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Our Budget Binder: Deluxe Home Binder Printables in Action!

Organizing Our Budget Binder & Cash Envelopes | How we're getting our financial rears in gear, plus a slew of recommended resources and printables for anyone else looking to do the same! We can do it, folks. via thinkingcloset.com

G’day, mates!

Yesterday, I shared how Mark and I are venturing into uncharted financial waters this new year: we’re going to try a cash budget envelope system.  I have to say, I was really encouraged by the flood of comments, many from others who have adopted the same system!  I’ve enjoyed seeing all of the Dave Ramsey fanatics come out of the woodwork.  Now, if you’re just tuning in and are like, “Dave Who?” be sure to catch up by reading yesterday’s post HERE; it includes a free printable or Silhouette cut file for creating some wallet-sized cash budget envelopes of the “pretty” variety.

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!
DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable

Today, I’m going to share about our brand spankin’ new Budget Binder, what’s inside, and how it was such an incredible tool for helping us set a monthly budget and divide our spending into categories.  Oh, and stick with me ’till the end because I have a fab giveaway for you all with a bucket-load of goodies that will help you get organized in a major way.  {Squeal!}

Okay, let’s dive in.

It’s All in the Timing

In the theatre, we throw around a phrase, “It’s all in the timing!” and those were the exact words that popped into my head when my blog buddy Abby Lawson sent me a sneak preview of her brand new eBook, *Simplify: 25+ Printables to Help You Organize Your Life, which just launched yesterday!  Update: the latest version is now a Deluxe Home Binder with 108 pages of printables in three different designs for a total of 324 printable pages all together! How amazing is that?!

Simplify: 25+ Printables to Help You Organize Your Life by Abby Lawson
Check out Simplify HERE.

Many of you know Abby from her blog, Just a Girl & Her Blog or her first eBook Building a Framework: Everything I Learned My First Year of Blogging.  Abby also made an appearance in the Expert Interviews for my eBook, Thinking Outside the Gift Box, so she’s likely no stranger to Thinking Closet readers!  She has also grown to become a dear friend and someone I greatly look up to as a trailblazer in blogland.

Okay, so back to Abby’s impeccable timing:

Just as Mark and I were preparing to have a financial summit about “Project Cash Budget,” Abby asked me if I wanted to check some of the organization printables from her Simplify eBook in advance.  Oh, and did I mention that she offered to throw in a giveaway for my readers to help celebrate her launch?  Well…I couldn’t say YES fast enough.

Serendipitously, among the 25+ printables that cover everything from meal-planning to cleaning to gift-giving, there was a section specifically dedicated to finance and budgeting.  (Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!)  I immediately printed out Abby’s artfully-designed printables, popped them into a binder, and sat down with Mark to plot out our working budget for 2015.

Here’s a glimpse at our NEW Budget Binder and how it has helped us get our financial rears in gear this year!  #spittinrhymes

Our Budget Binder

Organizing Our Budget Binder & Cash Envelopes | How we're getting our financial rears in gear, plus a slew of recommended resources and printables for anyone else looking to do the same! We can do it, folks. via thinkingcloset.com

Okay, so I know I mentioned this yesterday, but I think it bears repeating: the “pretty” factor goes a long way when it comes to motivating me to get excited about something like finances (which otherwise causes my eyes to glaze over).  I would have never made it through an hour-and-a-half meeting with Mark on finances last week if we didn’t have these pretty, organized printables to help keep us on track.  For realz.

Our Budget Binder | How we're getting our financial rears in gear, plus a slew of recommended resources and printables for anyone else looking to do the same! We can do it, folks. via thinkingcloset.com

{Now, before diving in to the contents of our binder and how we set things up, I feel like I need to make a disclaimer about something.  One piece of advice I have received from others and read about when it comes to budgeting is that you need to figure out what works best for you.  No two families’ systems will look the same.

So, I’ll share what we’re doing, but it certainly doesn’t mean it’s what you should do; only you can decide what will work best for you and your family.  Also, I fully expect us to change our system from month to month depending on what’s working for us and what’s not.  Creating and sticking to a budget is no easy feat, especially not right away, so giving ourselves grace to mess up and re-focus is going to be essential in this working out.  That’s what I keep reminding myself!

Okay, disclaimer over.  Back to the binder.}

Since we’re adopting a cash budget envelope system, that means we need to work with a zer0-based budget where every penny is accounted for from month to month.  That sounds daunting, doesn’t it?

Well, I thought it would be near impossible…but thankfully, with the “Recurring Expenses” chart, we were able to write down all of our yearly, quarterly, and monthly expenses that are “fixed” or fairly consistent.  That includes things like insurance, rent, phones, tithe, savings, etc.  We used our 2013 and 2014 credit card and bank statements as a guide for helping us predict what 2015 will hold.

Our Budget Binder | How we're getting our financial rears in gear, plus a slew of recommended resources and printables for anyone else looking to do the same! Here's a snapshot of the Recurring Expenses Printable we're using. via thinkingcloset.com

On a separate sheet of paper, we made a list of categories for the “unfixed” expenses that we wanted to start paying cash for.  Those include:

  • Groceries
  • Home (decor, repairs, outdoors)
  • Gifts
  • Entertainment (movies and eating out)
  • Travel 
  • Clothing
  • Lauren’s Fun Money (Starbucks and mani-pedis)
  • Mark’s Fun Money (Chick fil A and sunglasses)
  • Bank (if we buy a movie on Amazon, we’ll take the cash out of “Entertainment” and put it in “Bank”)

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!

There were also certain “unfixed” expenses like car repairs, fuel, and medical (co-pays and prescriptions) that we consider necessities and plan to pay for as much as we need to; so we didn’t feel the need to make cash envelopes for them.  We included those on our “Recurring Expenses” chart to account for them each month.

Then, we took a step back from the immediate and thought big picture!  We used the “Our Financial Goals” printable to dreamcast a few different financial goals for the upcoming year with time-frames and action steps.  For example, one of our big goals is to save up to buy or even build a house one day.  It makes such a difference to see it spelled out on paper along with concrete steps we can take together toward that goal.

Our Budget Binder | How we're getting our financial rears in gear, plus a slew of recommended resources and printables for anyone else looking to do the same! Here's a snapshot of the printable for Our Financial Goals. via thinkingcloset.com

Oh, and I haven’t even told you about my favorite printable in the bunch: the “Monthly Check-In” printable.  We completed it in preparation for our February kick-off of the new cash budget envelope system, looking back at the last month to consider what we’re doing well financially and what we could improve upon.  We also very quickly filled out some specific goals for the month of February, one of which is for me to finally list my wedding dress on Craigslist…something that has been in the back of my mind for over a year now.  Now, I have hope it will finally happen.

Our Budget Binder | How we're getting our financial rears in gear, plus a slew of recommended resources and printables for anyone else looking to do the same! Here's a snapshot of the printable for our Monthly Check-In meetings. via thinkingcloset.com

I went ahead and printed out 10 “Monthly Check-Ins” for the rest of the year, so they’re all ready to go in our binder.  The plan is for Mark and me to sit down in the week before a new month and go through the check-in together, reviewing how we did with our cash budget envelopes and evaluate the status of our recurring expenses.  We used to dread these sort of “talks,” but I kid you not, we were both giddy as school-kids when we wrapped our meeting last week.  This feels like the beginning of a new era for us.

I think we both feel for the first time in a long time that we have a solid financial game plan and that we are a true TEAM committed to the same financial goals and the same system for carrying them out.

We will undoubtedly mess up (in fact, it’s guaranteed), but between Our Budget Binder and new cash budget envelopes, I dare say we have done a ship-shape job of setting ourselves up for success this year.

Am I allowed to give us a pat on the back?

Organizing Our Budget Binder & Cash Envelopes | How we're getting our financial rears in gear, plus a slew of recommended resources and printables for anyone else looking to do the same! We can do it, folks. via thinkingcloset.com

Your Turn

Do you have any financial goals for 2015 you care to share?  Or do you have any tips to share with me on budgeting based on what has worked for you and your family?  Any favorite resources?  Do share in the comments below!

The Ultimate Home Binder Giveaway

Update: This giveaway is now closed.

Well, if you are in organizing mode like I am these days, then you will absolutely love the giveaway I have for you today!  In celebration of the launch of Abby’s new eBook, Simplify: 35+ Printables to Help You Organize Your Life, one lucky reader of The Thinking Closet will receive a copy of the eBook, a collection of pretty supplies to help them put together their own organized home binder, and $25 in PayPal cash to go toward printing costs. Woot!

Our Home Binder Giveaway featuring Simplify: 25 Printables to Help You Organize Your Life | JustAGirlAndHerBlog.com/organize

So…what else is this eBook?

I’m so glad you asked!  Basically it’s a big, giant collection of printables that will organize everything, and I mean everything.  You got a glimpse at several of the printables, but those were just the finance ones.  Here’s what else is included:

Simplify: 25 Printables to Help You Organize Your Life | JustAGirlAndHerBlog.com/organize

Along with the printables, Abby includes detailed explanations of how she uses each sheet and shares multiple ways to put every printable to good use.  Gotta love the practical application factor!

Simplify: 25 Printables to Help You Organize Your Life | JustAGirlAndHerBlog.com/organize

Right now, you can grab the whole collection for just $14, which is a steal in my humble opinion.  I’m extra excited about using her grocery list instead of the post-its I’ve been using as well as the packing list instead of the one we scribbled onto cardstock years ago.

And did you mention goodies?

Absolutely!  Not only am I giving away a copy of the book today, but Abby has also put together an incredible bundle of organizing supplies that will help you assemble your own pretty binder!  Take a look:

Simplify: 25 Printables to Help You Organize Your Life | JustAGirlAndHerBlog.com/organize

1- Clear Sheet Protectors | 2- Post-it Page Markers | 3- Colorful Mechanical Pencils | 4- Post-it Notes | 5- Scotch Expressions Tape

Simplify: 25 Printables to Help You Organize Your Life | JustAGirlAndHerBlog.com/organize

6- 3 Hole Punch | 7- 3 Ring Binder by See Jane Work

Simplify: 25 Printables to Help You Organize Your Life | JustAGirlAndHerBlog.com/organize

8- Tabbed Dividers by See Jane Work | 9- Colorful Pens | 10- Tabbed Sub-Dividers | 11- Highlighters

Tons of fun goodies!  And on top of everything else, the winner will also receive $25 in PayPal cash to use toward printing costs.  So basically, you’re about to become the most organized person you know!  {Smile.}

Win all of these goodies! Our Home Binder Giveaway featuring Simplify: 25 Printables to Help You Organize Your Life | JustAGirlAndHerBlog.com/organize

Sound good?  Then, be sure to enter using the Rafflecopter widget below (internationals welcome!).  This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Monday, January 19th.

If you’d like to know more about Simplify: 35+ Printables to Help You Organize Your Life or see Abby’s tour of her own organized binder, be sure to head over to Just a Girl and Her Blog after you enter the giveaway below!  And tell her I said, “Hi!”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note: The full giveaway prize is open to all humans age 18 or older at time of entry who are residents of the United States. Residents of other countries may enter (except where prohibited by law) but are only eligible to win the eBook Simplify: 25+ Printables to Help You Organize Your Life and the $25 PayPal cash. In the case of a winner from outside the 50 US states being chosen, they will receive the eBook and $25 PayPal cash, and a US winner shall be drawn and will receive the binder materials and a copy of the eBook.  This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. eastern Monday, January 19th, 2015.  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Thanks so much for entering! Have a wonderful week!

*Full Disclosure: I received a free preview copy of Abby’s eBook in order to share this review.  However, all opinions are my own.  I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe my readers will love.  This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for helping to support this site!

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139 Comments

  1. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I agree that “pretty” takes some of the tension out of the “B-word”. I LOVE how you said you have to make it work for YOU & YOUR family/household. I’m checking into the envelope system, but don’t want to carry ALL the cash – so I’m going to carry the cash envelopes for the entertainment, fun $. And keep my checking account for with the recurring expenses (mortgage, groceries prescriptions, etc). I think I will make a cash envelope (that I won’t carry,maybe leave in budget binder) for things that we want to save for. The whole idea of “sorting” the $ into categories for each thing does make my head hurt, but I’m going to make this try to work for a new beginning.

  2. This is what I’ve been looking for!!! Really need to get things organized around my home and get our finances in check. Thank you so much for posting!

  3. Hi Lauren! Honestly, this post came to me at the perfect time! I’ve been praying for a method or way to help me budget better. I read your first post about the envelopes and didn’t even think about trying the cash method. I can’t wait to start! Plus I LOVE the idea of making it pretty and appealing to actually stick to it! I’m still in college, so naturally my finances are in bad shape. With those supplies in the giveaway, my life might actually get to a better place! I need this so badly!

    Thanks for the posts! I look forward to reading more of your blog!

    1. Wow, I’m really impressed that you’re so actively working on getting your finances in order as a college student; seriously, THAT is the time when you can really set yourself up for a lifetime of financial peace (I wish I had started then). Even though it may feel pretty grim right now, hang in there! You’ve already got the prayer part down…and it sounds like you have the passion and drive to do what you can create a budget and stick to it. Looking forward to seeing you around the blog, Michelle! Hugs!

    1. Ugh, I remember that time of life so well, Skylar, and it seemed like EVERYTHING was a hot mess during exam time. Hoping you can keep your eye on the prize and knock off one item at a time. You’ll be organized before you know it!

  4. I just found your site and just love it!!!!! Im excited to spend some time child and husband fee catching up on everything!! I am excited to read about getting organized and trying the cash envelopes!!!

  5. I was thinking of trying the cash system and after reading your post with the diy envelopes I am looking forward to starting this in February too!!

    1. Oh yay! That makes me so excited, Amanda. I may try to do monthly check-in posts just to share how it’s going…or at least a reflection after 2 or 3 months. It will be neat to stay in the loop on how you’re doing, too. Go girl, go!

  6. I love a good printable planner. This is amazing. A lot of work went into creating this planner. Can’t wait to check out the book.

  7. I can’t wait to take on this new year and a new budget. I want to thank you and every blogger on the web that posts interesting tidbits and ideas to help others get their own lives under control. Thank you! ~Bree

    1. Aw, I’m so warmed by your thankful heart, Bree. I, too, have been blessed by the generosity of what others blogger share to help others; it brings me joy to know you were encouraged after visiting my site! Cheers!

  8. I hope i win this bc i NEED organization in my life REALLY BAD ive been surfing the web looking at pinterest and still i feel ovewhelmed and i dont know where to start ive moved into my first owned house and i have ALOT to do and have NO CLUE where to start! PLEASE let me win!

    1. I can understand that overwhelming feeling you describe! Best of luck with the giveaway, but in the even you don’t win, here are a few thoughts that came to my mind that might help. 1) If one of your struggles is financial, then I highly recommend checking out Dave Ramsey’s book, Total Money Makeover. In it, he lays out baby steps you can take to get your financial life organized and under control. It’s very practical. Your local library should have it. 2) If you can work $10 into your budget, you might also just go ahead and purchase Abby’s eBook. To me, the organizational printables are worth WAY more than that, and will help give you a clear starting point for so many aspects of daily life. Best of luck, Martha!

  9. I need this so bad! I try to get organized like this, but I just end up with a bunch if disorganized binders and files!

  10. WHAT A GREAT GIVEAWAY TO START THE NEW YEAR! I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS TO HELP ME GET MY BILLS ORGANIZED!

  11. This is my resolution for this year – getting myself organized so that more time can be spent on living and not fretting about where, when and how the living is going to be done.

  12. Love these printable envelopes! I have not been great with budgeting but this is a NEW Year! Time for change 🙂

  13. What an awesome giveaway! Would love to revamp our budgeting and cash envelope system for 2015 and because we’re relocating to a new city for my new job. We’ll be completely redoing our monthly budget spreadsheet with changes in rent, utilities and income. I’ve been unemployed for the last 2 years so this is a huge break for us and we’re excited to get a fresh start on our baby steps! 🙂

    1. Wow! Congrats on the new job, Beth! Doing a lil happy dance for you right now. And yes, this sounds like the PERFECT time to revamp and start afresh with your budget and cash envelopes. Happy trails to you and yours as you begin this exciting new chapter of life. (Also, I love your blog title.)

  14. I’ve done similar things over the years, but my binder needs a serious overhaul! We are winding down with kids (only 1 left out of 8) and we need to re-focus our finances. This would be like a breath of fresh air to win! But even if I don’t, I will be looking at both blogs for inspiration! Thanks!

  15. what a great idea! perfect way to start off the new year, and much nicer than those tatty envelopes that my parents used for their cash budget back in the 50’s and 60’s. the bills were always falling out of the flimsy mailing envelopes that they used.

    1. Thanks, Judy! Yes, I just new ours would quickly turn into tatty envelopes, too, if I didn’t use some heavier duty paper. I also think we’re more likely to keep them nice if they’re “pretty” to start with. So much of this is psychological, isn’t it?

  16. We are in desperate need of getting a budget binder together. We used the Dave Ramsey method to pay off all our debt but have since kind of slacked off with keeping track of things. Time to get back at it! This would totally help!

    1. Wow! Congrats on being debt-free! That’s huge, Brianne. It is so easy to slack off–but the start of a new year feels like the perfect time for a new beginning. Best of luck getting back on track!

  17. I am so glad I found this website and blog! You have so many amazing projects that I am looking forward to trying! I have known about Dave Ramsey for many years, just never have given it a try. My 19 year old grandson has taken the Financial Peace Class two times and has already done amazing things with his money, so that in it’s self is a great motivator. If I received these items I would begin with getting my budget going and using the money envelopes! Thank you for your time and interests. I am looking forward to seeing new ideas!

    1. Oh thank you so much, Mary Ann! I’m delighted to have you here! Also, your grandson sounds like a motivated and inspirational young man. I think it really does help to have others in the same family who share a similar passion for financial peace. It makes the journey all the easier. Happy trails to you!

  18. I’ve struggled with my finances for much of my adult life. My husband and I have not been very lucky on the financial side of things and, while our situation has improved, I feel as though I fail at a wife and mother a lot of the time when it comes to managing our finances. I’ve tried the coupon craze, I’ve tried the budget sheet, and I even use my calendar on my phone to tell me what is due and when, as well as what is automatically deducted from our account. I’m running out of ideas until I saw your post and this giveaway. My eyebrows lifted and I thought how amazing this would be to try. Hopefully winning this giveaway would give us the extra push to more security! =) Thanks Lauren.

    1. We ALL have made financial mistakes…it’s how we learn! I hope you don’t let guilt or shame about how you have managed finances in the past hold you back from moving forward. It really is a lifelong journey with ups and downs, and what works for some won’t work for others. You sound like you’ve worked hard to try different methods (which is much more than some can say), and I have faith that your inner drive will lead you to a system that works well for you and your husband.

      One thing that we’re finding is that setting and keeping a budget is something that works best when done as a team. For a while, Mark was sort of managing the finances on his own and keeping me up to date. But now that we’ve had a few sit-downs TOGETHER and made decisions on our budget as a couple, we’re both 10x more invested and excited to carry it out. Maybe you and your husband can have a monthly meeting where you do the same! Anyway, I’m still a novice at this stuff, but I can definitely see hope for you and for us! Hang in there, Kristin.

  19. i’d organize myself i have to organize my craft room plus my checkbook and my bills plus all my hospital bills from my cancer surgery

    1. Keeping track of bills can be a heavy burden…made all the heavier when you have hospital bills. Sending up a prayer for good health for you and peace of mind on your path toward more organization this year, Beverly! Hugs!

  20. I’ve tried cash budgeting before. It’s hard to get used to at first when you’re so used to just swiping a card, but I think it makes you more aware of where exactly your money goes. And who wouldn’t want to carry those super cute envelopes?

    1. Yes, I definitely anticipate some challenges! I’ve been swiping a card pretty much since my college days; it has become second nature. But for once, I’m actually excited about the change and raising that awareness that you speak of. I think the mental shift, though hard, could prove to be a game-changer for us in terms of saving more and giving more!

      Aw, your last sentence made me smile. Thanks, Erica!

  21. What perfect timing! My goal for this year is to get the organization back in my life. I would start with the kitchen and meal planning.

  22. Hard to know what to start with! Finances is always good for the beginning of a year; but the house/cleaning could really stand a good healthy dose of organization too. These look like great, well thought out printables – would love to win!

  23. Been wanting to try the envelopes for a long time. But don’t know where to begin. I have heard great success stories.
    My bills need organized.

  24. Thanks so much for the giveaway. We have been looking at better ways to do our budget and this could be the answer! Thanks for the chance to win.

  25. Finances first here, too! Would love my hubby to get on board with this as well. May have to check out those Dave Ramsey podcasts! Thanks for the ideas and inspiration!

  26. Wow, what a great giveaway! My goal for 2015 is to pay off all of my student loan debt and pay off my car. Also, once that is done, I am going to save the rest of the money that I need to take me and my husband to Europe!

  27. The first thing I would organize would be my budget. We are on a strict budget this year and it needs some organization. Thank you for this opportunity!

  28. Very timely & timeless post! My husband has been trying to get me on board for budgeting and this “pretty factor” tool is a win for me! I need and want this giveaway so I too can get my financial rear in gear.

    1. Hey, whatever it takes, right? I actually wasn’t sure if Mark would dig the envelopes, but he TOTALLY does, and he’s super stoked that I’m finally on board to give this a go. Best of luck to you and your hubby in your budgeting journey, Geni!

  29. What a great idea! I am so OCD so this organization post is right up my alley! And I love all the colors to pretty it up!

  30. I’ve NEVER been on a personal/household budget of any kind so I REALLY need this in order to make it work and not end up as just one more unfinished thing in my life. HELP me!

  31. That binder makes budgeting and financial planning fun! Just when I thought you couldn’t get any more organized you go and get more organized.

    I have mixed feelings about you selling your wedding dress, but I’m supporting you whatever you decide! Great give-away!

    Your dad and I followed Larry Burkett, John Bogle, and Ron Blue who are/were similar to Dave Ramsey. Staying out of debt has been key (e.g. buying only quality used cars that we had fully saved up for and paid when we bought). Looking for deals for vacations, clothing, groceries, and saving/investing/tithing has all been good. We believe in having six months of salary minimum in an emergency fund. Working consistently (though not full-time for me) but also finding rest and setting limits on how much to work. But you know all this…
    wishing you and Mark a great year in meeting your financial goals.

    1. I know – – some days I’m also torn about selling my wedding dress, but what motivates me is the possibility of it having a 2nd hay day rather than sitting in a box for 50 years. And we have so many memories and photos to remember it by!

      You and Dad have always set great examples of how to manage money well and be good stewards of the gifts God has given us. Thanks for your continued love and support in so many areas…including this quest for financial peace!

      1. Yes, I think the dress deserves another fling!
        Your efforts for financial freedom are so worthy. We are cheering you on! We also appreciate your prayers for us as we want to continue to be good stewards of His money.

  32. Love organization, it makes my life easier. I’m in the middle of completely re-organizing everything in our home. We are graduates of Financial Peace University (compliments of Bedrock Resources). I need to keep a binder of finances, expenses, etc.. XO

    1. Kae, you totally strike me as someone who has the “organization” gift! I go through spurts…but hopefully this one sticks. Also, that is SO cool that you and Elton are graduates of Financial Peace University. Mark and I had no idea that Bedrock Resources did that! They must have a pretty good guy at the helm (wink wink). 😉

  33. I’m looking forward to putting this in practice with my husband. My son Cooper is working on a personal management badge for Boy Scouts and I’m going to suggest he use this system! Maybe a guys version of color!

  34. just organizing my life in general including finances & budget..thanks for the chance to win!! It will be really helpful!

    Joey J.

  35. That’s great! I really need to get working on a budget since we’re closing on our first house next month and it’s going to need major work before we can move in. So exciting!

  36. Oh, I could use a lot of organizational help in a lot of areas… paperwork filing, blog planning, meal planning… the list goes on! Tom & I do a decent job of saving, but I think we could step up our game and be more conscientious of where our money goes each month. I’ve often wondered of Dave Ramsey’s method would do us good! Maybe this is the year to give it a shot! Thanks to you and to Abby for the giveaway! You ladies rock 🙂

  37. My life lol! Some of my goals this year are to be more organized and to de-clutter. My husband & I have also talked about trying new ways to budget. We just moved to a new home (still unpacking actually) so we really have a chance to start fresh and we want to do it right!

  38. I love the idea of making all this pretty to keep me interested! I simply glaze over at a black and white grid of numbers! The free book sounds fabulous too!

  39. Hi Lauren – This is awesome! I love it! I would organize my finances and my life. My major goal of 2015 is to organize my life and get rid of the extraneous clutter. Time to focus on me and what I really want out of life. I’ve already made quite a dent, but there is still so much to do! This binder would really help. Thanks again for this post!

  40. Thank you for your post regarding making your own cash envelopes. My husband I have been praying about this and we are going to do it too!

  41. I would organize my school life first! I am currently a nursing student and believe me–I am super type A personality and enjoy organizing every little detail. I may enjoy organizing too much, to the point that I actually find joy and happiness in it! I am sure I drive a few people nuts with my organization, but ultimately it all works out for the best 🙂

  42. Lauren & Abby,
    Thank you for the chance to win your great products. I admire both of you because I believe you are forward thinking women in the business world. Thank you for using your creativity to teach me. I am inspired to do the same.
    Happy Creating Darlins,
    Karen Marie

  43. The first thing I would do is organized my life, bills, school work, workout schedule, eating plan, and dates with my boyfriend!

  44. My Life! Ha, but seriously, my debt. I’ve gotten myself in to some bad credit card debt and I need to start something like this to help me out of it!

  45. We’ve been using Dave Ramsey’s Debt Snowball since August and have paid off 2 vehicles! We’re DEBT FREE except for our house, and we’re on our way to paying that off as well. The envelope system made us cringe a few years ago, but now that we’re on the same page financially, we firmly believe in it!

  46. Budgeting is the best! We use mint.com to track everything. Also this giveaway you’re running is amazing! I would organize my crafting patterns. It’s a hot mess right now.

  47. I just love your projects, Lauren. I have some organization goals this year too. Hope I win so I can be as organized as you!

  48. My mission for 2015 is to declutter my life – so this is perfect for me. My first step is to organize all the information flying around our office into this great binder! Everything at my finger tips 🙂 I can’t wait!

  49. Yay! I love Abby’s printables! I’d totally organize our budget and finances first. Yikes, they are a mess right now and need some extra TLC!! And, I’d organize all our stuff too with those pretty labels and tags. 🙂 Thanks for this great giveaway!

  50. My husband and I are trying to get our finances in order and pay off some debt. We are also trying to get our home in order, so winning this would go a long way.

  51. This is the first year in a very long time that my husband and I are making and sticking to a budget. I would definitely start with the budget pages to get a budget binder ready to keep us motivated and on track! I am also trying to cobble together a household binder. The rest of the printables would be amazing for what I have in mind! 🙂

    1. I’m with you! Everything needs to be organized better. I’m trying to start a source of additional income (another piece of advice from Dave Ramsey) by selling crafts, but I have no business acumen whatsoever. I would definitely organize that first.

      1. Great game-plan, Rynn! I have some business goals, too, and it really does help to do the work ahead of time to set yourself up for success. Best of luck to you with your craft sales this year!

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