Budget Bytes

05 January 2013

new years resolutions 2013

Is it too late for my resolutions? Nah. Any time is good for a resolution.

When I started this blog I was really, really strapped for cash. Every penny was carefully regulated and every purchase severely scrutinized. Since starting the blog I have gone back to school, started a new career, and am now enjoying an income with a little more "wiggle room."

Give me an inch and I'll take a mile.

I maybe, maybe, have gotten a little too comfortable with that wiggle room. I have a goal of purchasing my first home in 2014, so it's time to take a step back and put a few of my old rules back into place. I want to tighten the belt on my spending habits and go back to my super penny pinching ways. I'm posting them here today in hopes that A) they'll make me feel accountable and B) maybe they'll inspire you to do the same in 2013!

New Years Resolutions 2013


1. Enjoy people, not things.
Spending time with people is relatively free (depending on how you spend that time) and so much more fulfilling than buying things to cure your boredom. I resolve to have more quality time with friends!

2. Make purchases based on needs, not wants.
I used to have a strict rule - before making a purchase I would ask myself, "was I surviving without this item before?" If the answer was yes, then I wouldn't buy it. That's how I managed to cook for ten years with just one inexpensive chef's knife. It did the job. End of story.

3. View food as nourishment, not entertainment.
This is a toughy because food is an awesome, full sensory experience. But, relying on food for entertainment can be bad for your wallet and waistline (plus it just makes me feel wasteful when I know there are so many people out there who are hungry). Eat for the energy and nutrients that you need, and not more.

4. No more shrugging off small purchases.
It's gotten really easy to justify that $2 coffee or bagel when I'm at work. "I'm so tired, I'm working so hard, I SO deserve it." WRONG. I'm strong. I don't need "treats" to get me through the day. Plan ahead. Bring snacks or coffee from home. Those small purchases add up and every dollar counts.

It's amazing how little changes can make a big difference. Stick to your goals and let your little successes fuel you towards major accomplishments. Stay positive, focus on the good in your life, and recognize that life is what you make of it. Have a happy new year, everyone! I wish you all the best in 2013!!

Also, I'd love to hear your resolutions or tips for living within your means. Share them in the comments below! Let's motivate each other!

Labels:

posted by Beth M @ 7:50 AM  

31 Comments:

  • At January 5, 2013 at 8:02 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I am doing the same thing! It's hard because my friends go out to eat alot and I have already had to say no several times. I love following your blog and your meals are awesome! I am trying to cut down on my soda this year because it's bad for you and a big waste of money. I also just scored a free bread machine and I think I am going to try it out this afternoon. :)

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 8:03 AM , Blogger Jess | The Indigo Hours said...

    I always fall into the "It's just a coffee..." trap! I need to get me a flask and start taking hot drinks.

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 8:04 AM , Blogger Olivia said...

    I'm with you on #4. We have experienced more wiggle room in our budget and have fallen into small traps that drain our funds. We're also focusing on eating out less - we mainly do it for convenience, but I'd like to adopt the habit of prepping meals for the week on the weekends so there's no excuse for picking up lunch or dinner.

    Best to you in 2013!

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 8:08 AM , Blogger Maggie said...

    Buying your first home is really exciting and scary and frustrating and awesome all at the same time. We did it in 2010 and I'm so happy we did - I wish you all the best with that goal! My resolution for this year is to keep running - I started last year and though it was tough, I really did end up enjoying it and feeling good about myself after so even though it's horrible cold, cold, winter here and I'm tempted to hibernate for a long time, I'm going to try. I know it's not a fiscal resolution but it's all I've got at the moment. Happy New Year Beth!

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 8:18 AM , Blogger mrs.missalaineus said...

    we bought our first home on a 30K income doing pretty much what you suggested above. we rarely eat out, we cook in bulk and seal-a-meal/freeze all leftovers, and i shop at aldi and the local fruit market which has cut $20-30 per week off our budget (because if they don't sell it we don't need it).

    your black bean recipe has been a staple in our diet and one of the key dishes that helped us save up for the down payment, so thank you for your awesome blog!

    xxalainaxx

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 9:45 AM , Blogger Sue said...

    Excellent list! You have captured the basics in 4 items, very thought provoking. We try to practice this, but it's good to have it summarized.

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 10:08 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    perfect timing. Just started my first "real" job in a while and still feeling broke. Your Blog is on my list of resources to keep my budget in check.

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 10:40 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hey Beth! Have you ever looked into Dave Ramsay's Total Money Makover?? It's fantastic for getting finances in order.

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 11:41 AM , Blogger Maia said...

    I just bought my first home- It was a big struggle, I wish you luck! It drained us back to nothing and we had to call in a lot of favors besides, so I think we need to follow some of these rules.

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 11:55 AM , Anonymous faye said...

    amen, sister! these are all mine too :)

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 12:05 PM , Blogger LisaB said...

    I save money by making almost everything I possibly can, from toilet paper (5x5 squares of old sheets) to liquid laundry soap. 2 gal of laundry soap costs me $2 to make and I refill old vinegar bottles. I clean only with vinegar and lemon juice. I've made smart investments like a meat grinder, vacuum sealer,, pressure canners and a dehydrator. The bisst thing I do besides grow/raise our own food is... I don't keep snacks around that I haven't made myself! Not buying snacks is a huge one.

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 1:26 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I think those are fantastic resolutions. Those small purchases get me, too. I try to put it off. Yes, I'm hungry/thirsty but that's expensive and can't I wait? Usually thats enough to talk myself out of it. :)

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 2:47 PM , Anonymous Clark said...

    Finances is the biggest thing I have. That is how I found your site. Since it is only me, These meals last awhile, and much cheaper than going out. Keep up the great work, and good luck with the house.

     

  • At January 5, 2013 at 10:57 PM , Blogger Goethe Girl said...

    My cooking goals are a tomato tarte and a Raspberry Bavarian cream desert. I saw the latter in the movie "Julie and Julia" and thought it looked scrumptious. I'd also like to try the aspic. Otherwise, I can't figure out how a woman who worked full time AND had a husband was able to cook one of Julia Child's recipes every day. Can you do it?

     

  • At January 6, 2013 at 11:41 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    My husband and I are on a "debt diet" eventhough we don't have any debt...It is hard sometimes, but like you we are saving up for a house and its a pretty easy budget for follow if you stick to it. We went through our bank statements and realized that we were speding about $600 a month on just stuff! So here is goes: You have bills that you cant modify ie: rent, loans, utilities. But your you can adjust spending on your variables: Groceries $100 a week (this is for a family of 5 and its all homemade yummy stuff alot of it from your blog:), that includes all meals and toiletries)Entertainment is $20 a week,Gift and clothing $20 a week, emerg. fund $20 a week, fuel for car is $25 a week...Its hard with kids, but there is a lot of really great free activities out there!!!

     

  • At January 6, 2013 at 4:13 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    My two big things are:
    1. Cook what I have or what's on sale.
    2. Make a weekly menu.

     

  • At January 6, 2013 at 6:21 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    My new years resolution: Try out lots of your tasty looking recipes. ^_^

     

  • At January 7, 2013 at 9:33 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    We are doing the same thing! We bought our first home last year and we really want to start making it our own. Paying down some of the debt we have is pretty important too, considering we want to be extending the family soon. =]

     

  • At January 7, 2013 at 11:40 AM , Blogger Amy said...

    I have some!
    1.Spend more time around positive people and get rid of the negative nellies.
    2.Unplug more. I have been giving myself a rule that after dinner (usually after 6 pm), I not check my phone, tablet or computer UNLESS I am expecting a phone call or email. Most of the time it can wait until the next day. I do not see much of my husband since we work 50+ hrs a week so the more time we spend in the evening unplugged the better.

     

  • At January 7, 2013 at 1:58 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Great resolutions! We could probably all stand to live by those a little more closely :)

     

  • At January 8, 2013 at 12:47 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Number 4 is so hard for me. Good luck with these goals!

     

  • At January 9, 2013 at 11:51 AM , Anonymous Katie said...

    I discovered your blog a few weeks ago and have been working on establishing a more frugal household budget. This includes planning menus to cut down on running to the store for one thing and coming back with seven. I have planned my menu for January and I have used your recipes for all but 2 nights! The food on here is fantastic and the price is perfect, thank you!

     

  • At January 10, 2013 at 4:05 PM , Anonymous Tiffany R. said...

    Hi, I'm Tiffany! I've been reading your blog for a while now. I used to work at my local food bank and part of my job was to collect links to healthy/budget-friendly recipes using food bank products! I love Budget Bytes!

    As for resolutions, "View food as nourishment, not entertainment" definitely resonates with me. I write about food often (personal website and on Yelp.com), and it's so easy to choose to dine out as a social activity. I hope to do more social activities that involve fitness, like hikes and walks (and cooking healthier food at home!)

    Happy New Year, Beth!

     

  • At January 14, 2013 at 12:14 AM , Blogger cheaper said...

    I'd like to suggest another item for the new years resolutions (admittedly a wish list of mine).

    Recipes for the culinarily challenged. Simple, fast, few ingredients that can be bought on the way home. Easy and fast.

    Think misunderstood 40s bachelor who leaves at 6 and gets home at 6.

    All while keeping the budget down (cause I'm saving up for my homestead).

    Thanks...and, a belated happy new year!

     

  • At January 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM , Anonymous Michelle said...

    Hey Beth,

    Just like you, I also have a goal of purchasing my first home sometime within the next year, I'm in grad school and I have a full time job. I LOVE your blog and I've shared it with my friends on Facebook so they can get a "taste" of what your site has to offer! (hah)

    Here are my resolutions:

    1.) To cut back on drinking wine during weeknights. I know this may sound crazy, but I'll be saving so much by the end of the year if I cut back on a bottle each week!

    2.) To cook meals that are QUICK and easy to make, yet still healthy. I think last year I may have put off my homework too much because I was spending too much time in the kitchen.

    3.) To get back to posting in my own blog. If you find the time to do it- so can I!

    Thanks for the recipes, keep it up!

    If I could give you any recommendations for additional resolutions, I'd say you should quit your day job by the end of the year, or next year after you've purchased your house. You can do it!

     

  • At January 20, 2013 at 9:12 AM , Blogger Dunja said...

    Beth, as every day, I am taking a short break from office work by reading through your blog (yes! it's one of my treats that is actually free :D), and found this post which I must have overlooked so far.

    We are just signing the final layout plans for our own house which will be build this year, so we are on a budget too because the kitchen we want (as devoted foodies) will eat up most of the rest. I've been cooking so many recipes from your blog, and everybody was totally loving them.

    So my resolutions pretty much mirror yours.

    Good luck with everything, and please keep inspiring us :)

     

  • At January 20, 2013 at 9:18 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    We paid off our first house by my working 3 jobs. He was getting his PHD and somewhere along the line we decided to have a baby. Boy were those days tight. We are 3 years away from paying off current house (needed another room for baby #2) and with the 1st headed to college in 2 years we count every penny. I love your money saving tips but don't agree with food for entertainment. In fact other than "bring a can food item" for free zoo day, concerts in the park and getting movies form the local library, having friends over for dinner is "food for entertainment" that fits our budget and who doesn't love a home cooked meal? Now with our kids needing fees for boy scouts, the band, church retreats, braces and keeping everyone in SHOES food for entertainment is about the best we can do. With recipes like yours I figure I can feed a hungry herd of band kids (we live right next to the high school) or a few adult friends who come over for a board game at about the same cost as the 2 of going out. And we don't have to pay for a sitter or put up with second hand smoke. Thanks for the recipes, keep it up! My best money saving tip? I make my own veggie and chicken broth. Saves money, takes just a little time and you know how much salt is in it.

     

  • At January 22, 2013 at 12:04 PM , Blogger Andy teh Nerd said...

    It is easy to fall into that coffee trap! About a year ago, I've allowed myself to get a coffee and bagel once a week. It costs as much as it takes me 25 minutes of work to earn, and it makes me happy for longer than 25 minutes (since I nibble so slowly). But I have to strictly resist all temptation to purchase more than once a week. I made myself a promise, and I intend to keep it. It helps that I have developed a tea habit recently, and at 12 cents a cup, I feel less "deprived" of the good things in life.

     

  • At February 11, 2013 at 2:53 PM , Blogger Rachel Rawrs said...

    Thanks for sharing Beth. All of these resolutions really hit home for me. I've just gone from having no extra money to making more than twice as much in the past three months so I feel you on the getting to comfortable with "wiggle room". I really love your blog and the idea behind it. The only problem I keep having is I apparently don't stock some things you do, so I end up running to the store to buy one thing and leave spending to much on other things. Also, I hate the idea of buying two or three ingredient I'll never use up for one recipe. (Like dijon mustard, cranberries, and apple cider vinegar for your recent chicken salad post, even though it looks so yummy!) Thus, I was wondering if you could post your shopping list every week. Maybe that will encourage both of us to stick to it. :)

     

  • At February 11, 2013 at 3:58 PM , Blogger Beth M said...

    Rachel - Great suggestion! I might do that once I finish testing recipes for the cookbook. One thing to remember, though, is that a lot of those ingredients (like the cider vinegar, dijon, and cranberries) have an *extremely* long shelf life and you'd be surprised how often they're used in my recipes :) So, it might not be so bad to have them on hand! :D

     

  • At February 19, 2013 at 8:22 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Use ~1 TBSP borax and 1 TBSP baking soda as dish-washing detergent. I bought 1 box of borax a year ago for about $5 and still am not halfway through it.

     

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home