Comments on: Cheerful Frugality Budgets For Better, For Worse

By: Joan

Joan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:55:08 +0000

We’ve definitely benefitted from budgeting. For us, a lot of our savings have come from using cash when possible. Not vs. credit cards, which we try not to use at all, but vs. debit cards from our bank account for $3 here and $1.75 there. It’s too hard to keep up the checkbook that way!

So, each paycheck we both get $20 for whatever, whether it’s fast food, drinks, books, anything.

And, we go grocery shopping every two weeks now with $240 in cash. No more “popping in” for this, that or the other thing! (We’re blessed with decent storage/extra fridge and freezer space, which is necessary to make that work.) And you know what? It really does make a difference.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:32:43 +0000

A written budget and the process that is required to get it on paper has absolutely impacted our marriage positively. During that process we naturally talk about priorities and values. And clearly presenting the numbers is a good reminder to me to respect my husband more in all the hard work he does to bring home the income and for him to respect me for the work I do to stretch those funds. When I know that he knows it is hard to shop within our grocery budget, for instance, I am affirmed in my role and we have a lot more respect and thankfulness for the other. When we are on the same page with our finances, we are on the same page for our life. Our faith, budgeting and the conference “Love and Respect” (based on the book) have been great helps in our relationship.

By: Left Right Out

Left Right Out — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:55:40 +0000

I don’t think our marriage would have failed without a budget, but it certainly would have been more strained. we find that having a budget gives us both a sense of more control over our lives — we go out to eat about once very three months, but we never have to worry about paying the rent on time.

When we first go married we sat down and worked out a plan to pay off our student loans. And we’ve done it. A budget we agree on means that we’re on the same page about our life goals as well. I would actually recommend doing it *before* you get married, as part of the counseling process!

By: jill

jill — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:55:30 +0000

I found a Dave Ramsey book on Amazon.

By: jules

jules — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:27:15 +0000

Merideth: Why DON’T you tell him? He may appreciate it and it may open up a conversation with you that would help him.

By: Shannon M

Shannon M — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:23:16 +0000

I know that “big sister” feeling well!
HUbby and I have grown so much through creating a budget together. It’s a great exercise in putting our own wants aside for the good of the family. Also, for us, it’s been wonderful to see how God has worked through our finances – both the good decisions and the bad ones.
Don’t forget to tell your brother about the Town Hall for Hope on the 23rd – there’s probably one close to him.