My Frugal Year

Ugh. I mean really, what could be less fun than getting ready for tax time? Whether you expect a nice refund or not, doing taxes is a pain. So many little things to collect and organize. As I’m getting ready to file for 2010, I’m also trying to look ahead and make 2011 easier. Last night I set up a 2011 file to collect pay stubs and receipts. Already added a couple receipts for medical expenses. Gotta love starting the year off being sick. Woo hoo.

I’ve been using Turbo Tax for years, and it makes a painful process much easier than it would be otherwise. E-filing is so simple and the refunds come quickly. They have products for whatever situation you’re in from the simplest tax situation to business income and investments. If you haven’t tried it – go for it. You won’t be disappointed!

I’ve never been one for New Years Resolutions. Too easily made and easily forgotten. This year, I do have some goals for the year and one of them is to get back to regular blogging on frugality, saving money, making money and in general making wise decisions around money.

2009 and 2010 brought some unexpected hurdles for our family, and some unexpected blessings too. Sadly, I let all that derail my blogging. My husband being rear-ended by an irresponsible driver in 2009 really started a chain of events that affected our family in many ways. My best laid plans for budgeting and finance were blown to bits as we struggled through his being unable to work for six months. All that is joyfully behind us now – he’s well and back to work and we’re getting back on track. In 2010 we were even able to take our first ever family vacation which was incredible.

My hope for 2011 is to learn a lot and share my finds here.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Our first view of Cinderella's castle at Walt Disney World

A new year has begun and it’s time to focus on what is to come in the this year ahead.  The turmoil of the past few months has shown that now is a good time to watch our pennies and make the most of what we have.

I’m no extremist.  I’m not a crafty do-it-yourselfer type.  I’ve never made my own laundry detergent or used home made cloth diapers.  One thing I learned, however, is to spend less on just about everything.  Over time it’s been out of necessity, then it just became a habit.

This year I’ve decided to take another step and start tracking my savings and more importantly, start actually SAVING the savings.  It’s one thing to get a deal on something or to save a few bucks clipping coupons, but what good is it really doing if that money isn’t truly being saved?

This blog will track my savings and deals throughout the year and share information I find on great deals with you!  I hope you enjoy it.  It will be exciting to see what the savings account looks like at the end of the year.

Here goes…

Day One:

Had a little Christmas gift cash left over.  Went to Savers and got a practically new J. Jill super-comfy sweater and a nice pair of pants and a cute Kate Spade bag.

Spent $17.18

Sent my husband to the store.  No coupons this time, just the store savings card.

Spent: $53.51

Saved: $10.73

Transferred $10.73 into savings account.