A few weeks ago I had dinner with a friend. When I asked her if her family follows a budget she said, “You have to have money to have a budget.” Not knowing how much of a budget advocate I am, I simply disagreed with her. Lest you think the same way, I want to share a bit of my story.
Rewind a little over 10 years ago. I was almost two years into my first marriage when I learned the horrible news that my husband had found someone else and he was leaving. How could this be?
My husband worked nights so I worked out of our home during the day so that we could spend more time together. After getting over the shock of his announcement, one of the first things that I asked myself was how I was going to survive. After all, I didn’t make enough money to survive with the work I was doing out of our house.
We had a beautiful house and I decided to stay in it…not even considering how I was going to pay the monthly payment… it was the only security I had. God was so gracious because He quickly provided a new job for me. Not only did He provide a job, but it was the perfect job for me at that time.
During that difficult time I learned that you can get three free months of cable if you call to cancel your service. I cancelled cell phone service and did everything I knew to cut corners. There were many times when I wasn’t able to go out to dinner with friends because I didn’t have the extra money. (Please don’t feel sorry for me – obviously I survived.)
Along with my day job, I was able to continue doing my previous job at night. I scraped together what little money I had and worked my budget each week. I worked any side job I could find to put into savings. There were times when I would go to the mailbox and find a check from a friend or family member (even from an insurance overpayment one time). By the grace of God I was always able to pay my bills and never fell behind.
I eventually changed jobs, received some raises in my salary and my finances became a bit more stable. Had I not been smart about with my money (even though it wasn’t much at the time) and followed a written budget, I’m not really sure where I would be.
Dredging up the past is difficult but I pray that it encourages at least one of you. Don’t give up. If you’re walking down a difficult financial road, keep pressing on because you’ll get through it. You may not see the end in sight but it’s there, I promise.
If you’ve been putting off starting a budget, let today be the day. I promise that if you don’t start now, you won’t start when you have more money. I don’t have it all together, and never will. God gets all the glory in my story because I’m not really sure where I’d be without Him. He’s pretty awesome!!!
Thrifty T
Virginia,Thanks for your encouragement and for being a reader!!Tshanina
Thanks Thrifty T. I enjoy reading you blog. Keep up the good work.Virginia
Hi,It is hard to be transparent. Thank you for sharing. It so helps when people are real. love, Lindy
Lindylou,Yes, being transparent can be hard at times but it is definitely worth it when others get it! ;o)Take care,Tshanina
Wow, look how far you've come since then!! What happened to you totally sucks, but you're a superstar for taking that exprience and not letting it get the best of you!
Hi Jamie! All the praise goes to God because I sure couldn't have done it without him!