PreSteps---getting current and budgeting

Budget----Okay. Over the past week, I have worked our a 'doable' budget. "Dave says" that it takes about 3 months of doing a budget (well, he calls it money allocation or some neutral term) before you have your categories in the correct ranges. I think I am pretty close to our 'real' numbers for expenses. But I will be following every dollar and where it goes, so that we are in control of our finances instead of our finances controlling us. Not balancing the checkbook, and not sticking to budgeted expenses is where you get those sneaking "leaks" and before you know it...you have to your the Emergency Fund so you don't bounce the mortgage.

We are going to be debt free! I want to do this as fast as possible. Beholden to no man...blah, blah, something.

System----So, the envelope system. It works, I will have to pay attention a bit more in the grocery store. Thats all. Impulse buys --- nope. Gas (ONLY gas at the gas station!!!) on the debit card. Everything beyond bills is cash. We both spend waaayyyy too freely using the debit card. We just do not think before we swipe.

Get current ---- I do have a couple outstanding bills - $70 to the dentist (which I thought was covered 100% by insurance - big raspberry!), TruGreen ChemLawn - $30ish. These will have to wait until next Friday. I think that is it.

Blow Money ----this will be in cash. JASON!!! On Saturday you get $50. Spending money will include any of your bad habits (tomacco and/or 'new releases'). I do NOT want to see Isle 16 purchase on the debit card---or worse, the credit card!

Savings without a mission is garbage!
-Dave Ramsey

We still need to set up larger goals, longer term type stuff. But for right now, Baby step #2 is sufficient for our needs here. The goal to be consumer debt free is a huge motivator.