My sister's grocery budget hack saved our holiday meal planning

Have you noticed how families will quietly stress about money for years before someone finally suggests a system? It's like we're all scared to be the one who brings up the budget, but once someone does, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Your sister's spreadsheet hack is a perfect example of that. I see this same thing with friends planning group vacations or even splitting the check at dinner. Making the costs clear from the start just removes so much awkwardness. It's sad that we need a spreadsheet to be honest with each other, but hey, if it works, it works.