Earlier this month, I wrote that our budget is at the top of my mind for 2017. I've hinted at a few things we are focusing on, but I wanted to put them all in one place...so...
The commitments we're making in order to boost what we can get out of our budget are:
-New clothes = make.
-No new furniture. We have what we need for now. (This has taken time with overseas moves.)
-Replacements only. We have what we need.
-Send monthly budget savings off to the mortgage. It will feel at least as good as getting something new...and we'll remember it longer.
-Enjoy it all. :)
I intend to keep our budget at the top of my mind by writing down each and every purchase. I budget by the month, so whatever is left over at the end of the month (hopefully there is something left over) goes toward the mortgage.
I feel like making this a commitment for one year feels doable + not like a life sentence. We will probably do some iteration of this again next year (because our mortgage will still be there), but maybe it will involve different guidelines.
Perspective is everything, so I plan to see luxury in the healthy food we eat, in our cozy home, in the ability to drive around our amazing city, in cello lessons, in hugs from my tribe, in walks under tall trees, in smoothies from my blender, in running water, in our garden, in the farmer's market, in education, in the abundant selection at the library, in the cool breeze, in my closet, in having a washer + dryer, in sunbeams, in fabric running through my sewing machine, in our health, in my mattress + comforter, and periodically in a double scoop of matcha ice-cream in a waffle cone. :)
Love,
Jane
The commitments we're making in order to boost what we can get out of our budget are:
-New clothes = make.
-No new furniture. We have what we need for now. (This has taken time with overseas moves.)
-Replacements only. We have what we need.
-Send monthly budget savings off to the mortgage. It will feel at least as good as getting something new...and we'll remember it longer.
-Enjoy it all. :)
I intend to keep our budget at the top of my mind by writing down each and every purchase. I budget by the month, so whatever is left over at the end of the month (hopefully there is something left over) goes toward the mortgage.
I feel like making this a commitment for one year feels doable + not like a life sentence. We will probably do some iteration of this again next year (because our mortgage will still be there), but maybe it will involve different guidelines.
Perspective is everything, so I plan to see luxury in the healthy food we eat, in our cozy home, in the ability to drive around our amazing city, in cello lessons, in hugs from my tribe, in walks under tall trees, in smoothies from my blender, in running water, in our garden, in the farmer's market, in education, in the abundant selection at the library, in the cool breeze, in my closet, in having a washer + dryer, in sunbeams, in fabric running through my sewing machine, in our health, in my mattress + comforter, and periodically in a double scoop of matcha ice-cream in a waffle cone. :)
Love,
Jane
