Money Management

If I say this outloud and write about it on my blog, then maybe it will help me stick to my current goal of getting our finances in better order this coming year.  I have heard about a money management system by Dave Ramsey and am going to read up on it and see if I can improve our saving/spending habits.

When my husband and I were first married I was so thrifty.

I would, for example:

Compare prices of items at different stores and keep a notebook of those prices.
I would make cheap meals like lentil casserole and tuna cheddar soup and we actually enjoyed eating them
When we eventually had babies, I would make my own baby wipes and use cloth diapers
I would hang my clothes to dry and wash dishes by hand
and the list could go on and on.

My biggest role model was Amy Dacyczyn and her book (at that time it was in newsletter form) The Tightwad Gazette.

How freeing it was for me to know that we were in charge of our money and that I could be a stay at home mom if I chose to because we knew how to really cut back on things...even necessary things, and still live a great and happy life.

I am looking forward to trying it out again.  Maybe not exactly the same as we did before...we now have six living children who all have needs/wants...It is no longer my husband and I with a baby or two.

How do you try and save money/spend less?  If you have any ideas, let me know.  I'm all ears :)