We're Playing Pretend for a While

After working through the budget last weekend, and thinking about our rapidly approaching Hayley Home purchase and Kelly's upcoming ministry trip, we've decided to live very close to the (budget) vest for a while.

The goal: Pay for all needed and desired home improvements, and new furniture, out of cash flow. Contribute as much as we can out of our own resources to Kelly's trip.

The starting point: We have a significant cash balance sitting in savings, allocated to home repair and furniture purchases. But we want to pad that amount. While we know that we have enough for our needs, we'd like to go for more of what we want now while retailers are eager to cut deals.

The plan: Cut back in all possible budget categories, from eating out to dining to entertainment.

The method: Pretend we are the cash-poor newlywed Hayleys! Lots of home cooking instead of dining out. Going to the gym, for walks, watching Netflix movies and reading books for entertainment.

We know it's doable and, with the right attitude, nearly anything can be fun!