The results of my January no spend challenge? Apparently I like spending money.

No, but seriously. I always have this idea in my head that I don’t spend a lot of money, but whenever I write it down, I am surprised by the results. Even so – I know I shouldn’t beat myself up. I was aiming for 15 days without spending in January, but only hit 12. Nonessential spending (anything outside of bills, planned for expenses or groceries) totaled $585.62, which included a large gift for $245 (totally worth giving and earned), so I still think I didn’t do too bad. Progress is progress.

I decided to total up how much I saved, though, and I want to celebrate my wins where I can. Drumroll, please…

I did have to adjust some of my automated savings/goals, because right now my focus is beefing up my EF and continuing to save for a house. These goals (while attacking other short-term goals as well) are the most important in priority, so I redirected some funds there for the most impact. As a result, I may or may not end up maxing out my Roth IRA this year – TBD. Since I am maxing out my 401k and my HSA, I decided for now this is acceptable. If I have additional income from freelancing to throw there (that I don’t end up allocating to Richie’s college fund) then that’s fine. The scary part to me is that I still don’t feel like I am saving enough to meet all the goals I want to achieve… but I am trying my best.

I also decided that I am implementing a full No Spend Challenge for ALL of 2019, again aiming for 15 days or better.

I have lots to do this weekend, so cutting this post short – here are links I loved & hope you do, too.

I am loving this blog, esp as I try to up my savings and investing game… but I don’t know if I could dumpster dive. Could you? https://dumpsterdogblog.com/how-i-saved-30000-8-months/

Calculator – When Can You Retire?

Again, it’s time to do your taxes, so make sure you maximize your tax breaks http://theeverygirl.com/10-tax-breaks-or-benefits-you-may-not-know-about/

What old story about yourself are you still believing? Here’s how to find it and change it

“Mediocrity is always in a rush; but whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing with consideration. For genius is nothing more nor less than doing well what anyone can do badly.”

― Amelia E. Barr

Oh, and happy Super Bowl weekend!