Thrifty Mommy » video

Dave Ramsey on Zero-Based Budgeting

Karen Weideman — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:05:58 +0000

Yesterday I told you about Dave Ramsey’s envelope system which helps budget your money so that you don’t overspend. I’ve been thinking more about budgets and realize this is a subject that needs to be addressed and it’s also an area in which I need improvement.

A study of Harvard graduates showed that those with with written goals achieve more than others. Some words from Dave Ramsey:

Your budget is a written goal for your money. People who win at anything have written goals. Goals are what you are aiming at. Your money won’t behave unless you tame it. You need to have a budget for every month. Spend every dollar on paper before the month begins. Give every dollar of your income a name before the month begins. This is called zero-based budgeting. Income-outgo=exactly zero. Match up every income dollar until you have given it an outgo name (this includes savings).

We have learned the importance of saving for rainy days and having an emergency fund. We are trying to live a debt free life, even with two house payments. (Yes, it still hasn’t sold!)

How is your budget?

image from daveramsey.com

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Using an Envelope System for Budgeting

Karen Weideman — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:34:54 +0000

As I’ve mentioned before, my husband and I have attended Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University classes at our church. These classes were very beneficial to our finances, as well as our marriage. Finally, we were on the same page financially and were both working toward paying off debt and saving.

One of Dave Ramsey’s tips for budgeting is to use an envelope system. You simply make an envelope for every area spending which can include: groceries, gas, childcare, entertainment/eating out, clothing, and more. The envelope system is a great way to keep you from spending more than you had allotted. It may take a few pay periods to find the right amount for each category.

No Credit Needed has posted a great envelope tutorial on youtube. Check it out.

Are any of you using the envelope system?

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Do You Have a High Water Bill?

Karen Weideman — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:59:27 +0000

I received this in a email and I was sure you all would like to see it too.

*******************

Jennifer and Jim kept getting huge water bills. They knew beyond a doubt that the bills weren’t representative of their actual usage, and no matter how they tried to conserve, the high bills continued.

Although they could see nothing wrong, they had everything checked for leaks or problems: first the water meter, then outdoor pipes, indoor pipes, underground pipes, faucets, toilets, washer, ice maker, etc. — all to no avail.

One day Jim was sick and stayed home in bed, but kept hearing water running downstairs. He finally tore himself from his sick bed to investigate, and stumbled onto the cause of such high water bills.

Apparently this was happening all day long when they were not at home. Knowing that few would believe him, he taped a segment of the ‘problem’ for posterity.

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How To Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar

Karen Weideman — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:36:55 +0000

Here’s another use for vinegar that we can add to the list.

How To Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar

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God Bless the USA

Karen Weideman — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:31:09 +0000

I’m so thankful for all of the men and women that have fought to keep us free.

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Karen Weideman — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:15:55 +0000

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there. Here’s a little something that I hope makes you smile.

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Happy Anniversary, Honey!

Karen Weideman — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:47:37 +0000

Today my hubby and I have been married for 14 years. Yep, really, 14 years! The bad thing about telling people how long you’ve been married is that they usually look at you funny and then you can see them figuring your age in their head. When I see them figuring my age, I just tell them I got married at 15. hahaha

Here’s a picture of us on our wedding day. My, aren’t we young?

And this picture was taken just a few months ago. We’re a little plumper now.

Anyway, I wanted to let my hubby know how much I love and appreciate him. He’s “Still the One” for me.

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Seatbelts Save Lives

Karen Weideman — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 02:00:34 +0000

My friend Nancy sent me a link today about carseats and seat belts. It was a very moving and emotional video and I think you should take a look at it too.

When my first child was born my husband and I bought the Cosco Alpha Omega Elite carseat. The weight limit is 80 lbs. The carseat was $150, which seemed like a lot, but we agreed it was a thrifty buy for the amount of use it would receive. We decided we could save money in the long run by not having to buy multiple carseats.

We have both of our children in the Cosco Alpha Omega Elite carseats now. The carseats can be used front and rear facing. This carseat also had a very high Consumer Reports rating.

There is also a Britax carseat that goes up to 80 lbs. As to my knowledge, there are not many 5 point harness carseats that can be used for this weight.

Please take a look at the video. This information could save your child’s life.

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