Are we the only ones with a budget??

I was pondering today about Chris and my current situation and just thinking about how we got so lucky to be where we are right now, and how we are just so blessed to both have steady income and own our own home and just sooooo grateful to be able to pay our bills every month! And I was wondering...How did things just click with us right from the beginning?? I mean we both were unemployed the first year of our marriage and you'd think that would have put a damper on things right? We made it through though Chris was able to get a great job and so was I. I CAN'T believe it! ( no really) I'm in shock and awe at our blessings and I don't take any of it for granted. I do know though that life can change in an INSTANT, and I REALLY REALLY want to be prepared for hardships and misfortunes, but how do I get started? I have been saving a great deal in my 401k at work and we have a set amount that we throw into savings monthly, but is that enough? Compared to many families we are not rich by any means, but I do know "anybody can save" even if its the smallest amount it adds up. Basically I'm writing this blog for advice. Chris and I already have a budget that my dad helped us put together when we were first married and its proven extremely affective, but I will take any advice I can get. We are trying to stop bad habits and tightening our belts a lot so we can prepare for the future. Even if you can just give me some cheap meal ideas that are quick and easy it would help sooo- much! (I don't get home until 7:30 pm and Chris & I are both on the run with school, so we tend to eat out more than we should) Do any of you have budget spreadsheets that you find have saved your lives?? Or do you have tricks to grocery shopping that you would like to share? I know we are on the right track, but also I know there is always room for improvement. Also, how does your family justify spending money like on decorating your home or clothes for work or play? Do you have set amounts that you can spend on a certain area or do you save for things like repairs and maintenance on your car or home? I know everyone is trying to become more frugal these days and I'd like to know what you do so I can help make our budget better :) Love you all!

<3 Brittany

Making Me Better for ME!

It is a waste of time and energy to worry about what others are thinking about you. because... You can never know exactly what another person is thinking...AND, the worst part is...they are usually not thinking about you at all. They are too busy worrying about what others are thinking about them. So, the truth is, all those terrible thoughts you thought they might be thinking about you, are your own thoughts about yourself. Better spend your energy worrying about that...or, you just might convince somebody to think what you were afraid they might be thinking after all. ~Portia Nelson