I have recently noticed, that when you have kids there are extra expenses. Ha Ha. For all of the mothers out there we already know this. From diapers, to formula, snacks, wipes, bathing supplies, clothes and if you have older children the activities, name brand clothes and those very ultra expensive sneakers that they just have to have, the extra gasoline now a days and so forth. My husband on the other hand did not notice the extra expenses. While he received a raise at work he did not understand why I was upset that he was not contributing more to our family unit. We are currently a family of 5.5 and in July will be a functioning family of 6. So this definitely posed a problem with the finances in my household.
A good friend of mine suggested coming up with a visual for him to see where all the family expenses go and exactly what for who. This actually worked. I realize that some men are visual creatures and they need that extra story book picture to turn it on. Well I think he has it right now and this is good.
I have also come up with a plan to save money even when things are so tight that you do not know what you are going to be able to make for dinner, because living paycheck to paycheck is a big reality for a lot of families. If you and your spouse or just you can pay yourself one hour out of every paycheck and just put it away in a jar every time you get paid those little bit of dollars add up over time. This is how my family and I are going to be able to take a nice trip next year to the waterpark that everyone raves about in Texas. I think saving money is a big issue for a lot of people it just seems as if you are going up a tall mountain without the proper gear at times.
