Everything began to change the year (2011) my husband switched jobs, and in doing so, took a paycut equivalent to half his salary. We had just enough to make ends meet, but no longer was there any extra. Our lifestyle change was sudden and drastic, but the thought that it was only temporary until he could figure out the next career step made it easier to swallow.

We knew it would be a hard year, but it was a much-needed change for the health and stability of marriage. While I would certainly miss the hefty financial cushion, I was honestly looking forward to rekindling our life together as a family. And, I figured, we could make anything work for one year. Left with no other choice, we went to an all-cash system, deliberately paid down debt, and I turned into one of those “crazy couponers” to make ends meet.

I remember leafing through the pink, pocket-sized accordion envelope filled with dollar bills and feeling a tangible, holy fear, knowing that when I spent the very last dollar in the envelope, the money was gone. Like, gone gone...