Photo used with permission by ptmoney.com.
Living within a budget is important for the organized mom. Especially when your planned pregnancy turns out to be a TWIN pregnancy! When the girls were born, we were still trying to figure out the essential twin gear we would need, and whether we would need 2 of everything. The financial burden seemed overwhelming because we figured that two babies would require twice as much stuff. Our lives were going to need to have twice as much space. We were crammed into a too-small car and apartment, and somewhere in there had to fit in daycare.
Here’s how to Start a Simple Budget:
Don’t rush into it.
Start by cutting back on spending. Don’t use credit cards for a few months. Before you buy something, ask yourself if it is something you WANT or something you NEED. Can you live without it? If so, don’t buy it. Not spending on extra stuff will help you see what your main expenses will cost each month.
Keep a Record.
Write down everything you buy and what it cost you. Use a small, pocket-sized notebook. At the end of a month you have an idea of what you will spend in gas, food, and all the other stuff that zaps away your paycheck.
Set Goals.
Be frugal where you can. Once you have an estimate for what your grocery bill should be, try to stay within that amount. Give you and your family a set amount to use for dining out and entertainment and stick to it. Adjust within reason the next month if you underbudgeted.
Take Baby Steps.
There will always be that unexpected expense that sets you back in your budgeting, but take it one day at a time. Which leads me to…
Reward Yourself.
At the end of the day, tell yourself “I did a good job today!” You’re trying your best, doing what’s best for your family and that’s a big deal! Did you have a day when you didn’t spend anything? Great! Write that “No Money Day” in your budgeting notebook or on the calendar.
Do you have tips for setting up a family budget? Share what works for you in the comments.
