It’s no secret that I have a love/hate relationship with money.  I love spending it and hate being in debt.  These things don’t work well together–just ask the government of any state around.  There are two choices–make more or spend less or sadly in many cases you have to do both.  I am luck that we can spend less without the added pressure of earning more.

This month is coming to an end and for the first time in I don’t know how long–we have the exact amount of money in left in our account that we should.  I cannot believe it.  REALLY.  We went to a completely cash system this month for all things aside from gas–because really who wants to have to walk into the gas station when you can pay at the pump.  And we actually still have some of the cash left and money in the bank.  I am beside myself and you know what?  It was easy.

We didn’t eat out–we only went to the grocery store one time per week.  I didn’t go to Target (this might be key) except for pull-ups and dog food.  The biggest change though was thinking about not what I could spend but what I needed to buy.  I’m amazed.  Amazed.  I can’t believe it has taken me/us this long to figure out what we are doing in terms of our finances.  It’s a bit insane.

I know this is just our first month and we have a lifetime of months to make it happen this way, but a simple change makes a big difference.

I am happy.