My Nine Month Goal

**AmyBoz** · 09-27-2009, 08:18 PM

Okay, I've decided that it is truly time to buckle down.

We are comfortable. We can pay the bills.

However, I don't want to be just comfortable anymore. I want to have money put away. One of the reasons I'd like to do this is because I'm seriously considering self-publishing my book. However, it costs money.

I think we're a little free with the spending around here. We don't go crazy, but we can definitely do better.

Goal 1: So, I've decided to challenge myself to a new goal. By June, I'd like to have $5,000 saved in our extra bank account.

We're having some work done on the house and are going to be re-financing in order to get the money. This goal is in addition to paying that off.

I know, right off the bat that I should be able to save at least $1,800 if I put away the piano lesson checks I get from one of the families I teach to. I make $200 a month from them. So, if I just deposit that right away, there's $1,800 immediately.

I'm also hoping to make at least $20 a month selling things on eBay or Craigslist. (I wish I had started this last month because I would have put away the money I made from selling my books!)

So,

cheer me on and wish me luck. I'm going to do everything in my power to make and save up some extra money.

Goal 2:

I need to cut down our credit card bills. Again, we pay them off each month, however, we'd have more cash on hand if we were able to whittle them down.

I'd like to bring Amex down to $500 or less a month. This is the credit card we use for groceries and any incidentals and eating out.

I'd like to bring MasterCard down to $300 or less a month. This is our gas and pharmacy credit card.

This is completely doable if I just stop the little bits of money from trickling out. We have a habit of shopping on the weekend. No more. Gotta stop. Even if it's just a little thing here and a little thing there. Must stop.

The good news is that we're both employed and are unlikely to lose our jobs at any time soon.

So, I'm off. I'm going to take a walk around the house and see what I can sell. As much as I declutter, there's still "stuff" I am willing to part with.

Wish me luck!

**Debbie-cat** · 09-27-2009, 08:23 PM

Good luck Amy! Are you going to be keeping track of your progress on this thread? If you are, I am going to have to follow you and see how you are doing!

QM · 09-27-2009, 08:34 PM

Good luck, Amy! I completely hear you about your goals...they're very good goals & something I should personally attempt to do as well. I'm going to try to build a $1,000 EF after after I save $400 to $500 for my van repairs. My sliding door doesn't open from the outside which is really annoying. I can't wait to cheer you on in this process. You can do it!

**calimomx2** · 09-27-2009, 08:35 PM

Wishing you the very best of luck! You've inspired me to think of better ways to do things around here. We do pretty good but there is always room for improvement! Thanks

**Cricket1** · 09-27-2009, 08:44 PM

Good luck--you can do it!!

**AmyBoz** · 09-27-2009, 08:47 PM

Debbie...Yep, my plan is to track my progress here. I'd love your support!

**Debbie-cat** · 09-27-2009, 08:51 PM

You've got it and I might just join you once the craft fair is done in December (if you don't mind). I am doing this craft fair to put money away for DS's University fund for when he leaves next fall. So my plan it to jump start it with the money I make from the craft fair and then I am going to get busy selling everything I don't need too. Every penny is going to help.

Publishing your own book is exciting! If anyone can do it, it would be you!

**savvy_sniper** · 09-27-2009, 09:42 PM

Look forward to hearing about your progress. I am rooting for you!

**AmyBoz** · 09-28-2009, 09:04 AM

Okay, step one for October. I listed a bunch of DVD's that I've been holding on to. I took another good, hard look and said, "Time to go."

So, I'll take them to the PO today and will be getting a check for $35.85 in a few weeks. I'll add it to my total when the check comes in. Feeling good!

**Debbie-cat** · 09-28-2009, 10:10 AM

Great start Amy! Did you sell them on Ebay?

**AmyBoz** · 09-28-2009, 10:28 AM

No, actually, I use a website called Secondspin.com for selling dvd's and cd's. They offer pretty fair prices and I don't have to wait to see if anyone bids on it at auction. You enter in the upc code and they tell you right there how much they'll give you for the item.

Also, if you are selling them over $25.00, they will reimburse you the media mail postage. It's a pretty great deal.

**Debbie-cat** · 09-28-2009, 10:40 AM

Thanks Amy! I will have to check it out. It might help me out a little.

**Lora88** · 09-29-2009, 03:26 PM

Amy if anyone can do this you can I will be pulling for you all the way

**mauimagic** · 09-30-2009, 12:18 AM

AmyBoz - can you tell that you are inspiring us already? Great solid plan with a doable goal!! Looking forward to your steps along the way - successful already!!

**Maine Girl** · 09-30-2009, 04:08 PM

Amy,

I know you will kick butt in this goal because look how good you did on your summer challenge. I also think it will be easier not to go out and spend on the weekend because your kids have had a whole summer of hanging out playing games, cooking with you and trips to the park. Not to mention it is fall when we all start hanging out more at home and finding entertainment at home. Looking forward to reading your progress Good luck.