Back in January I began sharing about how one of our goals as a family is to live sensibly, spend our money wisely, and to live within our means. I went through the why and how we live on less with our eating, entertainment, and living debt free.
But after I left that little series, I’d remember things here and there I should have added to the already mammoth posts. I decided instead of going back and adding my extra thoughts to each post I’d start something new. So…
Each Friday, right here at Reflections of a Princess I’ll be sharing little ways how we’re living on less and living intentionally for the kingdom. But it’s not just about me! I want to here how you’re living on less and intentionally. I want to learn whatever tricks and tips you have up your sleeve.
To join in all you have to do is leave a comment or write a post and leave the URL, if you feel so inclined.
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My tip this week is really more of a confession. You see…my husband got a job. Which is a definite blessing and answer to prayer, but with that comes more money and not having to live as tightly as we were. Since we’ve gotten the news we’ve definitely been more liberal in our spending. We haven’t gone out and blown out on some big item like a new TV.
But it’s been in the little things…like ice cream or Easter eggs or more books. Things we don’t need, but are still enjoyable. It’s not horrible and we haven’t blown our budget, but as I was inputing our receipts the other day I realized we had multiple receipts for almost every day last week! Some were because Joe bought needed biking gear for his commute and then we forgot things on errands and had to go out again, but I was still surprised.
It didn’t feel like we’d spent money every day, but we did. It kind of shook me and made me think just how intentionally and purposefully am I living with our money. I don’t want to be legalistic about it, but I also don’t want to get so comfortable with having excess (and by excess I mean not counting down the months until our savings reaches dangerous levels).
I want to be intentional in how I budget and spend our money, so that we can make the most out of what God has given us to bless others.
So that’s my confession.
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We have always had a similar problem. We work great on a budget, but as soon as more money comes along we begin to feel we can spend more freely. The times in our lives when we made the most, we saved the least and visa versa. We have learned the value of a cash budget. When we get raises we revisit the budget and do allow ourselves some more spending if necessary, but we still stick to the cash budget. That way we aren’t over-spending on things we don’t need, but we also allow ourselves to enjoy a little extra of God’s blessing. And of course, with every purchase we have to ask, what difference will this make for eternity!
If I use cash I can see it disappearing & am less likely to spend it. I’m horrible with plastic.
I am sooooo thrilled to get to know you!
Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog…. I was so excited to see a comment from a new blog friend.
Living within our means is a challenge ~ but know that’s one we are called to do (The borrower is slave to the lender). I try to stay home as much as possible….. because I know that when I’m home ~ I’m not spending money! Plus, it helps me to appreciate everything we have… and play with the toys we already own.
I look forward to reading your upcoming posts on this subject…and would love to join the party!
Take care & come visit soon!