Cash

Well, lately we've been bombarded with unexpected expenses. Of course, this is while we had large expenses that we were expecting.

We have been blessed enough to not have any debit other than my school loan and our home loan. And even with these unexpected expenses, we still only have those two loans.

I'm not complaining. By any means.

I have gotten frustrated lately because it seems that no matter how much we cut back, we just can't get ahead. And it hasn't always been like this. Until about 3 months ago, we were able to do what we wanted to, for the most part. We were able to spend $100 a week on groceries, plus eat out at least 1 time a week, plus buy things here and there, and pay our bills. We knew were were so blessed to do all this on one income. Although we still weren't living how we wanted to, we were happy with all of this and that we were able to put into our savings, too.

*Also, we are able to pay our tithes every week. Which I think is an awesome way to show God that we trust Him. We know from past experience that it is easy to keep that 10% because you can think of somewhere else it should go. Not your choice. God commands it. Do it. Don't complain. -- and since we do this, I truly believe that is why God has blessed us so much in our finances... as tight as they may be.*

Now, we spend $30 or less a week on groceries. We don't eat out. We don't eat the best food at home, either. Our once overly stocked pantry is now almost empty from us choosing to eat what we have and not buying more.

To a point, I'm grateful. Even though I'm frustrated. I'm grateful that we are going through this now -- and not when we have 4 kids or something. We are still able to provide for our daughter, which makes everything worth it.

Today I read this post and it got me thinking about this couple, who has followed Dave Ramesy's Financial Peace University to pay off their debt and are now living on a cash-only basis.

I feel challenged.

Even though I know that walking out of the grocery store with under $30 in goods is a sign that we are sacrificing to stay ahead of debt, it is also a sign that we are sacrificing for our future.

I've tried switching to a cash-only system before. But I felt overwhelmed. How do I know how much money to put into what category? Do I do this to the penny? Do I over-estimate?

So, I'm going to be doing my research. I'm going to go through FPU with Brandon. We're going to figure this out so that next year isn't like this. There is no reason for it. We just need to buckle down and do it.