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Dominic and I had a little heart to heart – budget style on our way out of town for Labor Day. We follow Dave Ramsey’s envelope system and the last few months we’ve run out of money in the grocery, entertainment, and Jemma envelopes. When the cash is gone we’ve debited random purchases until the new month arrives and the envelopes refill. This is a no-no in the budget plan we have decided on together.
Now that we are down one paycheck we’re tightening the reigns and doing our very best to stick with the amount of money we allocate at the beginning of the month for each fund. The above quote really spoke to me as we move into this new phase of life. I truly believe that we’ll all be happier with me at home – but, obviously it is going to result in less “stuff” since there will be less disposable income. Part of me really misses having the freedom to collect stuff …
I want to swing by Nordstrom Rack when I’m in the area.
I want to browse Etsy and buy all my favorites.
I never want to pass up on the must-have cute outfit for Jemma.
Can anyone relate?
The other part of me is really excited to do less with more, focus on things that really matter, and lead by example when I teach Jemma that it is what’s inside that counts.
How do you make the most of what you have? Do you feel like it makes you happier?
I can relate. It seems I am always on a journey of simplifying but maybe that's best, to keep practicing it always. It teaches us something, and does get better. But I definitely slip up too much!Steph
I can definitely relate! Simplifying can be hard but it can also be eye opening as to how frivolous we have been! When we started tightening the reins a year ago when my husband went back to school, I was amazed at how much money we had been spending. It was crazy! There has to be a balance: treating yourself every now and then vs. just pulling out your debit card whenever you want. It is pretty gratifying to know that you are making smart decisions! Good luck and hang in there!!
When we decided our family was better off with me at home, we went through this. I made way more than my husband… and it was a HUGE adjustment. Some things I did was stop the daily deal emails and window shopping on Etsy. I only get on there to look when I have a budget and something particular to look for. Another thing is that I put all of the tempting blogs – you know the ones that have all the neatest things to buy showcased with links – in a folder. I titled it – NO SPENDING. So I get that reminder before I open them and check them out.Another thing I did was seek out blogs to read that focused on the things I need to focus on… family, faith and being thrifty. (Really thrifty – not look what I bought on sale – but look what I reused and repurposed kind).Surrounding yourself with things that tempt you is setting yourself up to fail.
Such great advice – THANK YOU!