Cutting the Budget!

I started this article a couple of weeks ago and finally just finished it! Sorry for the delay...it's been crazy around here! 

This morning, while reading in my Google feed reader, I came across a gem from Frugal Hacks.  Merchant Ships wrote an article entitled “Budget Ruts:  5 No-So-Radical Cuts”.  If you haven’t read this article yet, I highly recommend it!  If you’re a devotee of Dave Ramsey, you’re probably always studying your budget, looking for more ways to cut back so you can snowball more!  I know I am!  This morning, after reading Merchant Ships’ article, I looked at my budget.    In fact, this led to me entirely redoing my budget!  Right now, I want to focus on three categories where I think I can trim my expenses.

GIFTS:  This is a category I’ve wanted to reduce for a while.  Every year, my intention is to make more gifts, and this year, I’d really like to commit to this.  If I could halve my gift budget, it would help tremendously!   I already dropped my gift budget $10 for next month, and I’m going to track my spending on gifts for the next three months.  You can look forward to a series soon on how we all can cut back on what we spend on gifts.

HAIR CARE:  This part of my budget will be slashed dramatically this year!  Last year, I had my hair colored every couple of months.  This year, I’ve decided to be happy with what the good Lord gave me, and stop coloring my hair.  I’m also anxious to see if this impacts my headaches…I do have concerns about how the chemical affect my health, including my headaches and facial breakouts. 

CRAFTS:  I used to spend a lot of money on craft supplies!  I had a bad habit of buying scrapbooking supplies and then letting things pile up!  I don’t buy all the supplies now, but I’m still behind in scrapbooking!  I’ve especially devoted a section of my budget to craft supplies, but I’m going to look for ways in 2010 that I can save on supplies by making the most of what I already have on hand.  

I’ve found that the Dollar Tree stores are a great resource for craft supplies!  Last year, I found skeins of “homespun” baby yarn on sale.  I bought every skein they had left (five skeins = $5), which should be enough to make two simple baby blankets.  That will also fit nicely with my goal for the gifts category of my budget!  By using what I have on hand to make gifts, I’ll be able to save money!

 I'll keep you posted on how my budget cuts work out!  How are you altering your budget in 2010?  Let me know in the comments below!