In the past, I tried to do the whole Dave Ramsey thing. The budget form I had was not very useful...yes, it did it's job, but I want a lot more than what I had in the budget sheet. I found a new budget online in the form Excel spreadsheet and it inspired me to get back on track!
For April, I set up a very 'loose' budget. I figured out all our debt, listed it from small to large according to the balance and started paying. After having everything in front of me, I figured out we could pay off two big bills in this month alone. This made me sick!
I proposed to Jeremy that to kick things off, let's try a No Spending Experiment. No eating out, no 32 oz. sodas, no quick trips to get the girls ice cream...nothing! After a little chit chat, he is on board. This will begin May 1 and continue through the month of May. The only way it will not last the entire month is if we end up going on vacation at the end of May which depends on a Jeremy's work. (He is a sales manager for AT&T. Management is non-union so if this does happen, he will be at work a lot.)
As hard as it is, I know this will help us so much! I have mentioned before we spend so much money on the weekends with the girls...now I just have to find free stuff for us to do. This should get interesting.
If anyone would want to join us on this little expedition, let me know! It would be great to share ideas on how to make the best of your time with the kids while not spending a dime.
(Image via.)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
No spending for a month...
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7 comments:
I'll bring the girls ice cream. Unless you want to start making it at home! What about your birthday? Is Jeremy going to cook supper for you? I'll send him some crock pot receipes! HA
They like "white and brown" ice cream. Ha! Ha!
And yes, crock pot recipes would be great! :)
I don't own a crock pot, but I'm sure I could find him something to make! We could live anywhere and wouldn't need a stove! Just have plenty of milk on hand for cereal! HA
I really want to do this, just need to plan a little.
This is my first time at your blog and THIS looks interesting...
So what happens if
A) you get invited to a party? Do you not go because you aren't buying gifts?
B) you child needs unexpected cash. Like the $5 for a field trip or the $20 to test for the next karate belt. Does that count?
No, not at all! We actually have a birthday party we have to go to this Saturday. I knew about it and budgeted in for the month. If the girls need money for school, I will happily give it to them...I am talking about money for eating out, drive thru's, random shopping trips...
Jeremy and I have always been the people that if we want something, we just go get it. This month, we are staying clear of that. I guess we are just being super-conscious of our spending. If we do not truly need it, then we are going to pass. :)
Thanks for the questions and I will let you know how it turns out!
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