One of my favorite sayings to my kids when they were growing up was that my money tree hasn't blossomed. 

That's right you know young teenagers...they want...they need ...in their mind money grows on trees. 

I smile because in my 30's for Christmas my parents gave me a money tree...that's right...it was a penny buried in some dirt. 

I do have a green thumb but not this time...needless to say the boys hoped the money tree would blossom. 

To this day...it's still a penny buried in dirt.

The computer scientist and I have decided to put ourselves on a tight budget.

That's right sometimes we spend as if the money is never ending....  We are the "live for the day" people...

I don't ever want to change that but I know deep down...it's important to live for the day...but budget for the future.

More restrictions...less spending and at times difficult to manage.  

We've made a few changes because we have plans and goals...which caused me to pay attention to our habits..and come to realize we do in fact blow too much money.  

So I thought today I would share with you...what we have done...and in a matter of a few weeks we have already seen the impact.

• Normally we have take out or delivery at LEAST 4 days a week.  I do a lot everyday but as you can see cooking wasn't one of them.  Well that changed..and it hasn't been easy but the savings already has kept us both motivated.
• We love shopping on E-bay...I can't say we go overboard but our electronics...computer systems and technology all are purchased there.  We decided we shop for things we need rather than things we want..its working out well...we see the benefits already.
• I pack my lunch everyday which is a huge savings of at least $50.00 a week.  You gotta figure...cost of food...cost of delivery and yes I do tip good! 
  
• We practice earth hour every single day.  That's right we shut down...for one hour a day...and we see drastic reductions in our electric bill monthly.
• Recently I received a 20% discount on my cell phone bill and will continue to do so as long as I am with CENTURY 21.  You would think I would have done this a long time ago...my flaw...my mistake..doesn't matter because I am saving now.
• Now my little shopping sprees are no longer shopping sprees but getting what we need...that means...no more clearance items...no more I want items.  No shopping on a whim...we go prepared with list in hand.

These budget cuts alone have helped a lot and I find them to be less painful now as it was in the beginning. 

Overspending can be a habit...one habit not hard to break if you look at the end results rather than look at the sacrifices.

Funny thing, my sons are now grown men...and somethings never change...

One of my sons said to me, Mom it's only 200.00 dollars, I told him hold your breath...and wait for the money tree to blossom. 

I think he figured it out..he has to spend his own money!

Have you placed yourself on a budget?  What have you done to save?  Is it painful or are you looking at the end results to stay inspired?

C'mon Share with me...who knows...I may be able to save a few extra bucks!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Midori Miller AKA Daytona Beach Real Estate Trainer and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty. Midori Miller and CENTURY21 Sundance Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.