deedee421's Challenge

[deedee421]

I've been blessed to have some of my family members willing to take the challenge with me. They are not SA members, but we decided to play "catch up" and made 5 deposits on Friday. We're doing the Yahtzee method and deciding individually the amount we cross off each week. I crossed off $1 for week 5, and I have saved $150 so far.

[margot52]

Would you be willing to tell me how much you crossed off for each week thus far? Was there a special reason you only crossed off $1 for week five?

[deedee421]

Week 6 deposit made - $50 woohoo!
@Margot52,
I have made the following deposits to date:
Week 1: $52
Week 2: $51
Week 3: $27
Week 4: $19
Week 5: $1
Week 6: $50
I started the challenge in week 5 of 2013 and instead of counting that as my first week, my family decided we wanted to post 5 deposits all at once. I had $150 to put toward the challenge, so I crossed off the amounts based upon what I had available at that time. My goal going forward is to try to remove the top amount each week, but we'll see how that goes. Thanks for the question. I hope this helps!

[Alicia13]

Wow, that's a great start and impressive numbers! Keep up the great work and there is no doubt that you will succed. You've already knocked all of the $50's off the page. How great is that?!

[LadyT]

Awesome, deedee!! I, like you, am going with the "Yahtzee method." I'm really excited about this challenge!

[deedee421]

Alicia - thanks for the encouragement! I hadn't even thought about/noticed that I'm done with the $50's, so you've made my day.
LadyT - I've been excited since I first read about the challenge! I'm glad to have this forum so we can keep each other accountable.

[margot52]

Thank you for sharing your numbers. You're off to an excellent start. Would you be willing to share how you find your savings each week?

[deedee421]

Hi Margot, That's actually not an easy question for me. I've been tracking my spending to try to figure out where I can cut back (and I need to re-do my budget!), but I just spend less than I make. I have fixed expenses like tithes, mortgage, car insurance, etc. and I treat my savings like it is a bill that must be paid. I paid off my credit card debt in December, so that has freed up more money than anything else I have done. I've been able to save money in my food category by cooking more and eating leftovers and sandwiches. I try to get everything I need on my way to/from work and church which saves on gas. I take advantage of freebies, and if I get offers for lower rates on cable packages and insurance I'll call my current company and negotiate or switch.

[pinkroses]

Wow, you're doing great! I hope to follow in your footsteps.

[deedee421]

Pinkroses - You should definitely join the challenge. This site helped me to stay motivated when I was digging my way out of debt.

[deedee421]

Week 7 deposit of $49 has been made!

[LadyT]

Great job, deedee!!

[deedee421]

Thanks LadyT!

[pinkroses]

Another high amount crossed off. Way to go!

[deedee421]

Thanks pinkroses!