Dear Friends and Family,
After a miserly three days of parks and playgrounds, we're caught up! So, for the first time in what feels like a long time we have some wiggle room in our budget. I know three days doesn't feel like a long time. But, last week was tight as well. I think I've recognized the pattern where we get into trouble. Our budget is generous, but it's not open-ended. So, as long as we plan out our spending, we should be fine. I think we get into trouble on the "big" days when we have multiple large expenditures all in a row. So, we can't prune our tree, pay the electric bill, get house cleaning, and apply for a new passport all on the same day. We can do all of those things, but it needs to be spread over four days. Yep, then we're in better shape.
So, today, Mr. mouse can have a little bit of money for a work outing and P can get ice cream at the museum. It's not living large, but it is the difference a little wiggle room can make. The rest we'll save for our upcoming vacation.
What have I learned from this budget?
Well, there's the simple awareness of how much little charges can add up, parking, Starbucks, ice cream, etc. There's a much greater appreciation of how quickly the big things can add up. It seems like there's always something. But, I'd say the best learning is how enjoyable life can still be even if we're being economical. We have fun at the parks and museums. We have fun at home. Eating in is fine even if eating out is easy. I'm glad we're teaching P that our happiness is not tied to money. I've always said that a certain amount of money makes life easier, but at some point more money does not equal more happiness. And, this budget has reminded me of that and hopefully introduced P to that concept.
Cheers!
mouse
After a miserly three days of parks and playgrounds, we're caught up! So, for the first time in what feels like a long time we have some wiggle room in our budget. I know three days doesn't feel like a long time. But, last week was tight as well. I think I've recognized the pattern where we get into trouble. Our budget is generous, but it's not open-ended. So, as long as we plan out our spending, we should be fine. I think we get into trouble on the "big" days when we have multiple large expenditures all in a row. So, we can't prune our tree, pay the electric bill, get house cleaning, and apply for a new passport all on the same day. We can do all of those things, but it needs to be spread over four days. Yep, then we're in better shape.
So, today, Mr. mouse can have a little bit of money for a work outing and P can get ice cream at the museum. It's not living large, but it is the difference a little wiggle room can make. The rest we'll save for our upcoming vacation.
What have I learned from this budget?
Well, there's the simple awareness of how much little charges can add up, parking, Starbucks, ice cream, etc. There's a much greater appreciation of how quickly the big things can add up. It seems like there's always something. But, I'd say the best learning is how enjoyable life can still be even if we're being economical. We have fun at the parks and museums. We have fun at home. Eating in is fine even if eating out is easy. I'm glad we're teaching P that our happiness is not tied to money. I've always said that a certain amount of money makes life easier, but at some point more money does not equal more happiness. And, this budget has reminded me of that and hopefully introduced P to that concept.
Cheers!
mouse
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