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2012 Goals

December 9th, 2011 at 08:54 pm

Since everyone else is talking about 2012 goals it got me thinking, too. My overarching goal is to save as much as possible – which is a little vague. So my stretch goal is -- $700 a month. That will be quite a stretch, given that lately it’s been around $200-300.

So that means I have to change the way I’m doing things. Here’s what I’ve thought of so far.

Finally, once and for all, cancel cable (but keep internet). I plan to do this in January. I have a Roku and a Netflix streaming subscription. That is quite enough entertainment. I will miss the news, but the news is online.

Revamp my diet. Instead of buying frozen entrees, cook from scratch. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat less meat. Cut down on the desserts.

Cut out the wine. It may be good for my heart, but so is a good diet. It’s an expensive supplement.

Cut out vitamins (after I finish the bottle). The latest studies say I don’t need them, anyway.

Set a grocery spending limit. I’m thinking $20 a week. That’s aggressive, but it’s just me, and I don’t need to fill a big pantry.

Keep up with MyPoints to earn gift cards.

Complete a survey every day and do the Swagbucks poll – again, for the gift cards.

No more “new” clothes until I have to get a smaller size. (Quotes are there because I buy most clothing secondhand.)

Liquidate my antiques booth. I won’t do this until Spring when I can have a big yard sale. What doesn’t sell I will box up and auction on eBay.

Then just a few resolutions that won’t necessarily save money …

Savor the little things. I forget to do that sometimes.

Support local business. I need to stop going to McDonalds, which I don’t even like much, and go to the local eateries that are struggling to survive.

Find a form of exercise I enjoy, and do it!

Always remember I can be happy for no reason at all.

9 Responses to “2012 Goals”

  1. ThriftoRama Says:
    1323464457

    I like how ambitious you are. I think cutting cable is a good plan. I'm trying to talk hubby into it. Netflix is an excellent entertainment value for the dollar. We keep cable (premium of course) so he can watch soccer games. I have yet to convince him it isn't worth it!

    On the wine front, it doesn't have to be spendy! I recently listened to a freakonimics podcast about cheap wine vs expensive, and in blind taste tests most people can't tell the different. In other words, switch to cheap wine. it tastes the same! I just bought a case of Charles Shaw for $36. For 12. Maybe that will be in your new budget!

  2. Mary Ann Says:
    1323465276

    I also enjoyed reading post. You have some real inspiring ideas. I'm really interested in your $20. food budget! I hope you will post more on how you plan on doing that. Best wishes.

  3. rob62521 Says:
    1323471538

    You are ambitious! Depending on where you live, you may find the $20 food budget a bit low especially when you factor in the fresh fruits and vegetables. You sound like you are a good planner.

  4. PauletteGoddard Says:
    1323474406

    Cooking from scratch requires organization, but oh! the food is so good, better than >75% of restaurant food.

    I may cut down on the supplements myself, but I find magnesium, Vitamin C and D(3) really do work for what ails me, or are powerful preventive measures.

    You may find you don't miss the TV news at all by canceling cable, and you may just broaden your info diet with international reports and stories.

  5. CB in the City Says:
    1323478270

    The $20 will be for food only, not cleaning supplies, or shampoo, or pet supplies. I think I can do it. I've done it before, but that was a few years ago when prices were lower.

    I may go ahead and get wine as long as it fits within my $20! I like cheap wine just fine.

  6. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1323480337

    I am wanting to do something similar - getting back to more homecooked meals and less frozen. I've been spending way too much money on food - especially considering that mostly my lunches during the school week are free!

  7. Jerry Says:
    1323519594

    Those are great goals, and I like the idea of supporting local eateries instead of huge chains. That leads to helping the local economy, and often offers some insurance of healthier eating to boot. Good luck!
    Jerry

  8. LuckyRobin Says:
    1323652939

    If you cut out your vitamins I would pay really close attention to how your body feels. When I quit taking vitamins I dragged for weeks until I started again. They can run as many studies as they want to, but the only ones I pay attention to are the ones I run on myself and I know without C and D3 I feel miserable and without magnesium and potassium I get the world's worst leg cramps. I've tried quitting a few times with the same results. So definitely go by what your body feels when it comes to vitamins and not studies that will likely reverse themselves every couple of years. Good luck on the new cooking fresh foods instead of eating frozen meals. It does make a big difference to eat that way, I've found.

  9. Yvonne Says:
    1346092893

    Hello,
    I noticed that you are a member of mypoints. I’m a member of mypoints too. I usually order the walgreens gift cards with the points that I earn.
    Have you tried swagbucks? You can earn digital dollars and redeem them to purchase any of several gift cards, and/or products. I earn most of my swagbucks by searching the web and watching videos on SBTV (swag bucks tv), but there are several ways to earn those digital dollars. You can be my referral if you want. Here is the referral link: http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/kaay81

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