Things Have Gotta Change For 2012

**sunflowers*8890** · 12-29-2011, 12:23 AM

Hi everyone! I used to visit this forum many years ago. Now I'm ready to make some BIG changes around here.... partly out of a desire to reduce debt, and partly out of necessity, since I lost my job this past year.

For me, there is no better time to make changes than January 1. The holidays are over, and the dark, quiet time of winter gives me plenty of opportunity to reflect on what can be done to improve our situation.

I remember this board as being a friendly, safe place to discuss concerns and find ideas and solutions. I really like it here

Is anyone else planning changes for 2012?

**goldeneyez** · 12-29-2011, 12:37 AM

we have decided that we need to make some changes since I have lost an income source this past month or so. My ex isn't paying child support any more (or sporadically at least) and we need to do something.

We did find out some good news this week though. My daughter is on an insulin pump and the costs we were out of pocket was in the near $300 a month. Pharmacy told us this week that the insurance company is finally making the jump to electronic papers so we will only have to pay 80% of that out of pocket!!! Yah!! Putting the money from that towards bills that got out of hand recently and hoping to have my credit card paid off soon!
Stacy

**joyofsix** · 12-29-2011, 07:16 AM

Well, our change is counter intuitive. Since inflation seems to be creeping up we're going to go ahead and do a few things we have the money saved for. Not outrageous stuff but get a new screen door, curtains for the kitchen, some paint and things like that.

**Rhiamon** · 12-29-2011, 09:07 AM

I have decided that simplifying my life is going to be my top priority and I do really have to look at a re-due my budget as my rent goes up the first of January. I am also going to try and bake most of our stuff again. I used to do it but it fell my the way side this last month or two. I still do lots but not like I used to. I am also going to be instating a electronics free day twice a week.

**hmcart** · 12-29-2011, 09:46 AM

we will also be making some changes. The month of January is a "for no reason eat out month". Its easy to make excuses as to why we need to grab something real quick but it wont happen this month. Also I want things to be more simple. I love being home so we will for sure be doing more things at home.

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 12-29-2011, 10:33 AM

We'll be having baby #2 in mid-January and there are always extra expenses (dr. visits, hospital bills, etc.) that come with a new family member! Additionally, I am committed to paying off most, if not all, of our debt this year so that will take some extra belt-tightening and dedication.

I'm glad you're back, Sunflowers! And you're right, this is a very safe community!

**chowder** · 12-29-2011, 10:52 AM

I will be making some changes also.Since my husband passed in Oct,I have been gradually going through things but as of the new year I will get serious about moving on. I must declutter and get everything organized.
We had plans for me to retire early as he already had,but now that he is gone I will be going back to work in the Spring.
I will spend the month of Jan staying home and not buying anything.I also will be getting rid of what I do not use,and make a list of anything that needs replaced,so far I think the list will be small.
Saving has always been easy for me,but I will be working harder on that also.
With the house in order ,when Spring gets here I will be able to concentrate outside,and get going with gardening chores.

**alotofgooddeals** · 12-29-2011, 11:22 AM

After having this week off due to school vacation i have realized that i like being home with the family...I don't want to be gone 50-55 hours a week...I only get aid for 40 of them....10 is for driving back and froth and then the other 5 is attributed to going to the gym and errands while i am in the big city....I have learned that being gone all the time is actually costing me money because by the time i get home i am completely exhausted and well the clothes dont get hung up they get thrown in the drier...need something to eat grab it on the way home......spending $400 in gas a month....I am so looking for something closer at the beginning of the new school year and yes it will be less hours but when you divide it by 40 and not by 50 it comes out to about the same....and then gas would be only a third of what i am paying now....so yes there are going to be some major changes this year....

**erinalexmom** · 12-29-2011, 01:23 PM

YES! We have to get out of debt ASAP! My husband and I have opportunities to get jobs which we both like quite a bit more than the jobs we have now. But it all depends on us getting out of debt because the jobs pay less than our current jobs. But the happiness will be worth it. However, the debts must be paid first. Debt freedom=career freedom

**MelissaS** · 12-29-2011, 08:36 PM

Yes! I want to get out of as much debt as possible. I want to cook more eat out less. Spend less $, do free things, and go on picnics and whatever else is free with our kids. Lose weight. I'm a stay at home mom first, but I have a side job as a photographer. I was way too busy this past year, which isn't a bad thing, but I miss my kids and husband on the weekends. I feel like we weren't really the family that I want us to be because I was gone every weekend. In 2012, I plan on raising my pricing and choosing a niche.

**kittykatstrong** · 12-30-2011, 04:02 AM

I am ready for change this year. I want to be home with my kids more and at work less. I had 3 days off this week and they called me once or twice each day for stuff that prob. could have waited. Being at home more will give me a chance to cook dinner more and eat out less.

**Shewillbemine** · 12-30-2011, 06:08 AM

I've paid off all of our debt (except mortgage) and am now working on building a 6 month emergency fund. I am also getting married in summer 2012 although we've lived together for a while now.

**sunflowers*8890** · 12-31-2011, 12:26 AM

Wow this is great reading so many of your plans for the new year. Some brought on by wants, some by need... but all positive and upbeat. I think the economy is going to be tough in 2012 -- but I'm still optimistic that it will be a good, productive year.

I'm feelin' ready for the challenge!