Taking Steps for 2021
I have started taking steps to get ready for 2021. I need to limit my access to my funds (the recovering debtor). I haven't used a credit card since early October however I still have more growth. I am learning my triggers to my addiction to spend money. Mostly it is buying food like crazy, but next month I start my Keto diet (it is only 3 weeks). I will meal plan so I can stay in my food budget. 2021 is a big year for my family so I am bumping up my savings (daughter graduates high school and starts college, and son turns 16). The new tax bill is has slowed down my credit card repayment plan (had to get the extra funds for the bill somewhere) It hurts to know I will be in debt longer but I can't get a part-time right now. Still trying to hang in there
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You can do it! Just always get back up again no matter what happens. Failing is a part of growing.
By the way, if you want a really cool tool for meal planning, give plantoeat.com a try. They have a 1/2 off sale coming up on black friday for their annual membership, so I recommend trying their free trial before then. I am totally going to pay for my subscription on Friday. It's an amazing tool and has helped me cook more interesting, new foods than I was before, with my haphazard cooking.
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Halloweenlover said:
I need to limit my access to my fundsI find being aware of the consequences in advance works better than merely controlling access. Make a commitment to check YNAB category balances BEFORE SPENDING. If there's not enough in the category, then take from something less important. If there's nothing that is less important, then it's MUCH easier to say no to the spending.
Best of luck!
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dakinemaui This is the action that most helps me control spending. (Plus reminding myself, that Just because an items is 'good' 'useful' 'anyone would say a good purchase' 'on special' 'what I have always wanted' 'reasonable', doesn't mean it is good to buy it). Actually, within ynab, moving money away from other categories in order to fund this current thing, really keeps me focused on what is important for me.
The times I fall off the wagon, are the time when I want to buy the thing but do not want to reduce any other category. Refusing to actually confront the true cost ( to get this, I have to not have/do that...).
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Cirrus one thing I've learned: there will always be another sale.
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Halloweenlover welcome to the journals and best wishes.
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All the luck to you with this!
Good idea to make and stick to a plan for your keto diet. I've done mainly paleo, but a little bit of keto, for the past couple years and while it is more costly in terms of meat and protein you can save a lot because of everything else you're not buying.
I totally get you with how long it can feel, but every day will move you a little bit closer to that goal. Looking forward to hearing how it goes for you!
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Thank you everyone for your advice. I have read all of them and are taken into consideration. With the new year just starting I know this will be a great thread for me to post to. I have taken come of the steps I said I need to. I have stayed away from my trigger locations and removed all my card numbers online. I was able to get family and friends to contribute to my daughter's first year of college needs so that will save us some money. We also will have VA cover her first year of tuition. So I can add more to my debt this year than I thought. I am still doing no unplanned spending this year. Anything that I see I want; I write it down in my notebook. When I have extra fun money and I still want them; then I will get it. How have any of you made some changes to get debt free? I need all the advice I can get
