Needs or Wants

During our marriage, we have managed to stick to a budget through a variety of methods. We carefully track our finances with budgeting software and have designated one person to be in charge. This doesn’t mean that person has to become the “money police” and approve all purchases. It just means that person informs the family if we’re going over budget in any areas.

It’s also important to adequately designate “needs” and “wants.” To remedy unnecessary spending, we first ask ourselves some of the following questions:

• Am I spending this money just to impress someone else?

• Is the old item worn out or beyond repair?

• Can I do this project myself instead of paying someone to do it?

• Do I have money to pay cash for this right now, or will it require going into debt?

• Is a gift necessary, or should I just send a card?

Rebecca Swegle, Arizona