intention :: budget

OK budget, time for a little bit more intention. I've been tuned in to tracking each + every purchase in each and every category. I've been making sure that we don't spend more than we earn. We've made sure that we don't use credit cards and that we buy within our means (even when that means a $700 car). Our budget doesn't feel like it has much wiggle room, but I'm determined to get a little more out of it...out of myself where it is concerned.

I've been reading some money books + it's sort of like diet books...we already know what it really takes...spending less than we earn + saving some of it. The trouble comes in with expectations + comparison + patience + restraint + values. This is where I plan on taking myself up a notch or three.

My values involve living simply + well (as determined by circumstances + Mr. Tribe + me).
I expect our income to provide our family of four with a home, food, clothing, transportation, education, + generosity.
I aspire to compare myself only to what I believe God asks of me.
I want to have the patience to wait for extras.
I want the restraint to know + be content with "enough".

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll dive a bit deeper into what this means for our family + what specific commitments I'm (fearfully) making. Eek. Here we go.

Love,
Jane