Our vacation is FINALLY here! We are extremely excited to go to Vegas. The trip will be a much needed break for both of us. I’ve been spending a lot of the day packing and doing all of those last minute things you need to do before you go on vacation.

We’ve done a good amount of research and I feel like we are well prepared for this trip. Since we booked it a few months ago, I have been saving up my swagbucks and mypoints for various gift cards to restaurants in Vegas. I managed to get 4 gift cards! Most of the restaurants seem like places we wouldn’t go to normally, so it will be nice to try these places out without spending a fortune. My parents also gave me a few coupon books, so we’ll be able to save some money there. As far as gambling goes, both of us aren’t really into it, but my boss was telling me some blackjack rules yesterday and I might try it out. Of course, I will be sticking to a budget and don’t plan on going over. But hey, who knows, maybe I’ll hit big! HAHA. I had a special “vacation” fund that I was adding money to and don’t plan on spending more than what I had saved. I’d rather spend that money on shows and seeing different things, so gambling money isn’t a big part of the budget.

I more than likely won’t be updating the blog all week, but since I’m a twitter addict I’m sure I’ll be sending updates. I’ll be taking tons of pictures and will definitely have a super long trip recap post when I get back. Until then, see you next week blog!

Tags: budget, budgeting, coupons, fun, Las Vegas, money, saving, Vegas

With May being here, it means time to start paying back student loans. The extra $300 per month that I’m paying means a much tighter budget. I make enough money to pay all my bills, but since I’m trying to save for a new car, with the money I make now I won’t be able to save that much unless I stick to a budget. My budget will be $75 a month and will include gas, food, health and beauty items.

This shouldn’t be too hard for me to accomplish. I’m not the one that buys the groceries in house. I pay for the electric, water, internet, TV and garbage bill and Chrissy pays for the groceries. It usually comes pretty close to being even at the end since the bills aren’t usually that much and the two of us don’t eat a ton of food. Work is only a 2 minute drive from my house and the only real place I ever drive often is to Dave’s house. I only fill up my car about once every week and a half and it’s around $22. I use coupons whenever I buy anything and I almost always go home on my lunch breaks at work. The only real change in my lifestyle will be the money I spend on going out to dinner every now and then. Although Dave is usually the one who pays (he’s old fashioned) I don’t like him feeling like he has to. I’ve already told him that money is going to be tighter for me, but I haven’t told him yet about my $75/month budget goal. He understands that I’m trying to get a decent amount of savings. He’s been in my car and knows that it’s possessed and will eventually kick the bucket.

Starting tomorrow I’ll be keeping a very detailed list of how how much money I spend. I got paid today, so on lunch I deposited my check minus $75. That’s my money for the month. I’m even tempted to lock up my debit card so I can’t use it. I hope to be able to stick to my budget so I can save as much money as possible.

Tags: budget, budgeting, money, saving