For the past few months, I have been diligently managing our finances on paper. It gave me a basic understanding of our income, bills, and debts, but I struggled to keep track of our day-to-day spending. Then, a sudden financial setback hit us hard: my husband received a paycheck that was half of what we… Continue reading The Budget, Take 2 – with free budget spreadsheet template!
Category: Debt
How much do we owe?
A lot. The End. Seriously, looking at the numbers makes my stomach sink and my heartbeat at a dizzying pace. But the only way to finish is to start. Focusing on the Income first - let's think positively. Last month our income was ZERO. My husband was out of work for medical reasons for the entire… Continue reading How much do we owe?
The Budget
The dreaded word. Budget. Dreaded but necessary. If you don't know what you earn, what you spend, and how that all fits together, you will continue downward into the pit of despair. I know what you are thinking - "But I know how to budget!" - if you are reading this, then no, you don't.… Continue reading The Budget
The Realization
The last few years have been financially stressful, but we always seemed able to pay the bills. Nothing was left over, but we got by. Last month, that changed. My husband was unexpectedly out of work for a month; he went out on short-term disability. Short-term disability was supposed to continue to pay at least… Continue reading The Realization
Rise to Calm 