your budget. it can be as much as 10% of your take home pay per month (but no more than that). this way you can have small splurges & not feel deprived.
You are neurotic about money. You need to find a way to relax a little or get professional help. As long as you are saving 10 to 15% of your gross earnings for retirement, you will be fine.
You have a nice start. {Not "a lot" - compared to the price of rent, cars, house down payments,,,}
It is okay to be a little neurotic, as long as it does not lead to major mistakes - or a major fight with your spouse. {Do not be penny wise and pound (dollar) foolish.}
>> I hope a good portion of that $8,000 is in CD's earning 1% (instead of .01% in regular savings).
you should make a monthly budget of how much you are willing to spend including utility bills.
