Budgeting!

We all try to budget, for about 3 minutes, and then we give up. There are check books that allow you to track all purchases. But who ever used that? Okay, maybe I did...once.

With credit and debit cards handling most purchases (at least in this house), sometimes it's hard to keep track!

My husband is so creative and designed an Excel doc to budget our every day spending. And by every day, I mean EVERY DAY! He has each day for the next three months lined up on a document. He created all of the calculations that allow us to deduct expenses and add our combined revenue! He's so smart :)

Here is a GREAT website that will give you the link to a pre-made budgeting spreadsheet!

Website: http://www.readyforzero.com/resources/budgeting-tips/

Pre-made Excel Doc: here!

I love people.

So, in a nutshell, we know where every penny is...literally!

I know this sounds silly, but my best budgeting advice is JUST DON'T SPEND IT! I know, I know...but honestly, I have had the best time being able to save money by refraining from silly spending.

Here's where I get caught:

• Buying more at the grocery store than I planned. Seriously happens almost every time!
• Check out this interesting story on the psychology of shopping! Grocery Store Psychology: How Food Stores Induce to You Spend More Than You Intended

• Boredom induced trips to Target and Ross!

GUILTY! But who isn't?

• Wanting to spoil my husband! I know it sounds weird, but I have a shoe addiction. Now that I have someone else to spend money on, I am constantly seeking out new shoes for him. Size 13 is hard to come by! My husband is so humble and thinks he doesn't need shoes. And to be honest, he doesn't! I think this is my excuse for justifying my shoe addiction. Okay, addiction is a strong word for it. Just don't ask my husband! ;)

• Parties! I love to throw parties at any given chance. Small dinner groups, a double date, etc. Recently, I threw an Open House with a Valentine's Day theme. It was awesome! But to be honest, I spent way too much on candy! I wanted to use some for decoration and some for consumption, but I think I got a little too excited in the hot pink and sweets aisle! Luckily, my husband loves those gross conversation hearts, so those won't go to waste! ;)

• Did I mention boredom? This is probably my worst enemy when it comes to shopping! If I have a few hours to kill I will wander around the grocery store and pick up Little Debbies, ice cream, frozen pizzas (for my husband? Yeah...right...) Once time I got back form a friend's house really late and decided to make a spontaneous trip to the grocery store at 4 am while STARVING. Half asleep and ravenous are terrible combinations. I bought pizza rolls, ice cream, Grasshopper cookies, etc. I remember spending $60 without even realizing...or caring at that point! Darn you 24-7 grocery stores...

There you have it folks! Avoid the bad and stick to the good: No spending!