Provident living

After our trip to Boston, Tyler and I finally sat down and analyzed our budget.

Can I just say "Oh-Boy".

It makes your heart sink when you put what's coming in and what's leaving on paper.

It's definitely an eye opener.

I have been blessed with a sweet hubby who can put food on our table, who provides us with warm showers, AC and all our basic essentials.

Don't get me wrong, we are not rich by any means and struggle here and there.

But when we take a step back and look at others in third world countries and less fortunate it makes us that much grateful for what we've been given. 

Elder Robert D. Hales from the quorum of the twelve gave a talk on provident living found here. 

In it he states that provident living is "Joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies.  When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior's example to serve and bless others." 

Since our little one will be born in November, Tyler and I want to get better at our provident living and what better way to apply those principles than starting now?! 

SO THIS IS THE PLAN:

Envelopes!! We wrote down our budget, and what we can afford for groceries, entertainment, bills, etc... 

Then we took out that amount we had established in CASH, and put it in an envelope. It is super easy to just swipe our debit card and not think about it, but when you see the envelope shinkring you get a little more protective of what you spend your dollars on. 

It was such a coincidence because two days ago I was reading a blog and the lady on there had made her own little envelopes. 

Tutorial from Just imagine heaven. To make these fabulous envelopes click here.

I am making mine today because I was using just the bank envelope and those are not at all cute! 

I encourage all those who have not read Elder Hales talk to do so, and to try out the envelope idea. It is not easy, but it is worth it.

A friend wrote it beautifully when she said "When we live the way we can afford, life is better. You might not have everything you want, but you'll have everything you need".

I am so grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and so grateful for the principles that are taught to me. Those same principles which I hope to one day teach my children.