This has been a really hard month. Unexpected expenses & lots of travel have destroyed this months budget. The good news is my dd16 is gainfully employed. Today she is going into town w/ her best friend so they can "shop"... My dh says to me, lets give her the Nordstroms card (we had a budget review yesterday)- and I know we'll pay it off on payday. I'm like- uh, excuse me, but didn't we have a talk about not using the card (my sacred card that is rarely used & paid off immediately!)? And I really don't think that she should get acquainted with using a card instead of cash. He wanted to give her some money & the card on the promise that she would pay us back w/ her first paycheck. Somehow, between her paying her car insurance, gas, cell phone, and pop addiction- I just don't think she will have any money left. So we compromised on the cash part. My card is still in the drawer. HELP! Even though we do budget reviews and we have the YNAB spreadsheets, he still just doesn't get it. It's like there are always "unexpected" opportunities to spend money in his world.
Ok.... rant over... Heres to April and a new budget experience.

After starting off the month contemplating what a no spend day would look like.... That's all I did. In fact, it's like I went the complete opposite. After looking at the budget, and dropping $40 on gas today (over budget already), it's time I set it in writing. My goal for this month is 10 no spend days. And with each day of success, I will put $2 in my savings. Please pray for me to succeed.

Thanks to Maismom I was able to get the extra $25! I am really excited about starting it. Just knowing that I can put any rebate/coupon/leftover money into an account that isn't in my wallet really makes the whole idea of building a savings exciting. And if the "tax incentive" in May really happens, I now have a place to park it.

Would someone send me the ing invite? Thank you!

Ok, after reading here about YNAB, I sucked it up and bought the pro version. I spent the weekend figuring it out- still not there yet, but closer. It really enhances the budget I had on paper.
What I have learned so far, just from entering stuff on the register:
My debit card is lethal... The little trip to Home Depot & Target- which I just never really thought about putting ON PAPER- can mess up my budget.
I fritter cash... the kids ask for something (even if it's under $1), and those $ add up.
Gas prices are certainly rising... My budget for gas is woefully small. I will have to take money from savings to finish the month. Throw in a trip to the coast for DD 16th bd, and yeah, it's sunk!
I don't like seeing red... I hadn't realized how close to the edge we are. And because you all have shown me that it is possible to save even a small amount (the change adds up), I have decided that I will open an ING account. Today. If possible.