I have visited SavingAdvice.com at least once a week for over a year now and it is about time I had a blog. I am frugal mother of two young children, and a “money spending” husband. To gain control back of our finances I have put us all on a strict budget. It has not been hard for me, but my poor hubby is suffering so…… *sniffle* *sniffle*
Everything gets budgeted now down to the penny. We are able to pay our monthly bills, put money into savings, 401k, put $150 aside each week for grocery/miscellaneous expenses, and then hubby gets an allowance of $100 a week for entertainment (lunch, dinner out, and occasion movie). I know what you are thinking $100 a week for entertainment that is; $400 a month!
I know it is killing me! But right now I am just trying to get creative to make up for the large hole in my budget. Large hole better know as “Hubby”.
I am not only concentrating on earning money but also trying very hard to save money. In reality, it does not matter how much you make if you save nothing!
So here it begins my journey on Savingadvice.com, I hope to share with you all my great clearance finds, money saving tricks, budgeting ideas, and ways I have found to earn money.
New Guy in Savingville!
July 16th, 2006 at 01:54 am
July 16th, 2006 at 02:22 am 1153016536
July 16th, 2006 at 02:36 am 1153017367
July 16th, 2006 at 03:32 pm 1153063970
I'm new here too and like you, am determined to save money in any way that I can.
Like you said - it doesn't matter how much $ you have or make if you don't save any of it.
July 16th, 2006 at 04:02 pm 1153065743
July 16th, 2006 at 06:17 pm 1153073820
Don't fret too much over the $100 per week. At least you have a limit and now know your starting point for 'whittling down' expenses.
Once you get him on board with saving, you can determine if you can decrease that amount.. (or not). My DH gets $90...but $50 goes to gas, $20 to his tool fund (he's a mechanic) and then he has $20 in fun money, but it usually goes towards something for the family or house.
Bottom line, you have to do whats right for your family...and you have a good place to start! Again, welcome!
July 16th, 2006 at 07:56 pm 1153079786
July 22nd, 2006 at 12:08 pm 1153570134
There is just the two of us so neither of us really NEED anything. Dr Phil pointed out a long time ago that one person can not micro-manage the other person's emotional desires. Instead -pick an amount you can comfortably live with and do it. But, the spouse can not give negative feedback. You may feel like you are opening the window and throwing the money out- he may feel like he has freedom of choice and some control over his world. lynclarke