In the past, I haven't been so wise with my money. Before I was married, I had pretty much a disposable income. I would buy on impulse and half the time, would wear/use something once or twice and then forget about it soon after.

If I could turn back the clock to my first full time job at Cotton On as a sales rep, I would have saved my money and purchased a unit. I don't think I would have lived in it, maybe for six months to secure the first home owners grant but after that, I'd rent it out. This way, at least some of my money would have gone to something important and I'd have something to show for my hard work prior to getting married.

I'm lucky to have a hubby who is very responsible with his money. Sometimes he stresses me out a bit with budgets etc (he is a very smart man and enjoys maths and working things out!) because having a budget requires me to stop being irresponsible but 99% of the time, I see the big picture and really appreciate the way he is with his money.

The past few months I have come to realise that I need to start focussing in on our furture more. We began this journey together in June/July last year when we purchased our first home together. This was a big step for us and a very exciting one to say the least! By doing this, I feel like it really is mine, like my work isn't going to nothing but its securing our future.

I read an article today about budgetting etc and these are some helpful tips that I think are important.

1. Have an emergency savings fund that covers three months of expenses. Transfer 10% of your salary into a seperate "emergency" account each pay until you have reached the required amount and do not spend it unless there is an emergency!
   
2. Before you do anything, put 10% of your salary into savings. Ideally, you should contribute this 10% into your superannuation on top of what your employer must. Then, another 5-10% into a savings account to save for things such as cars, houses, holidays etc.
   
3. Only 60% of your total income should go towards essentials. If its more, find ways to cut your costs.
   
4. Date Money - allocate a reasonable amount to your enjoyment. The artical recommended 20-25% of your salary but I think thats a bit much. My hubby and I usually like to go out once a week and do something nice and that will usually cost us less that $60. Outings with friends and loved ones don't always have to cost money. Some of the nicest things I have ever done, never cost a cent.
   
5. Find your money leaks... write down every single expense you have in the month. From that coffee to the $2 tip at the resturant. This will identify the areas which you can cut back.
   
6. Tell your friends. If you don't tell them, then they won't have a problem asking you to go out five nights in the week... but if you do tell them that you are trying to work out your finances then it will be easier for you to say no if they do ask.
   
7. Use cash instead of eftpos. By withdrawing your money at the beginning of the week and refusing to use cash, you will physically see the money you are spending and be wiser about how you spend it.
   

Hope some of these tips help you out. I'm sure they'll be helping us out a bit.

Sarah x