David and I have made a pledge to live honestly, as in financial honesty. We have moved to a cash budget system and it's working really well for us. I got this idea from Dave Ramsey. I listen to his radio show several times a week. He differs from me politically, but I really am in tune with him financially. As most of you know, I love to watch Oprah too and she has had several financial shows on lately. Mostly with Suze Orman. I do like what she has to say for the most part as well. Another person I enjoy listening to on XM Radio is Jean Chatzky. She seems quite reasonable and has wonderful ideas for budgeting.
David and I figured out on average what we need to spend on groceries, Target runs, household, etc. Then once a month we pull out the money for those items. Once the money is gone, we are done for the month in that area. I think we will also get rid of cable and change internet providers (we found one to be cheaper than what we currently have). We talked about maybe taking Lily out of school as it's 18 dollars each Friday she goes to school, but I'm still thinking about that one. I may take that out of my spending cash as I find it important for her to go and it's good for me to get some time off as well. We'll see.
Even though we have to make some sacrifices lately, I'm feeling much better living this way. I feel more authentic. I've moved so far away from buying things to make me feel better or to keep up with my friends. The last two months or so, I have told my friends that I can't join them for dinner or some outing because I want to be honest with my money. Once a few things change in our lives, I know we will get to go out to eat, see a movie, get a babysitter and have some extras for fun money. But until those changes come, David and I will live financially honest!
2 comments:
I'm totally with you on this! I strive for this everyday and usually end up failing miserably. There are certain luxury items I won't live without. Like my gym membership. It's $$$, but worth it as it is the one place I can go for a break and to re-energize myself. Plus, it gives Declan an opportunity to socialize with other children without me there. Sometimes you just need to treat yourself!
Yeah, my mom loaned me her Dave Ramsey book and CDs. We have trouble living within our means -- it's hard on one income, as you know! (By the way, your school is really inexpensive! Ours is $92 a month for one day a week, and it is one of the least expensive ones in the city.)
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