So much of our budgets are uncompromisable. We need a roof over our heads, we need food in our tummies and clothes on our backs. While we can cut costs in these places, they are expenses that we cannot get rid of entirely. We need insurance for our homes, our cars, our health, our lives.
So many needs can leave very little room for wants.
The most boring expenses are typically the most essential.
Even though I know this, it still can feel like a burden when it’s August and I have a $300 electricity bill. We live in Texas, we have 2 small children. Electricity (Okay, air conditioning) is something we can’t compromise on. We can haggle a better rate, we can keep lights off and fans running, but at the end of the day…that bill is not going away.
This is why I work so hard to find ways to save money. I am human and I have wants. The less I spend on our needs (without compromising my family’s health, safety or comfort) the more we can spend on the fun.
And we do!
I am never going to claim that we live on a beans and rice budget. We don’t. You will never see me take my grocery budget down to $25 a week. That’s produce for us and nothing else. It won’t happen. But I will cut from where I can and get the most out of my dollar.
I am never going to claim that we don’t watch TV (we actually have a VERY expensive cable package) or that we don’t go to the movies or out to eat. We absolutely do. I try and find a coupon and we definitely try to find ways to make things cheaper, but we enjoy it so we do it.
I am never going to claim that I have things all figured out and I have six figures in my bank account. I don’t. Not even close. We’re young, we’re new to this saving money thing. While one day that is my goal, there is so much I personally am not willing to sacrifice to get there. We made a lot of mistakes when we were younger and we’re not financial gurus by any means.
I am never going to claim that I don’t like shiny new gadgets or fun toys for my kids, or buying good expensive food. My house looks like toys r us, and I am not the least bit ashamed of that.
We truly save where we can, so we can spend on the things we want.
Life is about choices, priorities and enjoyment. Where I cut fat from my budget might not be an option for you ( I rarely buy clothes for myself, cut my hair, get pedicures or pamper myself), but we can all stand to evaluate things. There is money to be saved out there if you look hard enough. Why wouldn’t you want to stretch your hard earned dollar? I think everyone should make an effort to make more out of their money. No matter how much you have. Some of the richest people on the planet are also the thriftiest!
I hope this blog can serve to make people feel good about every little bit that they do. Not make you feel overwhelmed by all you are not doing. I sew clothes, if you have no desire to do that, don’t! And don’t feel bad about it for one single second. My goal is to offer money savings ideas that are easy to implement or at least serve as inspiration. You can do as much or as little as you want.
If you take one tip from my blog and use it, and save your family $20 a month, I have done what I have set out to do. Now take that $20 and spend it on something fun. That might mean you go out on a date with your significant other, or it might mean you stick it in savings. Whatever floats your boat.
No matter who you are or what your income is, if you save where you can you can increase your discretionary funds. And who wouldn’t want that!
