Two weeks into budget, feeling GOOD!

[hausfrau]

Ok so its been about 2 weeks since I joined this form and made a budget. I am actually using mint.com and its a huge lifesaver as far as calculating numbers, etc.
I set up a strict budget with the goal of saving as much as possible toward buying a new home as soon as we can and also paying off debt.

Before, my husband had control of finances and we lived pretty frugally but we never saved anything!!

We live on one salary of about $2800/month after taxes and with my new budget we'll have about $1100 excess each month to pay down debt and save. My budget is pretty tight so we might have to dip into the left over but I am going to see how this month turns out and adjust the budget accordingly.

It feels like a huge weight off my shoulders! Why didn't we start this sooner? It's amazing what I've discovered I can live with out! I use to shop because I was bored and now I stay home and clean
We use to spend every single penny, too. I have no idea on what, but we did!

I feel powerful! Muahaha!

[disneysteve]

That's terrific!

I love when that lightbulb goes off and people realize that there is another way to live.

You said you were living frugally but never saved anything. Now, you have a budget and an $1,100/month surplus. That certainly shows that you weren't living frugally at all.

Most people have no idea where their money goes - it just goes. Sometimes all it takes is paying a little attention to really rein in the spending and kick up the savings.

Just make sure you don't make things so tight that you and/or your husband start feeling deprived. There is nothing at all wrong with some flexibility and some fun money. In fact, that really should be part of the budget for each of you in an amount that is appropriate to your situation. If you've got $1,100 excess each month, maybe you could each take $100 for blow money.

[Mike75]

fantastic!!! Nice to see that people in this country are getting responsible towards their money. Just stick to this plan.

[Landlord Greg]

Congratulations HausFrau!
Budgets are simple to conceive, and difficult to maintain. Still, making the commitment and launching the budget is a great step, and I wish you nothing but the best of luck with it.
Keep an eye out for tax breaks; you might be able to save some money by choosing expenses that are tax deductible.
Best of luck,

__________________
Brian
EZ Landlord Forms