Budgets and Bad Debt

Last year Josh and I put ourselves on a budget. A tight $1000 budget. Now before your mouth drops down to the floor...this budget does not include bills or my student loan payments. The only bills included in the budget is our cell phone bills and internet. The rest of the budget is for groceries, gas, movie rentals, clothes, going to the movies, eating out, and our "free money" that Josh and use to buy things we want. For the first couple months, I was really excited about the budget and did great. After a while, it became harder and harder for me to stay within the budget...or should I say, my portion of the "free money". Let's just say Josh and I had a BIG talk about my spending habits and I swore to change my ways. I've been doing great so far and am very proud of myself for getting back on track.

So why am I letting you all into mine and Josh's personal business? Why do you/should you care?? Because you have goals...at least, I hope you do! And wasteless spending is not getting you any closer to them! Now, I know I'm not a financial expert so you can do what you want with my advice.... But I urge you to put yourself on a budget. A cash only budget. That's right, take those debit/credit cards out of your wallet (that way you won't be tempted!). Not only will you be able to save for that vacation you've been wanting to go on (and not have to worry about putting things on credit!) or that new DSLR you've been eyeing at the store, but you'll feel great!