Project Money Diet: Here we go

Happy 2011 everyone! 2010 was a great year for me, but not necessarily not bank account.

The time has come for my savings to get a boost. I've researched, experimented, and read more than I would like to admit on the subject. I've shared some of the information with you guys, and hopefully it helped. The internet has loads of tips, hints and strategies but finding ones that apply to you can be tricky. Don't be discouraged by this. Keep looking, and make sure that the advice is practical for you! Don't forget about credit card debt. Interest on credit cards is a silent money stealer.

So here's my plan;

· save 20 percent of my paycheck right away. This will be money I won't even think about.

· Cook our meals from scratch. This will take some menu planning but it's doable

· Continue to use coupons

· Make menu plans for the week using food on sale

· Cook meals not using meat. (This saves crazy amounts of money. Meatless meals often=more cash)

· Pay off all credit card debt by the year of the year

· Lower the heat and wrap in blankets

· Maintain my car's upkeep/do most of the repairs ourselves*

*I was lucky enough to marry into a mechanically inclined family. I could not do the repairs without the huge help of Josh and his dad. Do not do the work if you don't have the experience. It's unsafe and can be very costly.

· Drive slowly and condense my trips.

· Eat out only twice a month. Order wisely

· Treat myself occasionally. Bubble baths, red wine and warm fires.*

I feel very strongly about my last point. Life is to be enjoyed treated yourself is important. The treats don’t have to be expensive, and shouldn’t be if they a frequent.

So there it is; my saving ideas for 2011!

Happy New Year to everyone, I hope it’s a wonderful year for all