Well, we are nine days into our second month... I've been doing okay but I did make two purchases this month. I know... bad news bears but in all honestly, they weren't that bad AND I am thinking of extending the dance a few more months...How did I fall off the wagon? Well, first off, I use a certain store's credit card that sends me back rebates. I had a rather large chunk of rebate waiting for me and I didn't want it to expire... PLUS I saw a super cute pair of shorts that would be great for work this summer. With the rebate bucks, I ended up only having to pay shipping! Not to bad, just $7 for a brand new pair of shorts that will liven up my wardrobe. The second purchase was less money saving and more necessity... I love a certain type of tanktop/undershirt. It is NOT expensive and from a ... shall we say ... 'teen' retailer? So they aren't a billion dollars to begin with. Well, Sweet Boyfriend and I started to notice that the white ones I wear ALL THE TIME were getting thin, with holes in them, stretching out, etc. I was going to make due but he encouraged me to look into replacing them. Well I went online and saw that they were on sale for $5 a piece. Plus I found an online coupon for $5 off if you spend $30. Well, with $30 of shirts in my cart, I used the coupon and essentially got one of those for free! Now I can dump the old ones and not worry about the holes!One thing that I am really learning through this process is to be much more mindful of how I spend money and what I spend it on. When Sweet Boyfriend and I talk about the future, I realize that I would much rather put my money towards that (and have it gain interest in the meantime) than a new outfit that may not be my favorite.So let me reiterate my goals for you (and for myself):
- I will be out of credit card debt in 9 months
- I will have a significant amount in my retirement account by then
- Once I am out of CC debt, I will put that money towards my car, student loans, and savings
- I will put at least 30% of my income towards bills, loans, or savings every month
It isn't easy but I'm doing it!