Budget update

So we're a little over two months into our new Budget Lifestyle, and things are going great. Staying within our means (which are very tight while we knock out debt) is still challenging, but also still fun. Not that we're experts or anything, but here are a couple of our tricks to help us be successful.

1. Have a monthly budget that fluctuates slightly, not a one-size budget for the whole year. Even though our income is pretty consistent each month, the places we spend our money some times change. For example, last month we had to budget extra gas for our trip to Seattle, so that meant we had to be more lean in other areas, like entertainment. By sitting down at the beginning of each month we can plan in advance where our money is going to go, and be prepared for things instead of caught off-guard.

2. Be in constant communication. Brian and I talk daily about how much money we've spent, how much is left in each category, how we feel we're pacing for the month, etc. We're each other's support system and encourager, and do a great job of keeping each other in check.

3. Pray. This is the most important. Before we sit down to go over the upcoming month's budget, we pray. Finances aren't easy to manage, so there's no way we want to try and handle them on our own without direction from God. We also pray once we've finished the budget (and throughout the month), asking God to give us self-control, determination and the endurance to follow-through.

We feel blessed already, and are witnessing God's hand by stretching our dollars when we think we don't have enough. Last night as we prepared April's budget (a little late, I know) and reconciled the March budget, we realized we made a few more hundred dollars than we had planned for. That was a surprise for us, and just one of the many ways I know God will bless us. And in case you're wondering, yep, we put the extra money straight to debt. :)