"Frugal is NOT Futile"

Yes, here we go!  New Year New Me! Is that the Motto for everyone now a days?  Well guess what? I'm all for this Motto! I'm so here for this! Not only is it a new me, but I am focusing on taking care of myself and budgeting this year!  Its not easy living in NYC as a single mother of 2, and working toward my goals of saving money.  These skreets are mean and unforgiving! Ya hear me?!?  Ha!


I am always saying I want to save and be more mindful of spending but the reality of it all is.... I'm lazy and I don't like to pay attention to my spending's because I find it stressful. The pressure of paying bills and responsibility really tries my nerves.


Putting my big girl panties on and growing up in 2016. Simply because I am tired of being BROKE and  BUSTED and there are pleasures I would like to enjoy....I have GOALS!  I need savings.  Gotta start somewhere right?

Here are some Big Girl Panties Tips that will help me and possibly will help anyone else:


1. Pay attention to your bills:    Don't Ignore and turn your head to the stress and responsibilities which is really easy to do.  Sometime I just don't feel like being an adult!  I'm "adulting" this year! I've got goals!


2. Change the way you shop:  I recently signed up for a cash back website.  Ebates to be exact.  I will give it a try to see how beneficial it is and report back to my readers asap.  stay tuned.


3. Cut Down on utilities:  Yes Netflix is cheaper and my family do not need cable in every room. humph.. get the hint?


4. Public Transportation:  Cut back on taxi fee's and wear and tear on your car.  Take the bus more frequently. When living NYC it's so convenient to jump in a taxi. feels good to have a private driver take you to your destination, and no strangers breathing down your neck on the train and bus. such a pet peeve of mine... however I will suck it up and get on the Iron house.. Much Cheaper!  Mo Money for Momma!


5. DIY projects:  Nothing crazy and time consuming.  Try making your own laundry detergent, pinterest has plenty of DIY tutorials for laundry detergent and other household cleaning recipe's.
I will share my recipe soon.


6. Bag your breakfast and lunch for work: This week I caught a sale and Duane Reade. a box of cereal for $2.99. (I happen to love cereal)   keep a box of cereal at your work station steal some milk from the break room and enjoy your $2.99 for 5days breakfast for the week.   By all means bring lunch from home. buying lunch everyday or even twice a week adds up!


7. Take advantage of Groupons online:  Great way to have a date night with your significant other.
they have a lot of deals around NY to take advantage of  including Spa's, Restaurants, weekend getaways, paint and sips..etc..  Check them out at www.groupons.com


8.  Swagbucks:  Yup I'm a member of swagbucks (APP).    I'm giving them a try this year.  So far its taking a long time to accumulate points but I'm gonna stick with it.


9. Thrifting:   shopping at thrift shops is a pleasure for me.  especially thrift shops in prestigious neighborhoods.  find high quality merchandise, name brands for less that will last for a long time.  I personally love to look for housewares at thrift shops.


10.  Write down your spending's:  keep a log or journal of your spending.  a ledger or daily budget sheet / spreadsheet,  and keep a track of your spending.  there are apps on the smartphone that can assist with this kinda thing.

Most importantly don't be too hard on yourself! starting a strict budget takes trial and error..


Baby steps people!  Baby steps!  


So there you have it.. some budgeting tips which I plan to implement in 2016.   I hope this will help or possibly turn on some light bulbs and sparks some ideas for budgeting and saving.


Happy adulting... keep things simple.


Jackie