Tyler and I have pretty much had a budget since the day we got married. It was not a big deal when I was working full time, but since I have stayed home for over a year now, we have had to make some adjustments. Some serious adjustments. I realize our budget before was really just a way for us to see where our money was going, even if it did not stay within the limits that we set (which it usually didn't). So recently I have been looking for ways to really stick to it. We use mint.com which is tremendously helpful at keeping track of every transaction we make. It has really helped us understand our spending habits and areas we need to work on. Also, I came across this post the other day from Blissful and Domestic and have already made some of the changes she suggests, especially with grocery shopping. I feel like I am really careful about spending money but I also have a close relationship with the clearance section at Target. A few dollars here and there really add up and soon enough the budget is blown.
Managing a budget is sometimes so overwhelming to me, especially since it will never, ever, go away. Even when we make more money we will need to budget. But not knowing where our money is going drives me crazy too. So the only option to keep me sane is to have a really good system in place. I figure it is part of my job as the mom, right? Who ever said stay at home mom's don't work? Ha! We just sit around watching ellen, trying to keep track of how many sea salted caramels from Costco we've had while our children "do their own thing", right? While I have obviously had days like that, my days usually consist of budgeting, grocery shopping, laundry, meals, bills, etc. I stay much busier then I ever did at my full time job. I just do it all in my pajamas instead of slacks.
I honestly enjoy doing research and LOVE getting the best deal. So I am determined to become the best budget-er around. Or at least in my ward so everyone asks how I do it. But honestly, we all know it is very important to be in control of our finances so we can provide for our families and set good examples for our children.
Do you have any suggestions on how to keep within your monthly budget?
I too have "a close relationship with the clearance section at Target" and there is one just across the street from where I live. I just quit my job to be home with Evy so I'm interested to read the comments!
ReplyDeleteAll I do each day is watch Downton Abbey and online shopping.
ReplyDeleteJk. Life is busy and we could definitely do better in the budget department. Our budget system goes as follows: don't spend more than our paychecks. It usually works!