Freedom in the Restraints

As we move into fall, C and I have been reevaluating the ins and outs of our summer life and have come to the conclusion that reorganization is in order. After moving in May, starting a new job, getting used to a new budget and being "in between" paychecks for an extended period of time, we found ourselves throwing our former budget (and spending inhibitions) out the window for a season. We have been excitedly embracing our new part of the world, visiting the coffee shops, finding new places to eat, to enjoy night life, to shop. We had no idea what our finances would look like once we started getting paid and for a certain length of time, had no idea when that first paycheck would hit the bank. We borrowed on credit for the most part and I would pay off the bill on a weekly basis. But we were living very aware of our blissful carelessness.

This lifestyle completely destroyed my meticulous cash budget.

It hit me about a week ago that things needed to change. We are beginning to see the structure of our new finances and I found myself getting fretful over daily necessary expenses. I remembered somewhere way back in the recesses that we actually did used to enjoy living on a tight, cash-only budget. So last weekend I sat down with my calculator and drew up a plan. It would take a week and a half of cash budgetting (with a very tight budget) and we'd be back on track. We are perservering and as I somehow expected, I am beginning to feel absolutely free again. Once there is a blue print for where we are headed, a restraint to what we can and cannot afford, our perspective on our money is freed to become reasonable. I love knowing that we have a certain amount set aside for different facets in our lives. It makes spending so much more rewarding and absolutely free of guilt.

Freedom in restraints is found in so many areas of our lives...art, music, marriage, our faith. Once committed to a belief, a relationship, a canvas, we are set free to enjoy and discover all of the blessings and beauties within. Sounds like a funny way to describe the S family's new cash budget, but it's true! So here we are, just 5 more days to go and we've still got some money for the road. Date night tonight will be an in house affair, but who needs a fancy meal when there's Netflix and a $5 pizza?

Happy Weekend!