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Living on a budget......as debt free as possible!

It's that time of year again....an anniversary that I am thankful for....today it has been 4 years since #thedertings made the decision to live a debt free (as possible) lifestyle! 

 You have heard our story (a few times) by now.....I had a secret that cost over $30k and Brooks found it on this day 4 years ago!! If you haven't heard it.....click below 

3 years debt free.....


 I know this can be a personal and very touchy subject for most, but I like to share our experience with others that may be in the same situation or maybe trying to overcome and just need a little encouragement that YOU CAN DO IT........

 I can't stress enough how important it is to budget.....we budget every penny.....we have tweaked and adjusted a few things since last year.

 1) we save more each month than ever before 
2) we pay extra to the mortgage 
3) we joined Sams and purchase some things in bulk (juice boxes, yahoos, TP, paper towels)
4) we, kind of (oops), purchased PSLs to the panthers games (sorry, we splurged and got a good deal....looking at it as an investment property)
5) we still use the disney chase card for all purchases and pay it back daily....got us another day at disney last year!! 

 Here are the facts:
Weekly We.....
budget $100 for groceries....make a list and STICK to it, NOTHING extra, only what you NEED, I have been spending less than $100 usually around $60-$75, but the extra has been covering Sams every other week and the extra beyond that is a BONUS! 
budget $100 for gas....lots of savings here lately....fill up every Friday!!
budget $120 for allowances......$30 a piece every 2 weeks (maybe one day we can get a raise)!!
budget $50 for food for the week....this has increased as we usually go out one night and eat after church on Sundays...
budget $40 for pizza twice a month with a group of friends....we flip flop weeks....
budget to feed the squirrel....thats where the extra is stored for fun occasions...
budget for the bills....house, power, water, cable/phone/internet, cell phones, car, insurance, YMCA, Brit's sitter....we paid for dance for the year in August (you save a little by paying up front) and we budget when soccer money is due....

 I am not going to say it has been an easy ride and there were times when I was ready to give in, but then there comes a time when things become comfortable and you truly focus on what you NEED and not what you WANT! There are plenty of things I would still love to have, but you know my motto by now.....memories over things any day! Those things you "want" won't matter when the kids are grown, but those memories will last FOREVER!

 If you are on this journey or just starting out I encourage you to keep going...it is worth it, there is a sense of freedom along the way....

 Much Love as Always, Alysha 

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