Budget

Tim and I are really working on tightening our money habits. Sadly (amazingly), after 10 years of marriage, this is the first time we've ever set up and followed a budget! I really find that we are enjoying this process. It's actually fun to talk about the expenses, account for each dollar, and feel like we are getting somewhere instead of spinning our wheels. Of course, as a stay-at-home mom, I have the time to commit to cooking food instead of eating out, clip coupons, search for deals on everything from entertainment to oil changes. And each time I score a deal, I feel really good about contributing to our financial security, even though I am not "making an income".
The thing I'm most happy about last month, spending-wise, is that between coupons, doubled coupons, and store sales, I saved 50 dollars and cut a $116 grocery bill down to $66! I know with a little focus each month, we can really get things in line.
Some of our goals for this year:
1. Save for an emergency fund -- new concept here. We have retirement accounts, but nothing much that we can use in case of an emergency. I don't want to fall back on credit.
2. Start paying and basically deleting our credit lines. Pay for things with cash. If we don't have cash, we don't buy it.
3. Tithe regularly and increase the percentage of our tithe. This is really about creating a habitual routine for us -- check into direct withdrawal.
4. Finalize our wills.
5. Continue to discuss our budget and goals regularly with each other.

Anyone have any great deal ideas?