that budget life

This subject though {smh}…. it use to give me anxiety!! I am not the budget kinda girl #LOL. My mentality was when you see something that you like, want or need then just buy it. My husband is wired completely opposite. This has been by far the biggest challenge in our marriage. We envision the day to day adventures a little differently. I want to travel, dine at cool places, and shop a little too. This all costs moneyyyyy. As all of our parents have quoted at some point in our lives “Money doesn’t grow on trees!!”

5 reasons you need a budget

So, I have a smile on my face as I am typing this post. Succumbing to a budget has radically changed my life and our marriage. I use to think that only certain personalities would find joy in a budget. I was so wrong!!! My hubby and I narrowed it down to 5 reasons why we need to have a budget. Don’t make excuses or get negative just yet…. be open minded.

1) You need a plan.

Me: “So, our plan was to be debt free. I did’t have a clue how to do this. I needed lots of encouragement and guidance.”

So how did we accomplish this??

Mike: “I read as many books and resources to understand how to create a budget and how to live out a cash lifestyle. We came to an agreement to how much monies were allotted to each necessary category based on our income and expenses: groceries, household, savings, emergency fund, vacation, dining, haircuts, recreation, birthdays, Christmas, and Angelle’s nails {LOL}.”

2) You need to have self control.

Me: “This is my biggest weakness. As I stated already when I see or want something, I think that I NEED to buy it now. LOL!! Y’all, it might sell out!!!! But, this cash budget has brought me to a place of self control. I actually think about my purchases before going through with it. With having only cash to rely on, 9 times out of 10, I don’t purchase those WANT items. With this budget, I’ve learned how to NOT be controlled by my emotions. This lifestyle change has been a huge growth area. Y’all, I do cave every now and then, but I just restart the next day.”

Mike: “It’s called delayed gratification.”

3) You need to trust the process.

Me: “I trust my husband so I trust the process. HA!! But, I don’t always love it.”

Mike: “We get a paycheck twice a month so that means our cash gets low by the end of the second week. But, sticking with this plan even when it gets tight means that we will have the savings for emergencies or the exact funds for that vacation that we want to take. Sticking with the plan eliminates the stress that comes when there is unannounced doctor bills, broken cars, appliances, or etc.. you don’t want to rely on credit cards. If you stick with the process, you won’t spend money that you don’t have.” 

4) You will be happier when you are older.

Me: “Financial security is one of the many things that I admire about my parents and Mike’s parents. They have the freedom to give to a need, to help a family member, to go on a vacation or to even remodel their house… I want that freedom for Mike and I too.”

Mike: “I would rather pay now and PLAY later.”

5) Your habits effect the next generation.

Me: “Gosh, these little mini me’s watch and reciprocate what they see in the home. I don’t want my kids to battle with poor money management like I have in the past. I want them to see by our example that life can be adventurous and full of nice things yet wisdom steers our every choice.” 

Mike: “Leaving a legacy is not only laying a spiritual foundation for my children but also a financial one as well. It is teaching them by example to make wise choices.”

“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”

                                                                                                                   -Dave Ramsey

Thanks for taking time to read our thoughts. Hope that we encouraged you at least just a little bit. Happy almost weekend to you!!

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Photography: Jen Menard