Dan and I are on a budget. For real this time. I realized that once I started this blog, I was splurging more than I was saving. Granted, we had just moved into a new house so I had my reasons, but now that most of our renovations were done (for now), it was finally time to sit down and reevaluate.
2013 is a big year for us. We have four weddings and a vacation planned later in the year. We have bachelor and bachelorette parties, showers, and 30th birthdays. So we're taking a little break from all the house updates and channeling our energy...and our money...elsewhere.
To save some moolah, the number one thing we did is to look at where our money was really going. Yes, we had a budgeting system in place, but it was more like "Oh we spent more than our budget in such and such a category...oh well!" and we'd move on and try to do better the next month. Now, we update the budget weekly and it dictates what we can and can't do that weekend.
As a result, the number one thing we've cut down on is meals out. We used to go out to eat at least once every weekend. Now, we look at dinner at a restaurant as a treat, something we don't do all the time. It really helps the budget, not to mention is a lot healthier. And, the thing is, we don't feel like we're missing out. We have date nights where it's not just
about the meal, it's about the experience. We try to find places where
we can grab a bite, listen to some live music, or do some sort of activity. It's been a positive change for sure.
I've also been hitting up the library almost every week. Did you know everything there is free? We've been checking out movies and started a Friday night routine of homemade pizza and movies. Saturdays used to be
shopping and errand day for us. We'd get up in the morning, hit up
Target or Lowe's, grab lunch, and then stop in a few stores. Now we run a
few errands and then go to the gym. We'll throw something in the crock
pot so it's ready when we get home.
These simple changes have really added up. So far this month, we've cut our joint credit card bill in half. In half!!! Now it's become like a game. Where can we save or what can we get for free? Just the other day my CVS-loving hubby was able to get free shampoo combining a sale item and a coupon. Sure it was only $2, but you save $2 here and $2 there and it all adds up.
All this has also allowed us to enjoy our house more since we're laying low and spending a lot more nights in. We make dinner together, catch up on our DVR, or bring out the Wii. And yes, I still go to Home Goods, but it's just to get my decor inspiration and move on. If there is something I reallyyyyy need or want to buy, I make sure the budget allows for it. Most times, I walk out empty-handed.
These cost-cutting measures don't mean we can't enjoy ourselves once in awhile. We still buy tickets to games or concerts or whatever else it is we feel like doing. It's just about being conscious of where exactly our money is going and realizing what we can and can't do. It's working so far, and I really hope it's something we can keep up with in the long run.
Be well,
Be well,
