Let's try this again. We've tried monthly budgets before, and actually did fairly well paying down some debt. But, we always had the big expense of a wedding looming in our near future, so that dampened any enthusiasm we had for paying off debt or saving.

Now that we're post-wedding (just over one month married, yay) we can get back to business.

We're both 23, recently married and just moved back to our home state. We had moved away for my job, and earlier this year I was blessed with the opportunity to move back with the same company. I love my job, although it is challenging and stressful and I get paid for 40 hours/week even though I normally work 60+. The hope is that it will all be worth it in the end, when I get promoted and make more money.

DH also works full time, he was fortunate enough to land a decent job when we moved back. He doesn't make as much as he'd like, but he has done very well in his short time there, and talks of a promotion have started. For now, he is putting up with the boss, showing up early, and trying his best to get moved up.

I graduated college in 2008, DH has a few semesters of classes under his belt and the plan is for him to eventually go back for his Associate's at least.

We are definitely at a point in our life when we need to prioritize. We are renting right now, and if our jobs allow us to stay in the same area, we'd like to buy a home. Since we have a sizeable amount of debt and virtually no savings (other than my 401k), that is impossible right now.

We also want children at some point, and it gets a little more important to me every time I log on to facebook and see the adorable babies that my friends from high school and college and being blessed with. We aren't ready to have one right this moment, but I don't want finances to get in the way when we are.

On another note, I will need another vehicle at some point. Mine is ten years old, and has been VERY reliable to this point. However, in the past year we've had to replace the starter and the brakes, and I now need four new tires. The basic maintenance I don't mind, but it makes me realize that it won't last forever. We need to be prepared to get another one when the time comes.

So for now, a financial diet is in order. Hopefully we can stay focused and motivated by thinking of all the reasons we are scrimping to pay off debt and save where we can.

It will be difficult, especially since we just got married and moved into a new house, and there are alot of little things we still need. And of course, Christmas is on the horizon, with two big families to consider.

But, it makes me feel better just to have a budget in place, even if it will change in January when DH goes on my health insurance at work, or with the overtime he can get at work, etc. At least we are aware of our situation. My goal is to make the difference between our Investments and Debt a little better each month. Even if it's a dollar, at least it's a dollar better and not worse.

So here goes, back on the bandwagon.