I cannot explain the difference having a budget and sticking to it has made. The numbers, of course, are supportive, but emotionally, I feel better. I sleep more soundly, I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. I went to Petsmart and bought a Halloween costume and some toys. I stayed well within my $40 budget with lots to spare and my pup was happy to destroy another squeaky toy. On a side note, it drives my husband crazy that our dog destroys squeaky toys, but they were on sale, buy 2 get one free, and the dog enjoys them so much. I'll just spread it out one per week until the end of the month and then wait until next month to go get some more for him. The rags will just stay on the floor for the week. It's not like anyone comes over anyways!

Back to the budget, we've gone to dinner, gone grocery shopping, watched TVs, going to watch a movie this week. Basically, we're living a normal life, but a budgeted life, and that doesn't make me feel limited at all. I think I was concerned that budgeted would mean no fun, but really, it means you can relax. Stay within your numbers and you can actually enjoy your life. I would hate to knock Dave Ramsey because I do believe he has some very sound reasoning, but I don't think I should just have to not eat out ever or get a second job that I don't have time for, in order to pay off my debt. Yes, it would expedite the process. Yes, I would pay less in interest. But what would I lose?

My sanity, most likely. I already feel like that's going. I'm glad I started this journey. I already feel it's effects surrounding me, comforting me.

I even went to Target! Target, and stayed within my budget. That's unheard of in this house! We love Target. I spent an hour there and only spent $24. I bought a chalkboard to update my husband on our budget every week and some chalk. The chalkboard was on clearance! And my husband got some anchors so he could hang a few things around the house.

I can relax. Everything is going to be okay.