Dirty Word...BUDGET

How do you budget? Isn't it crazy how the word budget never comes up in small talk. We either all avoid it or prefer not to discuss it. Why is that? I think we should all discuss it more often by sharing tips, teaching our children and making it a topic that is not off limits. A Budget can equal more freedom! I like the sound of that! 

Ever since having our baby, and becoming a stay-at-home mom, I realize how important a real budget is.  I don't mean checking your account online and making sure you have sufficient funds. I am talking about an actual budget wherein you face what's coming in and what's going out.  Especially if we want to be able to take weekend trips and vacations or splurge on something, or have a savings for that matter. I know I do! Therefore, I did my research and I opted to go with Dave Ramsey's envelope system.

In using the envelope system, I believe allocating a specific cash amount to items like groceries, eating out and entertainment will help tremendously. This is going to take time and diligence to come up with a budget and stick to it, but I am actually excited to get started in hopes that budgeting will get us organized and able to accommodate vacations and emergencies. 

I have allocated a specific amount to six envelopes per month (i.e. groceries, Luna, eating out, entertainment, etc.), and taken into account the total amount going towards our monthly bills. At the beginning of the month, we will take out what is needed to distribute into our envelopes, and we must stick to it! I think you all get the idea without me going into specifics. What do you all think?

I would love to hear about your family budget or if you even have one in place or maybe you are thinking of starting one.