September's Challenge--The Art of Saving

This summer was our big trip out west, and I had prepped, planned and saved for that trip for some time.  It was a GREAT trip!

But, we also realized that we had to use a week at a condo in 2015, so last month, Bret and I had to find some place else to go in 2015.  Woe is me, right?

But, we know we're not going to have a ton of money to spend on this second trip... so I need to save an extra $500 to make it happen.  The cost of the gas will already be covered (gas is so cheap now, I could do budget cheerleading moves about it); our great condo is covered, but that $508 price tag to get a family of five into the Magic Kingdom for one day is looming in front of me!

So, my goal this month is to save $500 IN ADDITION to what I am already saving.  I need this money to be "extra," or I can't justify spending it on a second vacation. I already save money each month, but that savings has a purpose: retirement, a bigger emergency fund, college accounts the kids, or our next car--so this needs to be on top of all of that!

For me, there are two budget categories that stick out the most as a possibility for reduction for the month: Entertainment (which includes eating out) and Household (which for us is clothes, groceries, household products, etc).  Additionally, I will try to sell some stuff on Craigslist to make it happen.

So, how about you join me?  Couldn't you use some extra money in the bank?  Maybe $500 is just too steep for your personal situation and your personal budget?  Maybe you don't really have that kind of wiggle room... I get it!  I bet you can, however, come up with a number that makes sense for you.  It's got to be big enough that it hurts a bit... changes your habits at the grocery store or the food court (or lack thereof), but it also has to be doable.

For me, $500 is the sweet spot.  It's enough of a change that it's going to take daily (if not moment by moment) intentional decision making (and a month of meals of rice and beans), but it's also by no means impossible.

If you need help thinking through this or setting up a budget, let me know.  I simply LOVE talking about and planning budgets--sticking to them is a whole lot less fun! ;)

Cheap Labor

These two give a killer (I mean, really, really good) foot massage, and their going rate of $4 an hour can't be beat (plus Friday and Monday free, according to them).  This is the best 30 minutes of my day today, even if it confirms they have no business scruples.

Off to Preschool

and so excited!

Post church exhaustion plan

Working well, so far... They appear none the wiser that a 6:30 bedtime is looming.