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You are here: Home / In Life / Budgeting / Are you a Free Spirit or a Nerd?

January 29, 2016 by Angela

Are you a Free Spirit or a Nerd?

Have you heard Dave Ramsey’s theory that there is usually a “nerd” and a “free spirit” in a couple when it comes to finances? I usually cringe with those kind of labels, because very rarely do I think we as people are so clear cut…is that a “free spirit” kind of statement? When it comes to budgeting, are you a Free Spirit or a Nerd?

free spirit or nerd

Free Spirit + Free Spirit = No Budget

My husband and I both lean towards the “free spirit” side of things, which is probably why it’s taken us 17 years to finally set up a budget. I mentioned why we’re even more determined than ever to actually stick to our budget here. Because of this additional challenge, I’ve put on my “nerd” cap and am determined to stick to this zero based budgeting idea.

Are you a free spirit or a nerd? #budget #FPU Click To Tweet

Budget Meetings

The interesting thing about budgeting as a couple is trying to keep everyone involved. My kids are feeling the effects of staying within our budget and so learning how to communicate with them as well as my husband is something I’ll be working on. My tendency is to set up the budget, faithfully enter the expenses, but not communicate about why we’re budgeting or  the categories and how much we have left in each category. 

My husband’s tendency would be to let me handle it and stay uninvolved. We still have not had our first budget meeting, but that’s in the works for this weekend (did you hear that, honey?).

Dave Ramsey suggests these 3 rules for a budget meeting:

Rules for the nerd:

  • Listen
  • Take input
  • Keep it brief

Rules for the free spirit:

  • Show up
  • Give input
  • Be realistic

Staying Within Budget

In order to stay on budget for groceries in this first month, I’ve been meal planning from our pantry this last week. It’s surprising how creative and resourceful one can be when put to the test. We did end up going to the store and getting a few basics that we needed, so we went over our grocery budget but still within the overall monthly budget.

I’m loving the free EveryDollar App that makes it so easy to take a little money from one category and add it to another. For example, one of our utility bills was above what I allocated, but another was under the amount I allocated. I adjusted the budgeted amounts and was still within budget for the monthly income coming in for January. 

I’m finding that with this way of budgeting, there is still freedom, but within boundaries. My inner nerd is actually enjoying this challenge!

Discovering freedom within the boundaries of a #zerobasedbudget. #budget Click To Tweet

Are you a “nerd”, “free spirit” or somewhere in between?

This post will most likely be shared at these fabulous parties.

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About Angela

Wife. Mom to three boys. Writer. Reader. Aspiring Minimalist. Lover of chocolate and fitness. She loves blogging about the ways she is finding success in simplifying life one step at a time. Her mantra is "Progress, not Perfection."

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Comments

  1. Liz Laramee says

    January 29, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    I definitely lean towards nerd but have enough free spirit in me to eat out, buy myself and friends presents, etc. I have to say that it’s very, very hard on my free spirit side when things are tighter financially and I have to force the nerd side to take over!

    • Angela says

      January 29, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      Agreed Liz! Good for you to budget in nice things like presents and eating out. That definitely makes having a budget easier on everyone

  2. Erin @ Stay At Home Yogi says

    January 31, 2016 at 8:14 am

    I am super nerdy! But I’m working on being more flexible for my poor husband’s sake! 🙂

    • Angela says

      January 31, 2016 at 10:13 pm

      Good for you Erin! Flexibility seems key when budgeting with a partner

  3. Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says

    January 31, 2016 at 11:27 am

    I’ve always been more of a nerd and hubby more of a free spirit. Which is kinda funny, because I hate math and he loves it! But we do try to have budget type meetings every so often.

    • Angela says

      January 31, 2016 at 10:19 pm

      My husband really loves math too, but I think it’s more on a philosophical level versus practical level. We just sat down with the monthly budget for February and made some changes. It helped him to see the numbers because he doesn’t think about monthly expenses.

  4. savvy says

    January 31, 2016 at 6:43 pm

    We are both total nerds when it comes to budgeting and our finances. After seeing my parents struggle in old age and the huge mistakes my SIL made retiring early we will never change.

    • Angela says

      January 31, 2016 at 10:19 pm

      Good for you Savvy! Living up to your name! 😉

  5. Charissa says

    January 31, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    I am probably a nerd now, but back when I started budgeting, I hated every bit of it. It wasn’t until I found my Why, my reason for sticking to a budget that I started appreciate how it worked. Communication with your spouse about your money is so important, as is being willing to participate together.

    • Angela says

      January 31, 2016 at 10:27 pm

      That’s a really good point Charissa. Our “why” right now is very clear – to make it to the end of the month without dipping into our savings! That puts a fire under my budgeting bones for sure!

  6. Rachel G says

    January 31, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    I’m totally a nerd when it comes to budgeting, which is kinda funny, because I definitely see myself as way more of a ‘free spirit’ when it comes to life in general!

    • Angela says

      January 31, 2016 at 10:29 pm

      I’ve heard some people are like that. I’m definitely becoming more of a nerd!

  7. Jennifer @ Path to Simple says

    January 31, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    What a great way to look at budgeting!! I think my husband and I share the “nerd” hat, and we pass it back and forth. Sometimes I am the nerd; sometimes he is. And, great suggestions for meal planning! We are trying to do better with this. Since the holidays, we have tried to plan a week’s worth of meals each weekend. It has saved us time and money, and we find that we eat healthier with this approach, too.

    • Angela says

      February 4, 2016 at 7:32 pm

      Hi Jennifer! I don’t think my hubby has any nerd in him – in the financial area!

  8. Jenny @ Unremarkable Files says

    February 1, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    I’ve never heard these two categories before – I think both Phillip and I are nerds, but I’m definitely twice as nerdy as he is!

    • Angela says

      February 4, 2016 at 7:35 pm

      That’s cute Jenny – twice as nerdy – I like that.

  9. Wendy says

    February 3, 2016 at 7:50 am

    It sounds like you and your husband are a lot like me and mine. 🙂 We are both pretty free spirited, and I will make a budget down to the penny, but somehow forget to look at it when we start spending money. It’s a new year and a new intention, though, so I’m going to take a look at that app you mention (thanks!).

    • Angela says

      February 4, 2016 at 7:39 pm

      Hi Wendy! The app is so helpful. I’ve tried other apps but this is the only one I’ve stuck to so far. It’s only been a month but so far so good!

  10. Melanie Redd says

    February 3, 2016 at 11:08 am

    Hey Angela,
    Good morning. I came over on Alder Collective to find your site today.
    And, I love this post! We are debt free after following the Dave Ramsey steps. We paid off a ton of debt!
    During the process, I discovered I am a bit more of a nerd than I thought!
    Glad to connect.
    Hope you have a blessed day~
    Melanie

    • Angela says

      February 4, 2016 at 7:41 pm

      Hi Melanie – So nice to connect! Congratulations on being debt free. There is a nerd in all of us, especially in leaner times.

  11. Echo says

    February 3, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    I think we are both equally nerds and free spirits, honestly! Great post! Thank you for sharing this at the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!

  12. Dee says

    February 3, 2016 at 11:52 pm

    Total nerd here when it comes to spending, so I though this was so interesting since I’m more of a free spirit in everything else! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!

    • Angela says

      February 4, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      That is interesting! Thanks for sharing Dee

  13. Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says

    February 6, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    When I was a teacher, I was definitely a free spirit because we had two incomes to live off of. Now that I’m mostly a SAHM, I’ve become much more of a nerd! Since I’m not making as much, I’ve been really trying to limit my spending too.
    Great post! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Share The Wealth Sunday! xoxo

  14. Colletta says

    February 7, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    Loved this post! We’re trying to stick to a budget but it is so hard sometimes. I hope you can stop by:

    http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2016/02/songs-on-sunday-one-thing-by-hillsong.html

    Colletta

  15. melinda says

    February 10, 2016 at 2:11 am

    I’m a free spirit for sure. Stay realistic?? Aww, man! You take the fun outta everything!

Hi Friend! I’m Angela

Welcome to my blog where I write about simplifying life in small, manageable steps and creating healthy habits. You'll find inspiration, practical tips and community here for the decluttering you're doing in your own life. (whether that's physical, mental, or emotional clutter) Thanks so much for stopping by! Read More…

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