As I mentioned in the last post, I’m working on a Total Money Makeover. I have really learned a lot from reading and listening to Dave Ramsey - the proper way to budget, just what percentage of my monthly income should be dedicated to each expense category, ways to save money, and so much more. I’m really excited about the plan!
I’ve been keeping a budget for several years, but I now realize that I had been doing it all wrong. Creating my first Total Money Makeover budget made me look at all the money I’m essentially throwing away and find better uses for it. For instance, I hadn’t so much as looked at my car insurance policy in years. I called my agent to discuss the details of my policy last week and managed to save about $4 per month. Yeah, I know. $4 seems petty. But $4 every month adds up. Know what change we made? Their file stated that I drive 20 miles each way to work. I drive less than 10. Making that one tiny update saves me $48 per year.
I’ve had so much going on lately that I haven’t had time to watch a lot of movies. I downgraded my Netflix plan, saving $60 per year. By paying for my groceries with cash instead of my debit card, I’ve cut the bill in half. It has forced me to prepare a list before going shopping, and to use coupons whenever possible. The next change I plan to make is to invest in a Riddex Plus pest repeller for $29.95. I thought these things only kept rodents away, but apparently they work for bugs and spiders too. I’ve been paying Orkin to come out and spray for spiders every month! By canceling my pest control service, I’ll save $420 per year.
In addition to trimming the fat from my budget, I’ll continue to earn a little extra income with my blog. So far, I’ve made more than $1,100 in blog income this year. A Leptitrex ad here, a pet food review there - it’s fairly easy work and it will definitely help me to complete my Total Money Makeover in record time.
You may consider me way too thrifty, but I’d much rather pay my car and house off in the next few years than waste money on things I don’t need. I want to be one of those success stories Dave talks about - no car payment, no house payment, and able to do what I want with no regard for the cost. And if I stay focused, I’ll be able to do it - hopefully in the seven years it takes the average person to complete the plan. Yes, I’m willing to live like no one else so that later I can live like no one else. Are you? If so, I challenge you to join me in the Total Money Makeover.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Hey, Tish! So glad to hear that you’re doing this!
We’ve listened to Dave for years. We’ve made improvements- #1 is that the only debt we have is our house. We’re still working on the emergency fund. It’s slow-going sometimes because we lose our focus…. Stay focused! I know you can do it!
July 29th, 2008 at 9:53 am
It really is amazing how easy it is to “throw money away” without even realizing it. And most of the time you just have to ask or look. It still blows my mind that most people are unaware that online coupon codes even exist. I always spend a good 3 to 5 minutes hunting for any codes before finalizing any purchase at all. Most of the time I’ll score at least a free shipping, which helps justify ordering online. But yeah, regular coupons from the newspaper are great too, especially when combined with super awesome sales at your local supermarket. Like when we occasionally have 12-packs of soda on sale for 5 for $10! That’s when you combine in a $1 off coupon or something and really save money you never realized you were tossing away. ($2 a 12-pack, vs a standard $3.99 or so. That can really add up, especially if you’re an addict like me…)
Anyways, good to hear you’re adjusting your budget so nicely and you’re just beginning! You’ll complete that makeover before you know it!
July 30th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Hey Tish…we started a Total Money Makeover Class at my church last Sunday night…you’re welcome to come if you need some moral support in your quest….
August 4th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Hey tish. I highly encouage you check out “The Grocery Game”; it will be instrumental in helping you get freeee groceries. Seriously, my husband couldn’t believe how much stuff I bought when I was participating and following the rules. You’ve motivated me to get out of debt too. Would you be willing to communicate privately with me in reference to how you’ve made income through your blog? There is so much garbage on the internet with gimmicks on “pay only XXX and recieve this FREE white paper” etcetc.
I look forward to hearing from you (hopefully) and following your TMM - Hubby and I got into him a few years back but if we had followed the plan, I probably wouldn’t be making this post.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Hi there! Great blog, glad to see that you are doing well, getting Gazelle, and changing your life.
See you around!