Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The Budget Starts Today!

I have a new online friend named Christy who is a real sweetie-pie. She sent me an envelope of stamped images so I could try out the new Hot Rods from Bombshell Stamps. I thought that was super nice of her.

Here's the card I made, I was really intimidated about coloring a shiny surface but I think it turned out okay. Shannon is awesome about posting her images in color so you can see a suggestion of how to color yours.


Today we start our budget officially with envelopes and everything. We've been doing smart things for over a week but the big bad budget goes into play this morning. Wish me luck. So far I've cut over $350 dollars from our monthly expenses and "found" close to $300 more. It's four kinds of crazy to be able to find so much money in a week. We just hadn't been paying close enough attention.

For anyone else embarking on budgeting and economizing here is a list of low hanging fruit we started with:

*Check cell phone plan. DH was able to drop from 900 min. to 450 per month which saved us $30/month
* Scan bills for overcharges and call to correct them (We found over $200 in mistakes)
* Make sure you've submitted reimbursable work expenses.
* Cut non-essentials. Our list was embarrassingly long but none of it came all at once. HBO one month, Audible.com six months later, Netflix, Game Fish, craft kit clubs - seriously, it all adds up.
* Make sure your tires are full and aligned properly, oil is clean, fluids are topped off, brake pads are thick enough etc. With cars, prevention is key. We didn't notice a misalignment and now we have to replace our tires a mere eighteen months after purchase because of funky wear. That could have been avoided.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Great card. Thanks for sharing the saving tips. I seriously need to go on a budget!!

CathyR said...

Love the card.

We used to tease our friends about their envelope budgeting system, but it really works. Good luck with yours.

~*~Patty S said...

Welcome to Wednesday Stamper, glad you could play along. That is one cool ride you have there!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips! I need to have my card aligned!

Your card is HOT!!!! WAY HOT!

Steve & Joyce Rodli said...

Hi Niki, just dropped by to see ya and now I can wish you and your family a fun, fun budget filled time- yay!!! Happy happies. Joyce

Sandy said...

Wow this is absolutely cool.
This rock. Amazing work.

Rika said...

Great card!

Kathi said...

I love that card and am so impressed you tackled a can and recycled it into greatness.

Thanks for the tips. I need to examine the cell phone charges.

Here's my big money saving tip. I toss all my change into my bag. When it weighs it down, I put it into rice jars. When the jars are full, I turn it into cash that get to use for something fun. (Copics last time). I also just started doing that with single dollar bills. I'm putting 'em in a box for future "mad" money or to buy a special something that is not in the budget.

Christy said...

Thank you for the lovely comments! I'm glad I could share. You did an awesome job on the car! I was scared to color it too. Looks great!