Dave Says: Seeing Things in a Different Way

Dear Dave,

My husband is really excited after reading your books, and now he’s determined to start living on a budget. I love seeing this kind of passion and determination in him, but I’m not sure about going all-in on everything it would take to make this happen. I guess the truth is there are just some things I don’t want to give up. Do you have any advice for getting motivated?

— Allison

Dear Allison,

I get what you’re saying. Sometimes, when you first begin working hard to gain control of your money and get out of debt, it can seem like all the fun goes out of life. It takes a lot of hard work and discipline to change any habit.

I know budgeting sounds intimidating, but goals and dreams have a better chance of coming true if you have a written game plan. Just give it a try. Sit down with your husband at the beginning of each month and do a written budget together. Give every dollar a name on paper before you spend anything. It’s not medieval torture, and it’s not just a math exercise. It’s a chance for you both to have input on what you want to accomplish and how to make it happen.

When two are married they become “as one.” And that’s how all decisions should be made from that point forward. Some fantastic sharing is going to happen when you bring these thoughts and ideas out in the open.

Once you start doing a budget, you’ll begin to see things in a whole new way. You’ll see where you can cut back, where you can save and how you can make things happen that may have seemed impossible before. Sure, you may have to give up a few little things for a short while. But when you see how quickly you can make a lot of really cool stuff happen in your lives, I think you’ll be excited by the possibilities!

— Dave