Stress and Debt: Friends from Birth

I consider myself a "Cockeyed Optimist." And believe me, owing a lot of money can put a real damper on even my higher-than-most spirits. But we have simple philosophies we use to stay positive and still enjoy life, even on a tight budget.

1. Budget blow money. This is teaching of Dave Ramsey (see post here), and it's a truly important step for faithfully sticking to the budget. B and I plan what may seem like a low monthly amount, but after it's gone, it's gone. We also find that if the money isn't there, we're not going to spend it.   Our system is that every month we pull out our blow money in cash. When the cash is gone, you have to wait til next month. Our blow money usually goes towards eating out, gifts for family birthdays/holidays, going to the movies, purchasing clothes, craft projects, etc. But it doesn't make us feel like we're limited to only spending on necessities, so we're still able to have fun.

2. Frame written goals. I've made an 8x10 printout of our written goals. It's framed and it's displayed so we see it EVERY day. Having a plan is more comforting than I can say, and it really helps to keep the goals fresh and in front of us so we never lose sight of the end. 


3. Financial reading material. While B prefers to follow news updates, I follow financial posts. Between personal finance and coupon blogs and websites, I am constantly tuned in to new ways to save, tips on budgeting, lightning deals, and inspirational stories to keep us on target to achieve our goals.

But, though we have to keep on top of our goals, we still want to live out happy lives, and not just sit in a cave until we conquer Everest. 

“You're incredibly focused, consistently on point, and relentlessly efficient. Your life is dialed in.   Your life is also really, really boring.”    - Jeff Haden

4. Play video games. I, personally, was not into video games until this year. It just took finding the right kind to get me into it. But we find that video games offer hours and hours of entertainment, give us an activity to do together to spend quality time, and really aren't that expensive. Most of the ones we like you can find for $15 or less, which comes out of our blow budget. Playing games really channels your inner-child and it's just FUN. And it keeps us from going out and spending money elsewhere.

 
5. Little One and Little Two. B and I love kids. We don't have any, and we're going to be waiting a long time before we discuss having "pitter-patter" enter our lives. But B has a lovely sister, who has 2 lovely children we love to death. For our purposes, I shall call them Little One and Little Two. Little One is a 2-year-old towhead whose favorite words are "no," "Mickey," and "ball pit." His baby sister, Little Two, is almost 6 months, rules the world with her smile, and knows it. 

 
Playing with the kiddos essentially performs the same functions as #4 above: Stress release, cheap, channels inner-child, keeps us from spending money other places. And gives us bonding time with our two favorite Littles. 

 
6. Plan Your Dates. Okay, three things we know: B and I are newlyweds, in our 20s, and live on a tight budget. But we still have to go out and do things. There are plenty of free options that at least get us out of the house: a walk in a park, visiting local family and friends, game nights, etc. are all good [spending-free] options. We also sometimes turn our errands into "outings" to be together, not on the couch.
For other cheap options, we like to:

- Go dancing (usually about $5/person)
- Go to the movies (the local dollar theater admission is $2/person, or we find tickets on Groupon)
- Mini golf (usually pretty cheap as it is, but you can find deals, too!) Or there's bowling, laser tag...
- Eating Out (if we have a coupon or gift certificate). Usually, Steak N Shake is our go-to because it has the price of fast food with the service that makes us feel like we're at a nicer restaurant. AND they always always have coupons.

 
If you plan ahead what you'll be doing, you can take advantage of sales, coupons, and limited events (like a dance party or local festival) and set a spending limit for your dates. But it's nice to get out, spend a little of our blow money, and do something for just the two of us to remind ourselves that yeah we're in debt, but we're in it together and we can have fun!