So interesting to see your budget (in U.S. here). I remember budgeting every penny when I first decided to stay home with my daughter (she graduates university in May). It is worth all the bother, I promise! We kept good frugal habits for a long time and it has made for less stress in the long term. Budget for some fun money when you can! Happy holidays!

You’ve made an impressive start to handling the budget. Have you thought about gluing the weekly check in sheet into the journal? It won’t have the same aesthetic but it will be functional It takes a while working with new systems to grow an understanding of how it works and to decide what to change to make it work better for you. I’m super impressed (American speak) that you are committed to an aggressive savings plan during your maternity leave.

I started keeping a budget in July and I've gone way over budget the last two months. Part of me wants to get upset about it, but part of me sees it as noticing where my problem areas are. Plus....the holidays.

Groceries must be far less than here in the USA…I am careful and they cost over $75+ a week just for me and I feel like I have nothing to eat. What about people who do not keep cash on hand? I charge everything and then pay it off on due date.