Thursday, February 26, 2009

Thrifty Thursday--The First Edition (Let's Talk Responsibility!)

Welcome to my very first Thrifty Thursday! It is time to reclaim our economic future and feel good about where we are going. I really hope we can share great ways to save money in the next coming weeks.

But let's be honest. All the best spending tips and amazing coupons in the world won't help our budget if we are not responsible.

The bible states all we have is given on loan by God. Are we using our finances in the best possible way? Are we taking the steps to protect our family's well-being and future? And most important how can we be more 'responsible' for our income?

My personal tip for the week is actually very simple. Tracking down every expense. Yes, getting a notebook and recording every single purchase/check/auto-pay. The idea for this comes from a man who started out pretty dang poor named John D. Rockefeller. Starting at a very young age, Rockefeller carried a little notebook with him everywhere he went and recorded every single purchase, no matter how small or large. He called it "Ledger A".

So my tip for everyone today is create your own "Ledger A". It can be on digital on your phone or on paper. Just make sure it is easy to take everywhere with you and permanent (so no, writing on your hand is not a good idea).

The beauty of "Ledger A" is discovered after a month or so. You can add up those little expenses and see just how little they really are (Starbucks fans--that includes you). "Ledger A" can also help create a more accurate budget for your family too. 

Oh and that poor little boy John who had a "Ledger A" grew up to be one of the richest men in history. Maybe "Ledger A" can help you reach your financial dreams too!

Now it's your turn. What keeps you responsible? Please leave a comment and a link to your blog if you plan to post on it. I am embarrassed to admit I cannot figure out Mister Linky without getting one of the plans and I would rather not do that. If anyone has a minute to help me on this, I'd appreciate ;)

4 comments:

Brian and Staci said...

I soooo wish I could help you figure out Mr. Linky :) But, remember who you are talking (or blogging) to :o Brian created a budget for us about 2 years ago...I enter every single thing into it every day and boy has it made a difference seeing where every dime of your money goes!!! It took a little getting used to..but now, I'm a whiz at it :) And I'm not a whiz at many things...so if I can do it people...SO CAN YOU!!! BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET!!! Write it down!

Amanda said...

As you say ~ it's the smaller items that we buy every single day that adds up to large amounts.
Ledger A is a good idea.
Thank-You!
l,
Amanda x

EatPlayLove said...

In January I wrote down every last penny. February fell off the wagon. March, back to business.

Sigh.

Anonymous said...

It was nice meeting you last night!
My husband is the budget-er in our family (thank God!!). We work with a zero budget so every dollar that comes in is assigned to something. Whether it's groceries or savings we know exactly where everything goes.