We signed up for "Financial Peace University," a Dave Ramsey-created program held in churches throughout the country. Man O and I figured having a third person lead a discussion about money was better than fighting over who would get to lead the money discussion in our household. Dave Ramsey is a teacher who tackles money issues with humor. His goal is to get folks out of debt and he pulls no punches. His motto is "Live like no one else so you can LIVE like no one else." We weren't sure what to expect but class members shared similar concerns about money or were facing far worse challenges. We felt confident we could follow the program. So far so good.
Snip. Whaaaah! Snip. Whaaah! After lesson two, that is the sound of us looking at the budget and making adjustments. Man O spends that much on trains? Grandma Juju spends how much on the grandchildren? It was painful but necessary. We have been fortunate over the years to be able to save for retirement but as our bodies, house, and cars age, big ticket expenditures loom. Our budget was examined under a microscope and endured amputations across all categories. Still it wasn't enough.
So we are doing Frugal February. No impulse buys. That means no Target runs. No big entertainment plans. Man O is taking his lunch more. I am using my A.C. Moore certificate to buy blank cards to cover with already purchased papers. Meals have to be created out of the pantry with the exception of Valentine's Day. But our romantic dinner will still be homemade. My mother is probably turning over in her grave as I type "no new clothes." Thank goodness the circus tickets have already been bought and my hair cut is January 31st.
