deedee421's Challenge

[deedee421]

There are so many things that helped me to be successful with the challenge last year:

1. I keep my savings out of reach. I opened an online account with Ally Bank so that I wasn't tempted to dip into my savings when I was low on cash.
2. I made saving a priority. I had a job scare and it was a huge wake up call for the importance of having an emergency fund. Now when I prepare my budget, my first line item is tithes and my second line item is savings.
3. Consistency. I got into the habit of transferring funds every Friday, so it became routine and it isn't the chore it was in the beginning. I now look forward to making my weekly deposits.
4. I learned about Swagbucks from a blog posted by creditcardfree last year, and that has been a great source of extra cash.

I hope this helps. I guess they aren't really new strategies, but just a changed mindset that gave me a desire to get my financial life in order.

[creditcardfree]

You are starting off great! I'm glad Swagbucks has worked out for you.

[deedee421]

2014 Challenge - Week 3

Thanks creditcardfree! I deposited $50 for Week 3 of the challenge.

I was off to a great start with Swagbucks, but I'm disappointed because I haven't been able to make goal lately. I had $25 post to PayPal that I didn't even remember redeeming, so that was a blessing. I dined on sandwiches this week to cut down on my food spending and my one splurge was Applebee's which I paid for with a gift card I received for Christmas.

[Riverbendgirl]

You are doing great. Thanks for sharing how you are saving for the challenge.

[deedee421]

Thanks for the encouragement Riverbendgirl!

[PauletteGoddard]

Gift cards are mightily fine things to be blessed with during savings challenges! $50 is terrific!

[deedee421]

Gift cards are mightily fine things to be blessed with during savings challenges! $50 is terrific!

It sure is a blessing, and I still have money left on the card so I'll be saving it for those occasions where I feel like treating myself. I had honestly looked into selling it to apply the funds to the challenge, but decided against it. Thanks for your encouraging words.

[deedee421]

2014 Challenge - Week 4

I deposited $40 for Week 4 of the challenge. I got paid today, so this is what I was able to deposit with my reduced earnings. I have been coming in under budget on my food spending so that helps, but I'm going to have to find more ways to save. I'm still crunching numbers and trying to create a new budget, but I'm thankful for what I have.

[Riverbendgirl]

That is great!

[deedee421]

2014 Challenge - Week 5

I was able to deposit $52 for Week 5 of the challenge! I'm excited because I was not expecting to be able to deposit so much this week, but I remembered to transfer my $25 Swagbucks earnings from PayPal and I saved quite a bit on food. I'm also excited because I've been tracking my spending this month and I'll finally be able to set up my new budget and see where else I can cut back.

Hmmm...football Sunday and then I'm miserable until it returns in the fall...I can't let myself get carried away on spending for the big day! Thanks Riverbendgirl!

[Riverbendgirl]

Yea for knocking off the biggest number! I am also going to miss football. My hubby and I are huge college football fans. We also watch pro and high school,ball. We just love it! I hope you have a great money saving week!

[deedee421]

Yea for knocking off the biggest number! I am also going to miss football. My hubby and I are huge college football fans. We also watch pro and high school,ball. We just love it! I hope you have a great money saving week!

I did the 52 week challenge in 2013, so I modified it to challenge myself even more in 2014. My deposit amounts this year are from $65 (highest) down to $14 and if I am successful, my deposits for this year will be $2,054. I hope you have a great money saving week too!

[deedee421]

2014 Challenge - Week 6

I was able to deposit $51 for Week 6 of the challenge. Part of my savings ($8) came from the $4 per gallon savings plan, and the rest came from money I was able to save from my grocery budget. My boss bought pizza today, and I had quite a few free meals courtesy of leftovers from my parents and my brother.

[Riverbendgirl]

That is awesome!

[~~Darci~~]

Thanks you for posting! Reading about your journey last year and continuing on inspired me to join the site and share my journey!