Comments on: The Budget Pow Wow: An Evolution

By: Kristin

Kristin — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:37:06 +0000

I use online bill pay so all of my bills are paid automatically - even the ones that fluctuate, I just set the payment for the typical amount. It has really taken a huge, stressful burden off of our marriage - we’re no longer stressing about paying bills. The bills just get paid this way (on time, even!). Then we budget it money for a monthly date night - a standing date. I works wonders. Since I work with FNBO Direct, I’m pretty excited about the Pay Yourself First Challenge, and I think you’ll like it too. Check it out: http://www.pyfchallenge.com/

By: Carmen

Carmen — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:40:21 +0000

I really enjoyed this post. I have never read this blog before. I have been using the YNAB software for three months and it has really helped my husband and myself to see where our money goes. We always have felt we are very frugal, but we could never see where the money was actually going. This software has made it very easy to keep track of everything.

One of your suggestions–the one about having your own “fun funds”–is very sound advice. We have had personal “allowances” in our budget for many years. It has fluctuated (we actually used to get nearly twice as much as we get now, but I convinced my husband that we didn’t need that much fun money!), but it is enough that we can either spend it on lunch with friends or silly entertainments (magazines, sodas while out running errands, special treats or indulgences) or save for something larger. For example, I actually saved for a year and bought myself an i-Pod! My husband couldn’t believe I was that patient, but it was worth it for me. Whatever we do with it is our own business and it has allowed us to avoid petty annoyances and disagreements.

I really enjoy your blog and the YNAB approach to money and life. Glad I found both.

Sincerely,
Carmen

By: Amber

Amber — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:26:51 +0000

My husband and I have had fun funds as well, and it was a wonderful thing to do. Last summer we mutually decided to give it up when we knew we were going to be in a rough financial time for awhile, and we both miss it a lot. Like you said, having a little bit of money that you can spend without having to explain it or try to show how worthwhile to the other person is really a nice thing. We’re hoping things will ease up a bit later this summer and we’ll be able to bring the fun funds back to at least a limited extent.

I think it is great to see that at least one other couple is doing this too and that it has proved helpful!

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:44:09 +0000

My fiancé and I have been reading a book together called: Debt - Proof Your Marriage, by Mary Hunt. This latest blog entry and afore mentioned book say the same thing.

Thanks for sharing a personal example of working together to create and use a budget. Mary calls a budget a “spending plan”.

Bruce