Creating a budget

I was at the bank the other day as part of my paycheck, budget routine and the teller made a comment about the amount I was withdrawing must mean that I budget. She continued by saying I should teach her how to budget. This took me by surprise because my assumption has always been that if you have a job working with money, you must be pretty good in dealing with it. So I thought I would write down some different ideas in how to start creating a budget.

The first thing to do is put pen to paper, even if it just writing down all the ways you spend money in one day. If your married or in a relationship this next step should be done together and continue to be a topic of discussion throughout your lives together. If your single you get to be your own designer.

Step 2, talk about your goals, your dreams, your priorities, what you like to buy, what you would like to buy, etc. Lay it all out there. My husband and I have this conversation probably at least once a week. We've talked about different goals and dreams we have. One short term goal we have is to pay more to one debt we carry every month to pay off the debt quickly and not go into debt again. A long term goal we have is building our own retirement home complete with outlying guest houses.  The decisions we make today affect whether we will be able to make that dream a reality or not. Talking about these things and coming to an agreement on these things makes it easier to have a united front when it comes to the really tempting things you may want to buy today, but can't afford or don't really need.

Step 3 for an amount of time record every penny you spend. I say amount of time because you need to decide which is going to be easiest for you to organize. I do our budget monthly because paychecks come in on scheduled days, due dates of bills fall nicely within those paychecks boundaries, and our cash categories are easily divided between the paycheck days. Some people may find it easier to do this for a week if they get paid every week or by six months if that works. But you need to track every cent even if it is a cash purchase. This recording will come in handy as you start to be the director of your money instead of the actor for your money.

Step 4 write down every debt. These are debts you owe such as student loans, credit card balances, or personal debts you owe to maybe family members or friends. Make this list from the smallest amount owed to the largest amount owed. Also take note of monthly payments and interest rates. 

Step 5 create the budget. First write down all the bills you pay every month include your minimum payments on outstanding debts. Even if you pay more towards a debt only list the minimum payment at this point. Then the money left over needs to cover all those all expenses you have been tracking for the amount of time. Categories may include food, gas, eating out, viewing movies online, etc. The list is limitless.  Here's where the belt may need to be tightened in some areas. Here is where those priorities you have laid out for yourselves helps you to set up how much you would like to spend in different categories to achieve those goals you have set for yourself. There you have it you now have a plan. You can use this plan to direct your money instead of allowing your money to direct you.

Today

Today is the kind of day when putting together a lasagna took 25 minutes and most of my brain cells.

I literally cannot remember how many times the baby woke up last night, only that he ended up in my bed at 4:30 with me curled all around him so my husband wouldn't roll over too far.

I almost started this post with "Today is the kind of Monday..." It's Tuesday.

The toddler moved like a sloth this morning when I tried to take everyone to library storytime in 15° F weather.  Even though it's his favorite thing all week.  The baby got cold, which made him wake up, and didn't take a morning nap.

That's the truth of being a mom to multiple littles.  It isn't easy.  It isn't always fun.  Sometimes it is frustrating and emotionally taxing and you feel like you're quite bad at it.

I'm going to go tickle my toddler (who is up too early from his nap, mind you) and swallow my cold coffee and find the joy in being home with my kids.  There is always some to be found.  Usually in a giggle or a shared spitty cracker or a silly face or a new word.

Wishing you a joyful today, even if it's a hard one.

Gifts and Souvenirs for Minimalist Moms

... or people about whom you say, "They're hard to buy for!"

One word.  UPGRADE.

This has been my shopping philosophy for myself, anyway, since going all KonMari on my household.  Consider replacing something the recipient already has, but getting them a fancier/better quality item. This can be a little tricky if you don't know them well (it could come off as judgy) so be careful that what you're replacing is not an heirloom or favorite old battered item.

Examples?  Better oven mitts.  The kind that fit on either hand.

Fancy hand soap or hand cream

A high-quality spill-proof Thermos-like coffee cup

Longer charging cord for laptop, cell phone, etc.

A really lovely pan, or dutch oven

High quality knives

Two words. USEFUL SOUVENIRS

No, a keychain is not really useful.  It is clutter.  It might look cool, and the recipient might actually put it on his/her keys, but it is clutter non-the-less.

Examples?  Kitchenwares.  I have received and loved potholders from Hawaii, and a rolling pin from Disney World.

Clothing items, IF you know the recipient's style well enough.  (Chances are if they're a minimalist, they have a carefully cultivated wardrobe.  Perhaps loungewear pieces.)

Food items from that locale (fruit or coconut products from tropical vacations, sourdough from San Francisco, cherry preserves from Wisconsin, apple butter from Vermont...)

Three words: STUFF TO EAT

I love food gifts!  Trying to live simply also generally involves a budget (and you know we love a budget here on MCM!) so I don't usually splurge on "fancy" food items.  Homemade foods are often wonderful, as well.

Examples I have actually received:

Home-canned pickles

Local honey

Artisan bread

Jams/preserves

A ham

Good quality wine or spirits

"Fancy" soda