Confession – since starting this blog, some of my frugal practices have been lacking. I haven't yet found the balance needed to use my evening hours productively enough for blogging AND saving, but with 2013 officially here, I believe “having it all” is well within my reach. While I haven't stopped couponing, sweeping, and living frugally entirely – I have certainly been missing out on many opportunities to boost my financial health, so I thought it would be a good time to set some financial resolutions. What better place to set them than here where I will be kept accountable for for my goals? So – without further adieu...my 2013 financial goals!
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Sacred Saving Time: My husband is a night owl and I am more of a morning person. I'm almost always up several hours before him on Saturday mornings, and that just happens to be when my Sunday paper gets delivered. I have decided to make Saturday mornings from 10:00am – 1:00 pm a “Sacred Saving Time”. I will wake up, clip coupons, and prepare for my weekly shopping trips. Any time leftover can go to blogging, but first and foremost Saturday mornings will be for planning out my shopping savings. This way I don't get behind and I don't end up buying something for a sky high price out of necessity. It also gives allows for a little “me time” on Saturday mornings which will help to facilitate an overall positive state of mind in 2013.
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The Shelf : This is something I have been meaning to implement for a while, so the New Year's holiday is giving me the little kick in the pants I need. I'm embarrassed by how much food we waste in my house. For someone who claims to live frugally, I sure throw away a ton of money each week in spoiled groceries. My plan to combat this is a mix of aggressive meal planning and fridge organization. I will reserve a shelf in my fridge for “must use” items. Perishable items will live on that shelf as a constant reminder of what ingredients are nearing their expiration date. I'll elaborate more on this plan with some great meal planning resources in a future post.
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Giving: I began online giving to my church on every pay-day this year, and then got distracted and let the consistency slide. I will set outlook reminders to visit the church website and do my weekly giving to keep a healthy perspective on my finances and invest in what I really care about.
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Craft/DIY: I am so hesitant to make this a goal, but I know it is for the best. I am going to forgo one major purchase this year and replace it with a DIY project. I HATE making stuff, but have a great friend Stacy who has vowed to help me, and I'm following a ton of blogs written by lovely ladies who make DIY seem so chic. I figure, this year is as good a year as any to try.
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Less Power: Since marrying and moving in with my husband I have left the oven on overnight twice. I realize that I could have blown the house up, but in my defense, we have the world's oldest oven with faulty knobs. Anyway – my little boo-boo cost us an extra $100 on our electricity bill, so to make up for it I am going to be the light switch police and take steps to lower our electricity bill significantly.
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Save: This year I have a a vacation scheduled for my one year anniversary which is my last big hurrah before all of my savings go towards investing in the future. My goal is to put a fairly decent pocket of cash away by the end of the year that will help my family reach new heights.
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Blog: It may not seem like a financial goal, but really it is. My goal is to make blogging a part-time connection to the workforce that can be something I can rely on in a dynamic economy. To do this, I will need to strive to put my best effort into helping others through “Fake It Till You Make It” - a goal I vow to make a top priority.
So those are my seven financial resolutions for 2013. I have every intention on reporting about my efforts through this blog, so progress is a must!
What are your financial resolutions for 2013? Have you built in accountability to increase your chance of reaching your goals? Great! Now – here's your chance to make your financial resolutions pay! Go to one of my new favorite blogs “Wise Bread” for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card. All you have to do is share your 2013 financial resolution.
Let's root each other on for a fantastic 2013!
photo credit: AMagill via photopin cc
