2012: The Year of Frugality

2011 brought great insight into my spending habits, both good and bad. I kept incredibly detailed financial records last year and found it helped tremendously in curving my expenses. I know what my weaknesses are and I know where my strengths lie. So, my number one resolution this year is frugality.

Goal Numero Uno- Shop Local

Some of you, including my mother, are going to say that this will prove more expensive. But in what? Food? Yes. But, if I am striving to shop local, it’s going to keep my out of my weak areas (i.e. Target, the mall, etc.) The Manpanion and I were talking about charitable giving not too long ago and he realized that he was an isolationist, meaning he likes to keep his money in our community. I like that. Charity starts at home and so should the shopping. Start local and if I have to buy outside of Columbus or even Georgia, at least buy American products. I like knowing that I am supporting my friends-many of whom own local businesses.

Goal Numero Dos-Cut Out the Extras

This is a hard one for me. I told the Manpanion that we shouldn’t go to the movies on NYE because while we had the popcorn bucket, we had no passes to go with it. We don’t NEED to spend $50 to go to the movies. Eating out is also an expensive habit. Lunch is a HUGE weakness for me. I love lunch. More than any other meal. But I am determined to brown bag it this year. This includes gas, new clothes, jewelry and…gulp…books.