new year...

we are going on a diet!

well, not like the "normal"grapefruit only diet, or juicing, or total "deprivation then binge"
we are going on a budget diet!  at our house, i am the keeper of the finances.  this means i keep track of everything, pay the bills, and make the day to day stuff work.  please keep in mind, it is a team effort beyond that :) 

over the years i have looked at all kinds of budget tools, spreadsheets, or systems to save more, or stretch more, or organize more.  none has ever really worked.  some i never even tried, they just didn't get the way our family runs, so not worth it.

this year during our time off from routine, i had time to blog read :)  and i stumbled across fun, cheap, or free!  she is speaking my language!  well, her budget ideas work nicely with what we want to do and they are simple!  ahhhhh  well, i decided to take this idea to hubby, he agreed if i thought it would make sense and make things easier for me :)  what a guy!  then i read more of her post along with this one, oops! 

what do i mean?  the national guideline for food budget was a little less then mine (savings number 1) and her other category?  well, the tip is to see what you spend (on certain "want" items) and cut it in HALF!  scary! (savings number 2)  but i'm still in...the current economy is scarier, so IN! 
been doing it a week now, and i admit that i am thinking twice about buying, not going out because i know i'll just spend $, and being creative.  i like where it is taking me so far!  and this month has 5 weeks, so i am doing a trial by fire!  (the monthly $ is split by the week...no extra for 5 week months)
what do you think?  do you try to "diet" with your money?  i will be posting more about this, lots to say.  happy to answer questions too!