Money..ah yes Money..

Ok, so here is the first post on Money.  Disclaimer: I have no idea how to handle money.  But I am trying.

End of post...nope..Lets learn together!!!

History:  I grew up with money...not a lot..but enough to never have to think about it.
Sounds good right?? Not...my Mom and Dad gave me everything...But may have forgotten to show me how to manage money.  Case in point: Me ( 20 years old, living on my own) Phone call to Mom" Hi Mom, so I kinda went shopping yesterday..got some really cute stuff, but now I don't have enough for rent.  Can you spot me some $$$?" Mom: Sure honey.  ( End scene)
Ok, I felt the love.  And I know that they just wanted to help, but....
Here I am. Married 14 years.  2 kids..and DEBT..
Yep, you read it right..DEBT
I know that most people me age ( 30 ish) have DEBT, but mine ( ours) is stupid DEBT.
Bad decisions DEBT.  Example: I know my Van is totally paid for, but man is that Lexus nice......LETS BUY IT!!!!  ugh...mentally kicking myself..
Hubby so sweet, can't say " No" to me ( yippee I guess??) So I made a decision.
NO MORE DEBT!!! NO MORE STUPID DECISIONS!!!  ( I know I know, but lets see)

Plan:  Step 1 Read Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover.daveramsey.com
  Man he is good!! Fav comment
" When you have DEBT one place you can save money is your grocery bill..I'll tell you what your grocery list will be ...BEANS AND RICE AND RICE AND BEANS!!! 

Step  2 Make a Budget and Stick to it!!
I make a weekly menu so I only buy what I need at the grocery store.  Did you know that 60% of your grocery bill can be made up of impulse purchases?? The grocery store spends tons of money trying to figure out how to make you spend yours!!! Lets out smart them!!

Step 3  Get your spouse on board!!!
This can be the hardest part!! My hubby hates the DEBT too, but sometimes getting him to see that
$500 at Costco is NOT IN OUR BUDGET!!!!  I am working on trying to get him to work with me on this...keep posted on my progress.  His spirit is strong, but his love of Costco may be stronger!!!

So I will post more on this topic ASAP, just wanted to send out a couple of things that work over here for us..

Good luck!!
Comment please!!!
Always
Jenn

Here is a pic of my weekly grocery list.  Sorry for the side pic...

So the idea is to only buy what you need. Remember 60% of your purchases are impulse buys.  They count on that!!! Never buy what is at the end of the isle "on sale" that is never the best deal!! Check out the bottom selves as they put the most expensive things "eye sight" Check out the flyers, do your research!! Out smart them!!! They spend TONS of money trying to out smart YOU!!