tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105691590666410911.post8870897917041360983..comments2023-08-07T05:47:29.434-07:00Comments on Mayhem In The Motherhood: Where did the time go?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105691590666410911.post-3756509723078053482010-07-26T19:00:48.616-07:002010-07-26T19:00:48.616-07:00First- 11 kids??!!? Good for you and God bless yo...First- 11 kids??!!? Good for you and God bless you both! :) We have a budget set out, on an Excel sheet with what you've said above (i.e., exact amounts for the regular bills and estimates for fluctuating bills.) I, too, believe in homemade gifts and limiting spending at the holidays/birthdays - my husband isn't of the same mind, however, especially when it comes to the holidays. I think the cash only diet will make the most significant difference. I will, of course, report back with my "findings." Thanks for the advice! I appreciate your thoughts. I'm anxious to get started on the envelopes!Vivianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18286975150377774880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105691590666410911.post-87379936015146186222010-07-26T14:42:51.955-07:002010-07-26T14:42:51.955-07:00For years my husband and I lived 'cash only...For years my husband and I lived 'cash only'. It was a great tool in teaching us financial discipline. I had a recipe box with envelopes in it. The envelopes were marked in the top corner for: donations, food, water bill, electricity, house payment etc. One envelope for each bill. <br /><br />When my husband got paid he took his check straight to the bank and cashed it in the bill amounts I had previously determined. (This many $1.00 bills, This many $5.00 bills and so on) That way, when he came home I had the right change for each envelope. <br /><br />I also had a budget worked out on paper that helped tremendously. Knowing where the money was going on a pre-determined budget for the bills that were regular and allotting an estimate for those that changed each month helped me see ahead of time where the money was going. This worked very well. <br /><br />At Christmas and for birthdays, we decided everything had to be homemade from what was on hand or we set a small budget of just 5.00 per person. These gifts from my husband and kids are my most memorable.<br /><br />My favorite dates still are the ones where we lock ourselves in our bedroom with a hamburger and a movie! With 11 kids it was vital to lock the door :)<br /><br />Hope this is helpful, email if you want more info.<br /><br />Thanks, Becky Jane<br />Raising kids can be a lot like weeding the rose bed...well worth it, but...OUCH!<br />http://myelevenreasons.blogspot.com/ <br />myelevenreasons@gmail.comBecky Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02838039117495392777noreply@blogger.com