Welcome to 2011 everyone! I'm not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. For one thing, it just means that the gym is more crowded until about March, and in general people tend to be unrealistic about what they can accomplish given the time, money, and lifestyle they have. I know, I know, people can do whatever they set their minds to. From observation, though, I find that most people don't want to set their minds to their resolutions, and thus, they don't achieve their goals. That being said, I'm giving in to the hype, and setting one public resolution.
I'll be graduating in August, and have some things I want to save for. So, my goal is to spend less, save more, and not lose any quality of life. That means more bargain shopping, more coupons, more used stuff, and more use of websites like MyPoints, Groupon, Ebates, and Swagbucks. I'm also going to start a challenge called $100 holiday. It works by using deals, coupons, and earned giftcards (not giftcards given to you) and by buying used gifts and making some yourself that you will spend less than $100 out- of-pocket for all of Christmas gifts. There is no sacrifice in quality, and no giving weird, cheap presents from the dollar store (although, sometimes the dollar store has some good stuff). The key to doing this is to start accumulating early, and by planning WAY ahead.
To keep myself accountable, I'll be blogging every Monday about how I've managed to save money, and how close I am to my goal. That part will be in percentages as I publicly blog, but you'll get to see my progress and hopefully use some of these deals and ideas yourself. This is in response to The Saved Quarter challenge over on Penny Saver's blog. I've mentioned her before, but she is a mom with a husband and two kids who lives off of $24,000 in Silicon Valley and saved 1/4 of her income last year. Pretty awesome. So, look forward to that happening tomorrow!
As part of saving you money, she's having a Blogiversary giveaway with tons of gift cards worth over $300! You should definitely check it out! Even if you don't win, I highly recommend subscribing because she seems to know all about some great deals, money making opportunities, and also does a fantastic scratch vs. store-bought series that I am in love with. What are you waiting for?!
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How did I only just now find your blog? XD This is really great stuff :) I'm now subscribed with RSS to both you and the Saved Quarter. Thanks for sharing! :D And fingers crossed for the good wins and money saving tips :D
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have you on board with The Saved Quarter Challenge! And you're ahead of the game but I'll be doing a $100 Holiday challenge starting at the end of the month. You can definitely link up your $100 gift posts with that!
ReplyDeleteGood luck this year. :)
I have 2 resources for you that have really helped Niki and I to save money.
ReplyDelete1) getrichslowly.org - a blog devoted to personal finance which usually has informative, helpful and relevent posts by real people and pros alike who speak from experience.
2) smartypig.com - 1.75% APY savings account. 'Nuff said (used to be 2%, damn economy). Let me know if you're interested and I'll get you a referral code and split my referral reward with you (i.e. I'll give you $5).
You might also go look at mint.com. It helps you keep track of your money (helps is an understatement, really). Or, if you prefer keeping everything local, I can hook you up with a really nice budgeting spreadsheet that we use.
Happy Savings!
Phil, you are awesome! I'll probably take you up on your offer as soon as my savings account is done recovering from tuition. Its about to be wiped out =(.
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