Don't Call it a Resolution

In an earlier post, I decided to once again NOT have a New Years resolution. And I'm standing firm on that. But, I plan on making subtle changes in my life throughout the entire year...and just see how well things go.

Don't Call it a resolution 1: BUDGET
I used to believe that budgets and coupons were reserved for grandmother's and poor people. I am neither of those. Well borderline poor. For a family of three (hey, the dog eats and has needs too!) the money that I make just isn't cutting it. And if there is any extra money at the end of the month, I spend it. On sale items, but spend it nonetheless. I have already purchased some items to help me in my quest to save more money. How stupid does that sound? I just spent money in order to save money. Oh well. Let's just say this, I'm trying damn it.

 You see this clear beauty? Yep, it's my new wallet. Fancy, right? I've never really been too fashioney anyway! So this is just an expandable folder that fits into my purse and it has separate sections. Some of my sections are: grocery, gas, sins (anything from a convenient store), coupons, and eating and a hidden one in the back: savings! I get paid twice a month. One paycheck goes directly to rent. The other paycheck will be cashed and divided into this handy folder.
Example: I'm only allowing $300 a month for groceries, so in the grocery tab, there should be $300. When that money is gone, it's gone. No more groceries for the month. The same goes for all the other tabs as well. If (by any lucky chance) there is money left over in a section at the end of the month, I will move it to the savings tab within this folder and eventually deposit it into my actual savings account. This all sounds so easy in theory. I'm only on day two, and it's hard to practice what you preach!

I really try to stay away from frivolous spending: lattes from Starbucks, manicures, cute new pillows...sometimes it's hard. Remember before the days of glorious online banking, you had to write down where your money went? Well I'm bringing that trend back. Instead of checking my account and the end of the month and wondering where my money is going, I'm going to try and do it on a daily basis. Fingers crossed folks!

Don't Call it a resolution 2: NO MORE TARGET
I have no intentions of going to Target - 2 miles away - unless it is a planned trip for things like make-up, household necessities, school supplies or birthday cards. And I will not be taking any debit/credit cards. Only the list and just enough money to purchase what is needed. No more "oh that's a cute top!" or "cute shoes!" NO MORE!!

Don't Call it a resolution 3: GOODWILL, GOODWILL, GOODWILL!
Ever since I've moved up here, Goodwill has been my buddy, but really now more than ever. I can get Banana Republic dress pants for work for $5.00; as opposed to driving the hour to Wolfchase Mall and then actually purchasing the pants full price. That folks, is considered a win. A huge win.

Don't call is a resolution 4: DISTINGUISH BETWEEN WANT AND NEED
Right now, Tay and I have a house over our heads, food in the pantry, electricity to keep us warm and yet, I'm still looking for something. Cute new pillows to spruce up the couch that Norman has desecrated... I need to start distinguishing between wants and needs. Coffee (for me) is an absolute need, but buying Starbucks Blond Roast for $8.00 is a want; especially when I can get the Kroger brand in a larger container for much cheaper. 

Don't call is a resolution 6: BE BETTER AROUND THE HOUSE
Tay and I are notorious for being careless when it comes to paper products. We go through paper plates and paper towels like crazy. So I've decided to change that up a bit. Instead of going through 5-10 paper towels in a days span, I'm going to have something in the kitchen called the 's**t rag.' It will be my napkin when I eat, my sponge when I make a mess, and whatever else it needs to be.
I also used to be the type to wash clothes when I got bored (crazy I know!), but now I've decided to wash clothes only once a week. Less water + less washing time + less drying time = more money in my pocket.

I sorta debated on the whole let's save water by not showering thing - we have decided against that, showers are a necessity after all! 

I'm (we) are hoping that these small changes will make our household run more smoothly and hopefully save us some money. University of Tennessee CRNA tuition is too damn high!