After my review of February, I realized how poorly I was doing with some of my goals, particularly the financial ones. So I decided to make a few changes.
1. I got my
taxes done. Woohoo! I will be putting the entire sum in the Emergency Fund.
2. I started giving myself a bi-weekly
cash allowance. I chose bi-weekly because that's when I get paid, so it was easy to keep track of. I emphasize that it is cash because I have read in lots of places that the physical act of parting with your money usually triggers something in your brain to make you stop and reconsider your purchase. So I figured it can't hurt to try it!
3. After looking at my actual usage, I decided to downgrade my cell phone plan, cutting my bill in
half.
4. I opened a
savings account. It's just too easy to access your "savings" when you keep it "hidden" in your house. I'm sure not having that cash readily available will help me rethink my choices, as it will take at least a day to get the monies from the account.
5. I will be starting a
part time gig on Saturdays in April.
6. I joined several mystery shopping sites. Mystery shopping doesn't always give out cash payouts, but you could score free stuff, likes clothes or a nice dinner out, while reviewing the store/restaurant. I've also been racking up survey money and TV points that are good for
gift cards to multiple stores I currently shop at.
7. The hunt is on!
Job hunt, that is. I have been diligent about checking the job boards and applying to jobs that 1) are closer to home (commuting costs are a B, don't even get me started!) 2) have room for growth and 3) are actually a job I
want to do.
I know this doesn't portray how I've been doing with all my goals, but learning to save and budget is by far the one that is most important to me and hardest for me to accomplish, so I'm focusing on that for now. Hopefully I'll stay on this positive track- full update coming at the end of the month!
