Budget - 4 Weeks In!

So my husband and I started our budget 'competition' on Monday, January 4th!  Basically the concept was that we cut out all excess spending and whoever did the best would get an extra $50 (2-week cycles)!  So far, I've won BOTH times!  Most people who know me would be shocked that I have cracked down so hard, to the point that my husband described me as 'militant' about the budget!  lol

For the first week, I cut down my spending on things like eating out for breakfast and lunch.  I utilize coupons to do this though, so I don't want to imply I never have a meal out.  I just am extremely careful!  That week I spent a whopping $1.94 on those meals.

For the following 3 weeks, I have managed to not spend a single penny on eating out for breakfast or lunch (during the work week M-F).  As an Executive Assistant, I have am often tasked with ordering catering for meetings.  As a perk, I always get to order myself something.  I want to make sure to stipulate that my boss is 100% aware that I include myself in the order!!!

Another thing that has been very helpful to me was differentiating a like/want versus a need and love!  When I started to put in perspective that by constantly indulging in to my likes and wants, I was actually keeping myself from achieving my loves.  That's a pretty bitter pill to swallow!  I was my own worst enemy!

My husband and I have many goals... we have debt to pay off, we have 3 children to put through college, retirement to plan for, vacations and travel, etc.  Our journey together will be so much richer by slowing down the indulgences so we can focus on our loves and passions!