Ask:
It's about that time to start New Year's resolutions. Here is my list regarding money/spending
--STICK TO A BUDGET
--keep a daily spending log so I can track where we are wasting money
--complete my price book and use it when shopping
--continue to make monthly deposits into college 529 savings plans for girls
--make as much as I can from scratch
--$500 into a emergency fund (only need$230 more)
--start savings account for Disney trip in about 3 years
--pay off at least 2 credit cards
--plan out a debt reduction plan and stick to it
--keep better track of what is in my pantry so I don't waste any food
Anyone else have resolutions?
Answer:
No more buying things just because they are on clearance.
Set aside money each month for Xmas 2007.
No more stockpiling gifts just because.
Clean out my gift bins.
Pay off all credit cards this year.
Start David Ramsey program.
No more eating out for breakfast & lunch.
Start price book and update coupon binder.
Answer:
Ditto to what you ladies have said (lol).
Seriously, I really need to:
Stop buying things on clearance just because
Clip coupons more regulalry and trade the ones I cannot use
Check all store ads more regulalry
Stop eating out when I'm out running errands
Complete my price book
Remember to check unit prices in stores and not just remain loyal to a particular store
Sleep on purchases rather than buying on impulse- figure out if I can really use what I'm buying
Get a budget buddy
Keep a spending journal
Purchase Christmas 2007 gifts all year, rather than waiting until Nov. or Dec.
Answer:
Ladies, these are really good and I am going to borrow from your lists to create my own... I need to put something in writing because my "intentions" just don't cut it!
Thanks for sharing...
Answer:
I plan on having every single outstanding bill paid in full by the end of 2007. ALL OF THEM.
I also plan on keeping dh in line frugally and stop wasting money.
I'm going to stick to my budget and plan it out even better than before. We WILL be debt free by the end of the year.
Answer:
I would like to pay all outstanding debt. But most import is just getting control over my money. Thats my biggest goal. I have to learn to stop spending when all our needs are met and not buy anything extra.
Answer:
Only purchasing necessities and using up or subsituting what I already have.
No more charging - NOTHING
Make a menu and stick to it.
Keep a running of list of needs - Clothes for kids and such - NOT WANTS
Cut back on running around and stay home or more play dates.
Shop around for better rates on utilities.
Hopefully sell my car and DH truck and get something with out a car payment. We got a new car from DH work. (Okay not brand new 2001 Camry, but needs some motor work)
Not just buy because and find another avenue to spend time, instead of shopping - LIKE exercising - May then I can fit back into a bathsuit.
So far that's it. It's going to be a TIGHT year!!!
Answer:
My big goal is to plan menus for at least a week and shop according to that list. No more running to the store and spending a ton of money only to find out I've bought snacks and a bunch of part-meals!
Also- no more stockpiling clearance items! I will only buy if I have a specific person in mind and then I will keep an on-going list so I don't wind up with a closet full of things I've forgotten
Answer:
My goal is not to buy clothes for myself or my kids unless we literally wear something out or grow out of it (not that I plan on growing out of my clothes- even as an excuse to buy more.) My husband is such an inspiration in this department. He has two pair of jeans, two pairs of chinos, 3 sweaters, and a few t-shirts. His side of the closet is practically empty and he only buys something new when he wears something out.
Answer:
Just two things...
Continue to pay off debt.
Get on more of a budget. I like shopping way to much.