How is this related to Wife Wednesday you ask? Because you have to be on the same page with your spouse, you have to negotiate, you have to give up wants, and you have to have the same goals. Finances destroy many relationships. Jesus talks about money in the Bible a crazy amount- not because the church needs our money, but because he knows how money can be controlling and a heart issue.
We still have bills though. Our tithe, both cell phones, car insurance, monthly storage fee for all our junk from our house, life insurance for both of us, IRA monthly deposits, we have an adopted son through Compassion that has a monthly fee, and we give the Shepherds money month towards water and electric (I know- that's a steal). We know some of those are negotiable for us, and we'll talk about those when we have to, but they are important to us.
My biggest struggle is our grocery budget. I'm not sure how much is reasonable for a family of four. I made a September menu, listing what we'd have for dinner each night so that I can shop specifically and strategically. I didn't realize how fast we go through milk and fruit and yogurt and how often we have to replenish those. We ran out of grocery budget with 6 days left in the pay period. Fail. I took from other budgeted areas, but it is hard. We also seriously cut back on our eating out, and that is hard too because it is such a convenient luxury that we were used to. We are still crazy blessed, but our new changes are difficult. I'm not good with discipline, and money is a huge area of discipline.
Here are some things we've done to help with money:
- Rob bought clippers (yes, we spent money to save money) so he can cut his own hair. This buzz also saves us money because he doesn't buy the expensive "help your hair grow" shampoo. Ha!
- We have never enjoyed left-overs, but now use them for lunches and next day dinners to help with money. On Monday night, we swiped two pieces of pizza leftover from our community group so Rob would have dinner Tuesday night (I was in VB with my parents).
- We are telling our money where to go instead of the other way around. I have our categories across the top of the spreadsheet and the start amount in one color. Beneath it is each withdrawal in another color with a running total of what's left. It's helping us save money.
- Meal planning is strategic. For example, white chicken chili and enchiladas are back to back because they both use things like tostitos, shredded cheese, and sour cream so it ensures it all gets used and not wasted.
- One meal a week at Costco- a huge hot dog and drink for $1.50! A huge slice of pizza for $1.99! We all eat for $5.00. You can barely cook at home at that price.
- Free entertainment: We were given Busch passes as Christmas gifts from my parents, and the kids are still free, so that is fun and free! We were given free tickets to a concert last night, so we took them and had a free date night because my parents watched the twins. FREE is the operative word.
- We take money out each month to put towards Christmas. This way it doesn't destroy our budget; it's a normal month for us with no unnecessary debt. Last Christmas our kids got toothbrushes and toothpaste in their stockings from us because we knew they were getting so so much from others. This year, I have shopped for them already at garage sales. They are one- they are going to love their new toys. Eventually, I will have to invest in a shrink wrap machine to trick them into thinking it's new. Ha.
- I love name brands, but have switched to a lot of generic brands. I'm considering couponing again- I used to do it and was good at it, but ran out of time for it during grad school and birthing twins.
Does your money control you, or do you control your money? What is your best creative budget tip for us? Have finances ever been a point of contention in your relationship?
