The first week of fall semester 2017 is underway and I've been reflecting this week on how I'm doing with my budget and changes I've made. So far, I am very proud of my progress and I have seen the Lord's hand every single day. Here are the things I've done in the past few weeks concerning my financial situation:
- I sold my iPad, bought a Nikon camera, and then sold the camera for $100 more than what I paid. I decided that when I’m older and have money I can live with those kinds of things if I really want them. For now, they’re not “needs”
- I thought that the "no eating out rule" would be harder because I LOVE eating out, but people (friends & family) are respecting my decision and have been paying for my food if they wanna eat with me that bad.
Arena bought a Little Casesar's pizza and shared it with me. Pep and I went home a few weekends ago and when we got back to Rexburg she bought me SONIC! I love Sonic. When I was home, we went to McDonald's with dad after Lolo Hot Spring. And then! Grandpa Butch was in Rexburg one night and took me out for ice cream. So, as you can see, I'm still getting my "eating out fix" but just not paying for it! I have stuck to what I said and my wallet is thanking me for it.
I'm learning that you don’t have to be afraid of saying “no” ... people who really want to spend time with you will find other things to do. Normally my friend Beth and I would go to Mill Hollow and get dinner whenever we wanted to hang out. But instead, last week we went for a hike. Maddie Moline and I used to hit up Soda Vine 2-3 times/week for drinks and pretzels which quickly added up, but last week we met up at Smith Park and just walked laps and talked! It was the best and I didn't spend any money!
I am finding that if someone really wants to eat out with you bad enough to have you there for company, they'll pay for your food. You're reaching your goals AND getting free food. It's truly the best of both worlds!
Working at Enterprise Rent-a-Car has been interesting, because, anytime you work customer service you obviously meet people from ALL walks of life. Lately, I've seen a lot of people come in that we've had to turn away because they don't have enough funds on their card for a $250 security deposit + the cost of renting the vehicle. Literally I've seen moms with full-time jobs and little kids swipe a debit card, declined. They try a credit card, nope. Declined. Like.... I just can't! I NEVER ever want to be in that situation. So I'm making the change now. I always want plenty in savings (3-6 months of living expenses) and a decent cushion in my checking account as well! But duh, everyone WANTS that. But not everyone does what's necessary and budgets their money to be able to have that. I, however, don't just WANT it. I'm doing what's necessary to obtain that kind of lifestyle and financial freedom, and I've never felt more excited about it.
I've been listening to a lot of Dave Ramsey podcasts lately and the audiobook "The Total Money Makeover" Here are a couple things I took note of:
I am finding that if someone really wants to eat out with you bad enough to have you there for company, they'll pay for your food. You're reaching your goals AND getting free food. It's truly the best of both worlds!
Working at Enterprise Rent-a-Car has been interesting, because, anytime you work customer service you obviously meet people from ALL walks of life. Lately, I've seen a lot of people come in that we've had to turn away because they don't have enough funds on their card for a $250 security deposit + the cost of renting the vehicle. Literally I've seen moms with full-time jobs and little kids swipe a debit card, declined. They try a credit card, nope. Declined. Like.... I just can't! I NEVER ever want to be in that situation. So I'm making the change now. I always want plenty in savings (3-6 months of living expenses) and a decent cushion in my checking account as well! But duh, everyone WANTS that. But not everyone does what's necessary and budgets their money to be able to have that. I, however, don't just WANT it. I'm doing what's necessary to obtain that kind of lifestyle and financial freedom, and I've never felt more excited about it.
I've been listening to a lot of Dave Ramsey podcasts lately and the audiobook "The Total Money Makeover" Here are a couple things I took note of:
Looking good versus being good:
“Looking good is when your broke friends are impressed by what you drive and being good is having more money than they have” - Dave Ramsey
“When the goal, not how you look, is the motivator, you are on your way to a total money makeover”
“You have the reach the point that what people think is not your primary motivator. Reaching the goal is the motivator. “
He gives 7 baby steps to achieving financial peace and I am on Baby Step #1 - saving $1,000 for an emergency fund. I did it! It only took me 3 weeks! :)
Baby step #2 is the debt snowball which I will include in the next post.
Labor Day Weekend (last week) I went out to Colorado to see Josh and I had a couple small victories that I wanted to write about as well.
Basically I spent like $10 on the entire trip. (after plane tickets and shuttle fees)
We got free food even though it wasn’t good from the tailgate instead of buying lunch.
W brought empty water bottles to the football game to fill up with water instead of buying any.
Only ate out once in airport because I was STARVING.
When I got back from my trip, Arena gave me a stack of clothes!
The Lord is blessing me (through other people) for my efforts. I am staying under budget this month! I’m determined.
Also, the other night while I was talking to Josh on the phone, I found $50 cash in my planner!! Like I have no idea who put it there, if it was me a while back or somebody else, but I just know that it was a huge blessing and Heavenly Father reaching out once again to remind me that I'm being blessed for my efforts to live the way that he would have me live.
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