I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I don’t have a budget. I’ve seen the forms, I’ve read about other peoples’ budgets, but I just can’t bring myself to make one for our family. It just seems too overwhelming for me. I think probably my biggest obstacle with the budget is the revolving parts of the budget, such as the electric bill. Do you allow more money in the budget than you think it will take?
We are currently trying to live off of one income, sort of as a trial run to see if it’s possible for me to be a stay at home mom when we have children. I’ve got my paycheck directly deposited into my “secret account” at our bank, so that if we need access to it, it’s not hard to get to, unlike our ING savings account. We want that to be hard to access!
I would love to get a budget going, but I don’t know where to start. What are your favorite budget forms? Any tips?
Posted under Budget
This post was written by Mrs Money on May 18, 2008
Hi,
I admire your forethought of trying to live on one income now. I highly recommend that you continue. I have worked constantly before and since having kids because we couldn’t seem to make it if I didn’t. Only now are we figuring the money thing out and my kids are 20 and 13. We are currently paying down debt, and I hope to be able to start working part-time soon–I really want to be more involved in my 13 year old daughter’s teenage years. We have been following Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover plan. I really like the forms included in his book. He has a great radio show that keeps us motivated. Good Luck and make your dream happen!
Lisa
Lisa- Thank you for your kind words! Thanks for the tip on the Dave Ramsey book forms. I’ll have to look into that! I really appreciate your comment- it is truly inspiring!