Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jason_V 
I've been on a massive "budget" spree the last year or so. I have an entire spreadsheet workbook with budget pages for every paycheck, including what bills need to be paid from which paycheck. With the economy doing what it's doing and my intent to buy a house/condo in a few months, it seemed like a good idea at the time and I think it's still a great idea. I created very aggressive money goals before 2012 started for my IRA's, HSA and savings. I know for sure I won't hit the savings goal-I had some car problems last week which are gonna cost a bit. But I have the cash for them.
Some co-workers make fun of me because I get excited at the end of the month when I check my balances and import them into the workbook to see where my overall assets are compared to last month. May 2012 isn't gonna look too good, I think, but that's expected.
(I have three credit cards which are paid off in full with every paycheck. One is a gas card, another is a backup to the emergency backup and hardly ever used and the third is strictly for travel-like October's HTF National Meet.)
Out are daily Starbucks trips, random movie shopping and all that other stuff I used to do. I still get one iced coffee a week and one Slurpee a week (Friday)... So to answer the question: yes, my behavior has changed. It was time for me to grow up (and I'm tired of paying rent on something I don't own).
Good for you Jason.
My wife and I are starting to crack down on the budget here too, identifying where money is going and cutting out things that aren't needed. For several years we have been charging all our expenses to a rewards CC every month and then paying it off monthly to not carry a balance.
We are also trying to be a bit more prepared for unexpected things: building up savings in case of financial hardship, having some basic emergency supplies on hand in case of a natural disaster since we live in earthquake/volcano country. Its a real eyeopener how much things shutdown here with just a few inches of snow on the ground; God help us if there is a major earthquake. (Note: not a prepper, don't think the world will end in 2012, just taking a common sense approach as recommend by CDC). Verifying we have adequate insurance, getting a will drawn up, and things organized. In short like Jason said, growing up.
We have over the past year bought and learned how to use firearms for protection at home. Although we are close to civilization, we are hidden off the main path and there have been too many burglaries in our area lately where people high on meth decide to pay homeowners a visit by kicking in doors. I thought it would be a tough sell at home but it really wasn't thanks to the high number of cases where local homeowners have defended themselves with them lately. She seems to feel a bit safer knowing she has access to it if she needs to protect herself or the kids.
I think the economy has changed our parenting a bit. We are fortunate that we can give our kids pretty much whatever they need or want (its easy when they are six). They aren't spoiled, but we are cutting back on "stuff", staring to try to teach them the value of a buck, and working hard to be able to earn something. Making them get their hands dirty to help out around the house and yard, and giving them small chores. Explaining how things they take for granted around the house cost money: water, electricity, garbage service, etc and learning the importance of non material things.
I got on the Wii Fit the minute I got home tonight. Prolly worked off one Tater Tot from Lunchbox Laboratory...
