I cut out my weekly mani/pedi sessions and have now learned how to give myself a pretty good manicure at home so we're sticking to that.
I slacked up on the Starbucks debt diet but I'm back to just 1 to 2 cups bi-weekly and now looking into investing in a coffee maker and looking for creamer coupons to make my own cup at home. Those $5 cups really do add up. I'm also not buying lunch but taking my own, eating out in the city everyday could be $60-$80 a week!!!
I was able to save up enough to buy us a car and not have a car note, which I really wanted to avoid, so I'm proud of myself there! New York auto insurance rates however, let's just say I understand why some people get New Jersey/Pennsylvania plates lol.
I am also proud to announce that I paid my final Federal Student Loan repayment check this month!! So now I can tackle my private, bigger, loans harder. Paying off the smaller debt first then adding that payment onto the payment of the bigger debt makes so much sense! Don't know what I was thinking ignoring it, smh just seeing such a large number felt impossible.
I'm also in the process of starting a little business on the side that I hope can become lucrative enough to handle Chunks's tuition or just serve to pad our savings at least, I'll post more on that later, but it's something I'm passionate about and see a potential for in the city so *fingers crossed and prayers up*.
Sites like LifeBooker and Living Social have allowed me to still do things that I enjoy like tours, spa days, and activities for Chunks at a serious fraction of the cost and coupon clipping has become a Sunday routine, every penny counts. I still need to work on my random shopping sprints, smh but it's getting better. I'm more conscious of what I'm buying and it's value than I've ever been, Does Chunks really need more Matchbox racers?? And now with the holidays coming up and I am determined to not over do it with the gifts, so fingers crossed I make it.
We're not quite there to full downpayment but we're getting there. I have a vision for Chunks and I and I'm going to get us there!
Any tips on cutting costs or advice on saving up? I'm all ears (well, eyes).
11 comments:
That's great yay for paying off the bulk of student loans. Mines are in deferment but those private loans are killing me because they want their money now. I have started my own side business to try to start paying those loans so I am crossing fingers for you and me. Good luck and keep up the great work.
Girl you are doing awesome! You are doing prob better then 90% of us! I have no advice but you have inspired me that I can do better.
good for you for finding ways to save.. some tips i live by, i try and bring breakfast at work every day.. buying lunch and breakfast really adds up for me. i used to get my hair done every week, but now i alternate, one week i do it myself at home and the following week i go to the salon..
You're doing great! I cut back on getting my hair done. Now I only go when I need a trim. I try to bring breakfast, lunch and snacks to work. I also try to remember to make my tea in the morning so I'm not tempted to make that Starbucks run. Fingers crossed and prayers up for you! Keep it up!
great post! I need to get more like u. Look into coupons online and in the sunday paper as well. That's a life saver for me! No joke Target, Marshall's, TJ Maxx have GREAT boys clothes and shoes. Most of Liam's wardrobe comes from there and we (me, mom and dad)can buy almost twice as much stuff. Keep taking ur lunch cuz i know eating out 2-3x week when i worked in Chelsea was $20 or more :/. You're doing great
Looks like you are doing well! When I think about my federal loan I cringe! So to make your last payment is incredible!! And you are so right, city eating is so expensive, I often look at my co-workers like, HOW do you do this?! At least there is dollar pizza popping up all over nyc now! :) haha great post.
I am so proud of you! I am in the process of learning to cut corners. I don't shop as much and when i do I thrift. Satisfies my itch and keeps my pockets intact.
Couponing has been a huge help for us. Congrats on the car!
Good for you!!! I have been considering finding a part time gig so that I can add to my non existent savings..lol. What about clipping coupons? I go to Sister Save-a-Lot and I get a lot of free deals!!!
Thanks guys, my personal loans are still a BIG number so I've got a long way to go. @BossyGirl I'll check the site now THANKS!
It's a proud moment when one makes that final student loan payment especially in these tough economic times! One thing I do yearly to add extra money to our savings is sell old electronic that are still working on eBay. Printers. Cameras. Cellphones. Each penny adds up, right?
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
I'm inspired! I have a car note and student loans, ugh. But I love getting things from freecycle and thrift stores.
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