A Budget???

I have never before ran my finances on a Budget. I just buy what I want and try to watch it a bit. I am not much of an over spender really. I don't go to the mall very often, I don't buy new clothes very much, I rarely get my hair done, and I went for a massage for the first time in about 5 years. So, I thought I was doing good! But, I decided that it would be good to set up a budget so I know what exactly is coming in and going out! I downloaded a Microsoft template and started imputing numbers ( this is the first time I have actually looked at our bank account online! Pretty sad...but Barry always did that). I decided to give myself a specific amount of money per week for; groceries, home/baby needs etc. I take that amount of money out of the account on Monday and when it's gone it's gone! And I can only put gas in my car once every 1 1/2 - 2 weeks. I have also decided that we are cutting down the amount that we eat out!

It's been kind of bitter sweet to be honest. It sweet because I am more comfortable knowing about the finances and hopefully setting up a nice savings for us. But, it's bitter because, going to the grocery store is no longer fun for me! I catch myself wanting to stroll into the snack isle for the kids or wanting to get some new fun bath product. Than I have to tell myself, okay, but what will you do when the money is out? How will you feed your family! :) I am sure Barry would come to the rescue in that case, but... what would I be learning? So I have to be smarter! I will say though, that this week ( my first week) was a little rougher than average, since I was out of diapers, wipes and laundry detergent, so there was a good chunk of the money right there! As difficult as this is though... I think it's going to work out well.

If anyone has any money saving tips, let me know! BTW, thanks to Kira's mom about the post on laundry ( I love dryer sheets and fabric softener, and I load on the soap ) She said that dryer sheets and fabric softener break down the cotton in your clothes and that you only have to use 1/2 the suggested soap! It's makes sense... These companies want us to run out of our soap faster so we have to buy more... right! So, any more good money saving tips like that I would LOVE to hear!!!! Thanks. Happy Budgeting!

My mom calls this monopoly money! I think that is so funny!!!