Re: Reward system
I don't have one right now, the 'Cool! Bill is going down' is enough of a high for now. But if you need one go for it, make it inexpensive and something you both enjoy. Trust me I will need one soon enough.
I prolly would 'grade' my spending habits, with an A deserving a bigger reward than a B, and a C or lower being unacceptable, but I am a teacher so I think in grades a lot. Pick a system of reward that works for you, but doesn't negate all the hard work you did in saving money and paying off bills.
My favorite reward is a bottle of champagne, after the kids are in bed. (You gotta use your imagination for why the kids need to be in bed) There is a nice brand, andre maybe, that is about 5$ a bottle in the grocery store around here, very good. Use a frozen juice mix with seltzer water instead of regular water if you are pregnant or nursing, or just don't want to get tipsy. (One bottle split between two, over an hour won't get me more than tipsy)
Also a trip to the park with no worries (meaning no money talk) Possibly with hot chocolate waiting when you get home. Maybe a note about how wonderful your DH is, after all you did marry him for some reason other than money right?
A trip back home to visit family with a budgeted amount of 'whatever' money (our families are from Pgh, we are in NC, this is rather expensive reward for us, but we try to plan it 4 times a year)
A trip to the library (I don't drive, so this requires careful planning to get a day when my DH will take me and the kids)
Steak! (You can get good steak for around 2 or 3 $ a lb if you watch for the sales, good being relative)
Any other favorite home cooked meal, If you aren't that fond of your own cooking, ask your family who can cook to make something for you as a reward for your DH (never mind if it is your own favorite, I have an easier time asking for a reward for him than me), I am sure most would be delighted to hear you love their recipe well enough to request it.
A day with favorite hobby, My Dh likes paintball guns; we use the woods nearby so the only cost is the paint. Also some rockets, he has several with engines, so all he needs is time.
Fudge, ok it isn't that cheap to make (about 4$ enough for 8 palm sized gifts, compared to cookies at 1$ for a whole batch) but it sure is easy and microwavable (or top of double broiler) I can get you the recipe if you want.
Also Apple pie or any other baked good that your DH likes and you don't mind making, I have a really easy recipe so it looks fancy but is hardly any work. Don't tell my DH, I remind him all the time that this baking stuff is work. (And it is, he certainly doesn't do it, and it certainly costs a lot to let someone else do it, so it must be work, the fact that I secretly like it is besides the point!) Again ask a family member for 'his' favorite if you arn't fond of your own abilities.
A favorite movie with air-popped popcorn (or whatever you prefer), and warm blankets.
I have also found that cranky men follow the woman’s lead if all I do is notice the crankiness, rather than nag or join in. something along the lines of 'you planning on pouting all day? 'Cause I was going to do X" (with X being something inexpensive and fun). Don't get me wrong lots of days my DH is the one to cajole me out of my crankiness, though I tend to be cranky about my 2yo's brattyness rather than money (no money trouble is as bad as having to deal with a brat in my mind)
Hope some of that is fun to you, and I didn’t just bore you.
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