I follow a blog called Living Well Spending Less.

You may have noticed the link on the side of this blog.

The owner of this blog, Ruth Soukup, has written a new book, available Dec. 30th, called:

Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life

Recently, I joined the launch team to help promote Ruth’s new book about the secrets of the Good Life.

In this book, Ruth mixes faith, scriptures and good practical knowledge to make you rethink your

spending habits.  (Check out the video below)

In my marriage, it has always been my job to keep track of our finances and the monthly budget.

Honestly… during the first 25 years, it was more of just making sure everything got paid.

Raising a family is not for the faint of heart.  Kids are expensive.  Life moves fast.

A few years ago, I challenged my husband to a 30 Day Spending Budget.

I asked him to tell me how much he spent each week.  We had to be completely honest.

At first his amount was real low.  (I had to assure him it wasn’t a trick question.)

Because… what ever amount he said was the amount he was going to get.

We were able to save $500 that month.  (that surprised us both)

It was a good exercise that made us rethink our spending habits and priorities.

While we have relaxed from the original 30 day challenge,

we now have a mutual goal of saving towards our retirement.

(Call us cheap or call us old, we love it when we have a good restaurant coupon.)

With the New Year right around the corner, it might be a good time to consider

your own 30 Day Challenge.