My family is headed for an adventure folks.  We have embarked on our most courageous and ambitious journey yet as a family – the journey to Budgetville.

I’m a little frightened.  Scratch that… I am A LOT frightened.

Truth be told, I have always been mindful of what I spend.  I was raised in a family with four kids.  My dad was a cop.  My mom stayed home with us.  It felt like we never had money.  I know what it means to be frugal.

As a professional adult though, I’ve been blessed enough that I didn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck. Certain times in my life have been more tight than others, but then again, I’ve never been a huge spender.  (Meaning: I don’t own Prada. K?)

But this new BUDGET thing is yucky.  <—- I’m trying not to say the bad words here.

We are big Dave Ramsey fans so we are trying to work the budget “Total Money Makeover” style.  In case you are not familiar with it, let me tell you, it is a strict plan.

And I blew it to bits immediately. Well, the eating out part, at least.  I think I am, like, $100 over or something ridiculous like that.  Business meetings generally involve food so I am gonna have to try to figure out some way to be creative.

And get this -  Because I am so not used to this I ended up cutting into my grocery budget for a haircut the other day. So now I am afraid that I’ll have to tell my kids, “No, we don’t have any milk this week. Or eggs. But doesn’t mommy’s hair look all silky and shiny? Who wants to touch it?”

And speaking of… My biggest challenge by far is GROCERY SHOPPING. Here is where I need you guys! I need to RELEARN how to shop for groceries. I know NOTHING about coupons  and all that.  I’ve only used them here or there and I know there must be resources out there to help.  Come on – the Internet must be filled with them, right? Please give me a clue!!! (Leave a comment.)

So if I seem like a Scroog-Miser then you know why.  Budgeting has become a four letter word.