Budgeting leads to happiness and security

After leaving school, Kayla and I both found secure, full-time jobs in the public service and were making reasonable money. Within a few years, we managed to acquire a mortgage, a car loan and a credit card. We were able to comfortably make all of the required repayments on paper, but at the time of applying, we didn’t take into account the other expenses of living. We were soon snowed under and then sick and tired of living pay to pay. Looking back now, our financial situation, at the time, impacted our relationship, and we were often unhappy. At that point, we knew it was time to change.

We were introduced to Phil by my brother and his wife, who often spoke of the success they had achieved by using the Grandma’s Jars system. The first month that we kept record of each dollar we spent, we were shocked. A lot of our money was going to waste, and it was unnecessary.

With some minor adjustments and a little change, we have come a long way. Our car loan is not far from gone after less than a year – four years earlier than first thought. We owe nothing on the credit card and even managed to sneak overseas for a month on a trip that was all paid for … nothing owing on return!

Our relationship is thriving and we never have any issues financially. Each time we see Phil, we leave with big smiles on our faces. It is a very nice feeling to have someone like Phil tell you how well you are doing.

Next step … our mortgage.