The road to debt freedom isn’t always easy.. or in the green 
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This last month I sat down and tackled.. dun dun dunnnn.. my budget. Although I’m a very disciplined checkbook register keeper, I’m not always a disciplined spender. Thank you, Amazon Prime .
So for November, I came up with a zero dollar budget. Every income dollar dedicated to a purpose. It felt GOOD! All you type A’s FEEL ME on this! I felt super accomplished, had it all written out then put into the app so I could stay accountable at all times. It was perfect..
Here we are, the last few days of November and I’ve overshot on a few categories. I got a bit down on myself about it but then thought.. It’s not always going to be pretty!! It might be a total mess, but it WILL give you the opportunity to truly see where your money is going + improve.
So I changed my thought. Everything is data, emotion is my reaction to it. Instead of continuing to feel badly, I chose to receive the information and improve. I picked a great time of year to hammer down on budgeting right?! 
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Here’s what I’m focusing on:
Income is my most powerful tool, and I’ve increased that this month
I have stayed ON budget in more categories than I’ve been off
Audrey’s Christmas gifts are done, and I feel good about the purchases and the meaning we will impart upon her (My parents raised us with three “big” gifts each year, symbolic of the three wisemen and their gifts to the baby Jesus)
Giving myself grace. My budget is a work in progress, not meant to be constraining, but a liberating tool.
Did I NEED those blue light glasses? Yes, as much of my business is done on the computer. How about the extra Starbucks coffees? No, I don’t NEED one EVERY time I go to Kroger’s I can make one at home (using a previous Amazon purchase!) But whyyy does it just taste so much better when THEY make it? .
Are you budgeting this holiday season? What are the priorities in your mind? Does your spending reflect that? If so- awesome I aim to get there!! If not- no worries, give yourself grace, receive the information and use it to improve! 
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Happy budgeting!! Now onto December.. 