A few weeks ago Chris and I really started talking about our savings goals and the fact that we want to own a home in the someday (sooner) future. We then discussed our over spending habits. We luckily do not have any credit cards so we don't have consumer debt, and both cars are paid off and we will not be financing a car for a LONG time if we can help it.
So at the beginning of June, I gave up going to target! It was really hard at first. I love shopping and I love Target, I love the bright red carts and the friendly shoppers. I love knowing where things are. I love the clearance end caps. (Its ONLY 2$ !!!) For something I didn't need in the first place. Thats the big thing for me, if I don't see it, I don't want it. If I don't want it, I can't buy it. Saving a lot of money. Yeah Carson kept asking "Go Target, get treat?" but I held firm. They boys have more than enough toys. Neither of them NEED anything besides diapers/wipes and pull ups.
As I expected it was harder than originally thought not to just whip out my card. But I tried. We started meal planning, thats actually REALLY nice for me because I hate when Chris texts at like 2 and asks whats for dinner. Um dude I just had lunch, I don't know.
Meal planning and budgeting and paying with CASH was all new to me. I am that person that never carries cash unless I NEED to so it was odd the first few times handing over a couple 20's to pay for groceries.
We did pretty well meeting our savings "goal" this pay period. We didn't nail it like I would have hoped and we definitely both ran out of cash. But it was our first time really sticking to a budget, and we have more money towards savings at the end of the pay period than we normally do.
Meal planning is really helping with the grocery budget, and helps me stay sane. Its cut down on trip to the store as well.
If anyone is wanting to learn to budget, I would seriously suggest going to cash only. Even just a few categories at a time
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