“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28
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We’ve already come to the end of my first goal focus and Challenge. It’s been a good month and a much-needed focus, and the Challenge has certainly been challenging. I didn’t accomplish all my goals–since illness threw all my well-laid plans into a tizzy–but I still feel there was a great deal of progress.
As mentioned in my introductory post,Cultivate|Financial Security,I’d allowed things to get in a bit of a mess as far as keeping track of spending and budgeting. It is so tempting to beat myself up over lost time, but that serves no valuable purpose. The important thing is to just start right here, right now, right where we are and proceed with wisdom. So, let’s just agree to jettison all blame and regret and get on with the important business of making good choices today.
InI spoke of some of the challenges of proceeding with the No Spend Month due to my illness. Nevertheless, we persevered! Fortunately, I had already put a few meals into the freezer, and then my husband pitched in with running to the grocery store and doing some cooking. I’m proud that we managed to eat at home all month under these constraints.
I worked on our budget, set up my files and records for 2018, and read two financial books: How to Manage Your Money by Larry Burkett, and Managing God’s Money by Randy Alcorn. I still have plans to re-read Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn. I have both those books on reserve at the library.
In other money saving news, my husband covered my grey roots for me, saving the expense of a salon visit. I purchase the root cover kits on sale and frequently find coupons. They do a great job at allowing me to extend time between appointments.
Monthly Budget
At the beginning of each month we plan to sit down and allocate our funds, adjusting budget as needed.
Track Spending
We will be diligent about tracking and categorizing all spending.
Stop and Ponder Before Spending
I plan to ask myself questions before any non-essential purchase. Can we afford this? Does it further our goals? Can I borrow or substitute another item in the place of this one? Do I really want to store and maintain this item? Do we actually need this? Is this purchase the best use of our resources?
Make Use of Library, Thrift Stores, Yard Sales
I’d like to make these options become my go-to sources.
Continue to Cook and Eat at Home Most of the Time
Since I enjoy cooking and value eating at home around the table, this is not much of a sacrifice for me. I plan to implement good systems to make cooking and eating at home more convenient and easy. I’ll be hosting a Facebook Live Freezer-to-Crockpot Prep Session today at noon central time. I hope you’ll join me! I’ve linked the recipes I’ll be using and the grocery lists here in this post.
When it comes down to it, we all have a finite amount of resources: both time and money. Managing our finances comes down to deciding what we value most. Choosing to spend money on an item essentially means we’re voting with our dollars as to which option we believe will bring most life satisfaction and best align with our values. Some people receive enjoyment from eating out regularly; some people value designer handbags and shoes. Some prioritize travel, or dependable cars, or big houses or large pieces of property. Maybe you love cruises, or beach vacations, or Disney trips, or skiing or mountain bike riding. Live entertainment, music or art lessons, romantic getaways.
These are all choices, and any of these things may dovetail with your goals and priorities. That’s all budgeting is: deciding where our resources will be allocated in order to live out our priorities. When viewed like this, budgeting isn’t restrictive. Instead, it’s freeing and liberating.
Maybe you’re not used to viewing budgeting like this. Perhaps it feels like a heavy burden. I just want to remind you and myself that this is all about choices, about deciding what you want the most.
P.S. One of the financial bloggers I follow, Rosemarie Groner, just today sent an email with an amazing list of fun things to do for free. It’s full of wonderful ideas that fit in perfectly with my interests and goals. I encourage you to sign up for her email list and receive her outstanding budgeting tips.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about your budgeting challenges and successes! Do you view budgeting as a positive or negative? What are your favorite tips for friends who may be struggling in their finances? Don’t forget to meet me on my Facebook page for my live freezer cooking session! Can’t wait to see you.
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