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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Budget Schmudget

I have a confession.

We do not have a "budget." 
That does not mean we don't aren't on top of things. It does not mean we buy whatever we want all of the time.    It doesn't mean that we aren't saving. But it does mean that more than necessary is being spent. 

In the last few weeks, I decided I wanted to take a deeper look at my habits even though I might be frightened by them. I put it off because I was afraid it would start an argument and I didn't really want to make a change.

I compare a budget to joining weight watchers. I need to be ready to make a change. I need to be excited about seeing how little I can spend but how great it can be. It's like making a delicious filling meal on very few weight watchers points. I think I'm ready!!

For those of you who are super organized and loving your budgeted life, I'm sure this just makes you insane! The places I can cut back on are my spontaneous trips to Target, spending too much on groceries when there is food to be made already in our pantry, and maybe....just maybe...I can cut back on spending on Charlotte and me. I'm not a huge fan of buying second hand, but will definitely do it if I find something I like! But when little kids need a new wardrobe every 3-4 months, it adds up! I need to pack more lunches instead of going out on days that I go to work. 

I'm thinking about trying the whole cash envelope system, but not down to every last penny. I recognize that probably isn't the "right" way to do it, but I plan on using them on the things I need to cut back on. 

I don't really know how much/how little to start with. I know everyone is different, but if you have any helpful tips or suggestions, let me know!


1 comment:

  1. I wish I had helpful advice for you, but I'm naturally a cheap, cheap bastard so I don't have a problem with overspending. Also, I have a bunch of friends with older kids and I get hand-me-downs all the time!

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