2011 BUDGET CHALLENGE

Goal: To save $15,000.00 for moving costs by 2012

Please note that this is in addition to our normal savings so this really will be a challenge.

CHANGES I HAVE ALREADY IMPLEMENTED


Mentioned in a previous post, was our decision to refinance our two mortgages into one mortgage. This change alone saves $300.00 per month in interest alone. That will gives us $3600.00 plus interest by then close of the year.

We have canceled our Netflix account we had set up for a family member. It was a one year gift that we had carried over into another year. Per that family member’s request we cancelled. This will save us $9.83 per month.

I am banned from purchasing make up for three months, but I have decided to extend this through the next six months to a year. There are exceptions to this:

If I am replacing something I use regularly
If I work a deal where the item is $1.00 or less.


CHANGES FOR THE NEW YEAR


January will be the first month for my husband and me to use the envelope system for groceries. This budget will include any lunch/snack purchases. Now, I am great with packing a lunch for my husband, but I rarely pack a lunch for myself. This is a vice I really need to correct. Restaurant purchases will be included in this as well. Luckily, we don’t eat out too much because of our particular diet style. Also, we will continue our two vegetables gardens and we are looking into selling some of the items at work.

I think we will use the envelope system for groceries, clothes and necessities. All other categories will have a specifically designated savings account with a certain amount transferred each month. I can then disperse from there at will. As long as I keep my balances recorded; I don’t see a problem. Let me know what you think about this. I also was wondering what you thought about me emptying out these accounts so I can start fresh. I would just transfer the current balances into my regular savings and then start at zero. This would really give me an idea of 2011. What do you think?

We decided to stick with credit cards for our gas purchases. I plan to keep one credit card only for gas. This will be easier for me to keep track of what I am spending and then make changes as the year progresses. My drive to work is 60 miles roundtrip which means I purchase gas every other day. I already couple all of my errands with my drives to and from work so I don’t see a need to improve or change anything in that arena.

I am bringing my lotion making business back into full swing this year. I already have the samples for my label and will work on finishing this project and really advertising to sell. Right now, my intention is to keep this as a side business to pay the costs and add a bit of money into our savings. I am allowed to advertise at work and quite a number of the employees are very organic minded.

Saving money as a whole will involve me making a conscious effort to analyze all situations. This, will in turn, lower my general utilities and keep money in the bank for frivolous adventures.

I think I will post once a month (you should see a new post just after January 31st) with all of my totals, challenges, fails, and triumphs. The post will be labeled “Budget” for quick reference.


Here we go!

Christmas Day Snow!

Here are a few pics of the snow as we drove home from the in-laws-enjoy!

Birthday Gift From Sephora

Here is my birthday present from Sephora!
We all know I won't be buying from there for a while!

2011 BUDGET GOAL

I made my mortgage payment and then took what I saved from the refinance towards our $15,000.00 goal. The amount saved this month is $300.00 physically transferred into a savings account set up for this challenge.

I am still deciding on whether or not I will post once a week or once a month. Normally, I balance our accounts at the end of the month and was thinking of combining that with a monthly post.


Let me know what you think- any suggestions are much appreciated!

O Christmas Tree!

Such a pretty tree!



But don't get too close! There is no floor!

2011 Budget Goals

Precious has started another savings challenge for the 2011 new year and I thought I would join in on the fun.

I can already state that Hubby and I have made one major change; we refinanced our first and second mortgages into one mortgage with no closing costs. The savings just on the mortgage will be over $300.00 per month and we will also take off two more years from the original loan. Our intent is to pay $100.00 more per month on the principal of the mortgage. This move dropped our first mortgage rate from 6.25% to 4.125% and it took the second mortgage down from a high 7.44%.

The savings from this endeavor will be going into an account set up for moving expenses when we move in 2012 (God willing). I am thinking that the cost alone for that will be at least $10,000.00.

In January we are going to try the envelope system for our grocery system. I don't think we need to do that for gas since that can't be an item one can "skip". What other items can you use for the envelope system? Entertainment? Donations?

The next thing is my ban from purchasing make up for the next three months... let us just say this was a necessary step for one who could purchase new make up everyday... I had made a previous promise like this, but it took the iron fist of my husband to put it into full gear.

Please note that I have purchased make up in the past and will post about it (prior to the ban). Who can pass up a good deal?

Please give me other suggestions on saving money to pay for our moving costs. Our goal is $15,000.00 by August of 2012.

Wheelin' Wednesday: JC PENNEY

I received two coupons for $10.00 off the purchase of an item of $10.00 or more. I picked up this blouse for $2.14 (after coupon and taxes) and the jacket for $4.72 (after coupon and taxes). They were both on sale and the coupons gave me a great added discount.

Saturated Saturday: Productive But Still More To Do!

This morning I headed to the abortion clinic for another prayer vigil. I then came home, made breakfast and then headed outside. The rest of my morning and early afternoon was spent working in our yard. I managed to finish covering our garlic rows with leaves during these cold months. I was also able to finish raking the rest of the front yard and hedged the first side of the driveway. I must say that it looks very nice. I am tempted to actually decorate the front yard for Christmas.
I worked the bookstore today before Mass and now I am home resting with a full tummy. Dinner of ground beef with onions and cabbage was quite hearty.

I can't wait to finish cleaning my house and yard for the holy days!

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DROP EGGS

UMMMMM?

They Don't See the Unhappiness

The woman with the white hair is the owner of the abortion clinic and the younger women protest every week for the pro-death side. All I can say is that they just make me very sad...their eyes are so empty. When they talk, heckle, and mock me and others it is a reflection of their hardened hearts.

Dear God, let them see that killing a child is not the answer to freedom.

Thoughtful Thursday: Deception Revealed on Facebook

If you know me, then you know that what you see is what you get. I dress the same way for work and church. If I am upset- you know it. If I use foul language- my parents know it and if I don’t- they know that too.

Growing up, I never took a second set of clothes when I went out. Smoking a cigarette wasn’t something I did hidden away in some dark corner and I certainly didn’t sneak out to any parties.

My parents taught my siblings and me to honor and love Our Lord and to love and respect them as parents and representatives of the Holy Family. We never wanted to disappoint and when we did; contrition soon followed.

Where is this leading? I have learned a great deal about people through that “fun” website, FACEBOOK.
What have I learned?

I have learned that young people seem to communicate through an abbreviated version of the English language.
I have learned that young men refer to their mothers in a derogatory manner and allow other young men to “chime” in on the subject.
I have learned that cleavage is an accessory.
I have learned that it is “okay” to wear skimpy shorts, halter tops, and grossly tight clothes anywhere but church.
I have learned that parents are okay with their children posting pictures of themselves in grotesque, appalling, and vulgar situations and poses.
I have learned that people remain friends with other people who are clearly bad influences because they are “fun”.
I have learned that warnings are not heeded on any level.
I have learned that true friendship is far and few.
I have learned that parents and children do not really love themselves or each other.
I have learned that this lack of love stems from the lack of love of God.
And finally,
I have learned that this will fall on deaf ears and souls that are darkening by the day.