how does one prepare for a complete spending overhaul? i've read a few different lists of suggestions, but i thought i'd post about my own "preparations" -- and no, they don't include stocking a basement full of canned food and guns.
1. unsubscribed from email lists
every day, i'm bombarded by sales, offers, coupons, etc. and i always find myself clicking along, looking at the deals, and, oftentimes, buying stuff i don't need simply because it's on sale or there's a promo code, etc. eliminating the temptation will help, i think--out of sight, out of mind.
2. cancelled my spotify premium account
this is an indulgence; canceling the premium membership will save me $120 this year.
3. cancelled my gym membership & weight watchers membership
over the past several months, i've successfully lost 40 pounds using weight watchers and working out occasionally. the weight watchers app on my phone is great, and incredibly useful. but over the past few months my weight has plateaued and i wasn't using the app enough to make the monthly fee worth it. i have the knowledge and ability to make better eating habits without an app telling me what's ok and what's not.
same situation with the gym membership-- i just wasn't going to the gym enough to justify the cost each month. i have a bike and two legs--it will be harder to motivate myself to work out, but the resources are there to stay active without the monthly fee. canceling these memberships will save me about $720 this year.
i struggled a bit with canceling these membership as it felt like i was giving up on my health goals, but i think the motivation is still there--it will be harder without these tools, but not impossible. over the past 3 months i haven't utilized either membership much, but managed to maintain my weight successful. it's doable!
4. organized my recipe box & kitchen
i had a mess of recipes in my kitchen--some handwritten, some printed, some i forgot i had ever collected. cooking is fun, and i really enjoy it--but the clean up and prep every day can be weary. for me, having everything neat and tidy, organized and easily accessible, makes the process more enjoyable. i'm not as likely to avoid the kitchen and want to cheat with a restaurant or take out.
5. made plans for a garage sale in the spring
this applies more to my hopes to have less physical clutter in my life, and will hopefully generate a bit of income. we have SO MUCH STUFF in our apartment and downsizing will feel awesome. knowing about the spring garage sale will be helpful, too, because it gives me time to set things aside over the next few months.
...
in the next couple weeks, i'm going to spend some time thinking about really specific goals i'd like to reach as well as establishing a better list of wants vs. needs, which is key to being successful in this project. of course, you guys will be the first to know about them when i do. :)
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