Well...explained project to our 5 kids (3 teens and 2 pre-teens) and let them know that it's really important for us all to understand and remember that "experiences and memories" are important and not "things". DH and I spoke with them, although he's sometimes the bigger kid when it comes to "toys". They said they understood and would try to help and be supportive. I'm thinking...this is going to be the year that "we are not the Joneses". This is really the problem. We don't really try to keep up with the Joneses..we kind of have become them...just because you CAN have "things" doesn't mean you SHOULD. Now...with the support my one teenage DS is giving me...he's also making me very uncomfortable. He went to school yesterday and told the coach he can't get an updated sports physical because we can't afford it. ($30 that I would happily spend for him to play) He had accidentally broken his cell phone..I told him he'll have to buy a replacement himself, so he can weigh out the cost and know that he has something invested in it. When I saw his girlfriends mother, she asked me if it would be OK if she gave him one of her old cell phones and that she had spoken with DS and "understood" that "money is tight" right now...and asked "how can she help? I let her know that I am changing the way I handle money and "things" with our kids. She just said OK and gave me a look. I know I shouldn't care what people think and I have explained, again, to our kids that even though the money is there, we will not be getting things just to get them. But that physicals and equipment, when truly necessary, are fine. It really bothers me to have coaches and others thinking we're in big financial distress when we're really not and to not have them know WHY my kids are suddenly telling them "we can't buy, pay for, or afford this or that!" Is anyone else facing this with the "support" their getting?

My DH got on board as soon as we read this..in fact he was like.."Grab some paper and a pen right now..the freeze starts immediately!" And it did! My husband is an accountant! That should explain his enthusiasm for this project!

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Bekah
Co-founder and CEO of the NOVITZKE FAMILY INC.

My husband was on board right away! He is a total miser so any money he can save he will, which is good and bad! I am the opposite so we kind of level the playing field. I even explained it to my daughter who is 3 yesterday and she said she will help with no requests for McDonalds until the end of the month. I was so proud of myself yesterday....I went to Walmart to exchange something, Target to exchange something and then to the Grocery store and only spent $20 (on food only) all morning with my 3yr. old in tow and she asked me for nothing!!

DH is kind of on board. When I told him about the project, he rolled his eyes. But I told him I was serious and I think he knew I meant it. We rarely have extra to spend on wants anyway so I don't think it will be too difficult.

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Loving wife to Matthew 6/26/04
SAHM to Jacob Matthew 4/19/03, Evelyn Grace 2/15/06 & Aiden Jackson 03/09/09

Dh is on board too!!! He's very excited about my complete turn around when it comes to my intereste in our finances.

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Jodie....Wife to Andrew (1995)
Mommy to Riley (2000) and Wyatt (2003)

Talked to DH last night and he is all for it!! I am the one who spends the most money though, so it is more me who needs the help. DH did see a furniture sale commercial last night and said " Lets Go" (we have been wanting to get a sectional) and then said "oh wait we can't" so he is being a good boy

He did ask if we were going to have to starve b/c I told him I was doing bare minimum grocery shopping and I said no, just no extras.

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Married to DH since 2003, Mom to Tanner (3) and
Braden (2) Baby #3 due 3/13/09

http://thriftyshoppermama.blogspot.com/

DH is on board. I still need to talk to dd about it. She'll be 6 tomorrow. Do you think she's too young to really get it? Any ideas of how to explain and help her understand? I'm also going to include my mom. She's been helping me manage our finances due to some other issues I have. I know she will support me (us) tremendously. In fact, I will be giving her my debit card. I've done it before - voluntarily - and it's been great for me. Like others, eating out is going to be our toughest obstacle. Good luck everyone!

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Jennifer
dd Sarah 1/4/02
ds Brady 1/15/07

My DH was right on board. All of our friends always pick on how "cheap" he is, but he really helps keep me on track. I think this project will help us to become closer through the year, especially if we can develop and maintain a common goal.

Thanks again for a wonderful challenge.

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"God determines who walks into your life…
it’s up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go." - Anonymous

My Husband is on board also. He said "let's do it"

My DH is on board and so is one of my co-workers.