Vacation planning time

It may be cold out and your wallet is still recovering from paying end of the year taxes, but now is a good time to start planning your summer vacation. Most work locations let you choose your time off now so you can get your plans in motion.
I'm planning a road trip in September to see my sister in North Carolina so the first thing I need to do is save up the gas money. By saving some money each paycheck into a separate account, I am able to have a worry-free vacation. Sites like LivingSocial and Tippr can help me save money on entertainment and lodging along the way.
Not all vacations have to be elaborate. A small getaway can be just as great even if it's in your own city. Taking a night at a nice hotel to spend with your significant other or go to a concert in the next city. Online specials help to make a night to remember the most enjoyable. Road trips with more friends help save gas money!
Start planning your exciting summer 2012 now!!

Doctors, prescriptions, and budgets

If you're like me, you have chronic pain like migraines and headaches. This causes regular medications, doctors visits, and life interruptions. By budgeting the prescriptions and working with your doctor on cost, you can maintain affordability. My doctor knows I prefer generics and the least amount of pills possible. Also any natural supplements that can eliminate the needs for prescription is a good idea. The copayment from my insurance itself must be budgeted and expected due to the condition. Any tests such as MRI must also be saved or worked with the hospital under payment plan.

The unexpected can always hit you like a freight train. By including these things in your budget, you can ease your mind and reduce the headaches :)

Continuation of Mind, Body, and Soul of 2012

For the past couple days I've been listening to a Spanish CD in my car to learn common phrases. This gave me the confidence to talk to my supervisor about my future with the company I work for. That conversation gave me some goals for the year: fix my finances (I work for a bank), continue to work hard, cross train customer service duties, and continue to give good results. Fixing my finances will be an ongoing goal but the end of this month I'm paying off a couple cards and getting rid of them. This will help my monthly expenses. When I get my tax refund I can pay off more. In my spare time at work, I shadow customer service reps on how to do various tasks other than my own. The more knowledge I have, the more marketable I will be for the company.
I've done very well with bringing my lunch to work everyday to decrease fast food intake. This will save me money and increase my health. Fresh fruit and whole grain bars keep my diet balanced.

Getting in shape the frugal way

Part of my resolution to be happy includes getting in shape. Since I already have a Wii, I have acquired games like Just Dance, Zumba, and Wii Fit. Rather than paying for a gym membership, I can work out at home. The start up cost for the console and games is high, but once they are obtained there is no more cost. You come home from work and enjoy a fun, hard workout in the comfort of your living room. Invite friends over and make a competition from the games. You get to have quality time with those you have fun with while staying healthy. If you have kids, let them play too! It's good for kids to be active daily. The Just Dance games are so fun and a sweaty workout that will ensure a swift bath and bed time :).

Let's see that six pack!

Day 2 of Mind, Body, and Soul of 2012

It's the observed day of New Years so I do not work. To make the day interesting, I've learned some Spanish, watched new shows, made some changes to my online dating profile, messaged men I found interesting, and cleaned up. On the second day of the new year, I have learned that life is pretty crazy. By taking in new opportunities, I can further find out who I am. It's a new year, a new me. Wonder what new interests I will pick up tomorrow??? :)

Mind, Body, and Soul of 2012

I'm not big on resolutions but this year I want to do one thing each day to become more confident in myself, gain happiness, and learn who I am.

January 1: Downloaded organization and confidence books on my Kindle fire, cleaned my house and caught up on chores, and realized I need to be more active in my social life.

Goals for tomorrow: Read more to enhance my vocabulary, do some exercise and drink water, and find a new flirty hair do.

I'm going to do this every day to achieve my ultimate resolution: be happy. Trying new things while taking care of business.

2012 = Frugal Living All Year

Welcome to the new year! One of my resolutions is to eliminate as much debt as possible. In order to do that, I will use my tax return and sale of my business car to pay off and close some credit accounts. My student loan payments start in May after I graduate so that will be an added monthly expense. Once that time occurs, I will form a payment plan that suits my financial needs and consolidate all my student loans. Some things I have in mind to reduce debt is to limit travel, stay home more, and spend less on luxuries. I'm not saying you HAVE to give up a social life, but saving money and paying off debt is important. I have eliminated my drinking by a lot and it has saved me quite a bit. I still can have a good time sober!! Plus I'm safe.

Good luck on your frugal adventure in 2012!!!