Excess even within "7"

So, here's what I've decided.  Excess can happen even within the parameters of "7".  Honestly, I can find things I do not need at Walmart.  We can plan more road trips and spend more on fuel.

Here's where I've landed with this month.  I didn't take into consideration the spending habits we already had in place and how just because I may limit the number of places I spend money doesn't get to the real issues I have with money and spending.

Another thing I didn't take into consideration is that we already watch where every dollar is spent.  I daily view our checking account, do a cash flow assessment, and make sure we are on target.  Each paycheck is dived out and most of the money is spoken for before the money is spent.  For example, on my list this month is an oil change for each car and new tires for the  Corolla.  Is that excess because it doesn't fall within the parameters of what I set out for "7"?  Well, technically, you could say so.  But the reality in my world is that safety for our family and being a good steward of the vehicle we have is more important than sticking to the "7" parameters I set out at the beginning of the month.  

The question remains just what I'm going to do with the remainder of spending month with "7".  Do I keep going, feeling like I'm breaking rules when I spend money on tires because they weren't in my parameters?  Or, do I look at the areas where there truly is excess (convenience spending) and take the money normally spent on convenience and donate it to someone who needs it?  Do I look at my cash flow each day, and determine where there is more wiggle room than I really need and purchase food for the church food bank, clothes for the clothing drive for kids in town, a grocery store gift card for a friend truly living on each penny to feed a family?

If I'm honest, the heart of this issue isn't that we are unaware of where we spend money, live frivolously, or the sheer number of vendors who get our money. In truth I'm more apt to NOT spend money and hoard it for my family, keep it for a rainy day, because you never know what tomorrow might bring. The heart issue is that I often put my trust more in my good spending habits and our ability to earn money than I do in the God who has given us these abilities and provided for us every day, even when we are unaware of His goodness.  

So, I will continue to budget, meal plan, price match, limit the convenience spending.  But I will also pray for God to open my fist, release the money He has entrusted to me, and give more freely to those around me.

Month 4 of "7": Spending

It is hard to believe that we are entering our fourth month of 7: an experimental mutiny against excess, by Jen Hatmaker.  Some months have been easier than others, but they all have helped us to think beyond our daily routine and consider what things God might want to show us about how we live in each of these areas.  Each month, I have realized just how much excess we have, even when we feel like we live very simply.

This month on spending will be the same, I'm sure.  I look at our lives and I don't feel live we spend to excess.  We live within our means.  We have no debt.  Our cars are paid for.  We rarely eat out.   We shop clearance, off season, and thrift stores for clothes.  But, let's consider all the areas we DO spend money that we might not think about.  I did a quick survey of places not for fuel or groceries in the last month.  Here's what I found.

• Redbox (how we love our $1 rentals)
• The sweet tea I took my hubby for a treat yesterday.  I bought it at the convenience store. 
• Hair cuts
• Wendy's chili because I forgot lunch....again!
• Eileen Cookies for a junior high volley ball team
• Ice cream treat after a football game on a hot Sunday afternoon
• I-tunes
• Christian bookstore for a new Bible Study
• Office Max for binders for a new project
• Car wash to get the bugs off

And that's just in the last month. What about the last year?  Can anyone else relate?  I feel like we do pretty good because we don't over indulge in any big items.  But the reality is we nickle and dime ourselves every month with piddly little expenses.

So this next month we will take a closer look and where we spend our money and why.  We will limit our spending to seven areas.  And I can tell you, the list of ten above will not be on that list.  Here's where we will spend our money.

1. Fuel
2. Walmart
3. Weekend with the Kids 
4. Online Bill Pay
5. Emergency Medical
6. Baby Room Fund
7. Limited Date night

So, for those of you who haven't heard, you may have picked up on #6.  Yes, we will be welcoming a new baby in April of next year.  That being said, I am on the lookout at garage sales and craigslist for items for the baby room.  So, if I come across a good deal this month, I don't want to miss out.  Also, my ever increasing belly is going to require some form of maternity clothes before too long.  I may have to start looking into that this month as well.  

As for the others on the list, let me explain.  First, I chose Walmart because they ad-match.  And since we are focusing on spending, I felt it frugal to get the best deal possible.  As for the Weekend with the Kids, our time with Madi & Abe is so precious.  I wanted Titus to be able to plan a fun experience with them when they are here.  We will still process through whatever we do to make it as economical and fit within these guidelines as we can.  Finally, I put a limited date night on there as well.  It is a rare occasion that Titus and I are able to share an evening out, and when we do, it is usually half-price appetizers at Applebees or the $1 theater.  I don't want to squelch my husbands spontaneous date nights when we do find the time to do something.  

So, with that said - here we go!  Starting Sunday, this will be our guideline for the next month.