Budget, dh and savings

**Siebrie** · 08-31-2009, 10:59 AM

Last week, dh and I had a talk about our money. I have an above-average income, but I have no idea where our money is going. Dh is African, and his view on money: 'if you earn money today, you have food tomorrow'. His financial education has focused on making enough money to be able to eat, whereas my financial education took 'enough to eat' as a given and focused on saving, retirement and such. I've never made it to the 'investment' class ;-)

Two months ago we decided that we will get € 50/month each pocket money, and since then we have discussed what exactly is included in this pocket money. For instance: we are both salsa dancers, but because of dd we cannot go together very often. If we don't go together, we will pay the entrance fee from our pocket money. His martial arts classes will come from his pocket money, my salsa/zumba classes will come from mine.

Last week we decided to start savings for dd. We had discussed it before without coming to a real decision/action. So, now we've decided that the money I make from commuting by public transport (€3/month) will go to dd's savings account. We have to start somewhere, right?

I received a tax-back check from the government for €1,100 ($1,570) and we decided to use half for a belated honeymoon to London for a weekend, and put the other half in savings.

The next topic? The grocery budget.....
I get meal vouchers for €6 per working day, generally €120/month ($172), to be spent on anything 'food'. Now, I'm thinking that with just dh, dd1y and me to feed, €150 ($215) extra should be enough to get us through the month. $390 seems a lot to me, but it's not me doing the shopping.....

I'm confident we'll get there! (Where?)

**frugalfranny** · 08-31-2009, 02:31 PM

Sounds like you are setting up a plan and that is a plus.......

Good luck. I know you will be able to do it.

**CouponShelle** · 08-31-2009, 04:11 PM

Sounds like you're on the right track. I know from experience that it takes a few months to get the budget "right" and ours seems to ever changing. We have discussions alot about what come out of our pocket money. You'll get there, having a plan is the biggest and best start!