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.
2012 Goals
December 9th, 2011 at 08:54 pm
December 9th, 2011 at 09:00 pm 1323464457
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!
December 9th, 2011 at 09:14 pm 1323465276
December 9th, 2011 at 10:58 pm 1323471538
December 9th, 2011 at 11:46 pm 1323474406
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.
December 10th, 2011 at 12:51 am 1323478270
I may go ahead and get wine as long as it fits within my $20! I like cheap wine just fine.
December 10th, 2011 at 01:25 am 1323480337
December 12th, 2011 at 01:22 am 1323652939
August 27th, 2012 at 06:41 pm 1346092893
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