Envelope System

As Aaron and I have been on the Dave Ramsey Plan and part of the Budget is to start the "Envelope System" It was a great way to help keep me in check on how much I was actually spending. Having the debit card was so easy to go over my budget. But if the money is not in the envelope, I don't buy it!

 It was a little frustrating at first to fumble through my cash and change at the check-out stand. Plus I had all my coupons so I was holding up the line (I felt) and it made my heart race! But I just had to remind myself that I want to be "weird" and not fall into the ways of the world. I take a deep breath, put on a smile and let everyone just wait because I'm getting out of debt people!

This has really helped me to plan better, to stick to our budget, and GET OUT OF DEBT!

Try it and share your story with us!

Stick to your budget!

The truth is, we should all have a budget to stick to! Of course, the amount will vary for each of us, but no matter how big or small, it is still a budget! Here are some basic principles from LDS.org.

-Keep a record of your expenditures. Record and review monthly income and expenses.
Determine how to reduce what you spend for nonessentials.

-Use this information to establish a family budget. Plan what you will give as Church donations, how much you will save, and what you will spend for food, housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, insurance, and so on.

Discipline yourself to stay within your budget plan. A budget worksheet is a useful tool to help you with your plan. Print your worksheet here!