May 11 2009
Budget Anyone?
Ok, so I realize that times are tough and we are all trying to pinch pennies! That’s absolutely understandable. I clip coupons, look for discounts and try not to spend where it’s possible, BUT… anyone’s husband have them on a budget? My hubby wants me to actually sit down with a spreadsheet and compute my monthly expenses! While it’s simple when you look at car note, insurance, mortgage, etc… it gets a bit complicated when you start guestimating gas, groceries and the occasional luxury item. I am starting to wonder if my husband is really trying to pinpoint any overspending on my part. Ha! He thinks he is sooooooo clever! While I adore my precious spouse, I am starting to feel like my every cent is being analyzed adnauseam. It is starting to… how do I put this nicely? Irritate me! Anyone else? Thoughts, comments, concerns? Am I overreacting or is everyone on a strict budget?
Yep, my hubby has me on a budget, too! And it sucks! Men just don’t get how we spend our money!
i am on a budget too. i think it is normal.
I guess by working for AIM for so long, David has to be money headed. Sad to admit, I budget every pennies. I found the best way to do is 1) start a summary sheet with monthly taking-home income and fixed expenses (mortgage, insurance, etc.), the difference should be the maximum of what I can spend; 2) I normally set 75-85% of my maximum allowance as the dollar limit of living expenses, and the rest as savings or cushions for emergency; 3) use one credit card for most of daily expenses (make sure to pay off the card by due date), so I can compare my credit card bill with my target in #2 to see if I am within budget. I can also download the bill statement to Excel for easy analysis. After two or three months, I can have a better idea of how I spend and where I can cut costs. I hope this helps.
I’m glad you get chance to stay at home with Andrew. It is a great but tough job. Let me know if you need any other tips on budgeting. I’m big on that. By staying on budget, I’m going to pay off my house in another 7 years and not feel too much pain