So after all our best efforts this year, we were shy of reaching our goal of saving $10K in one calendar year. I'm not disappointed though, because we saved WAY more than we would have without this effort. Our savings account is in a really healthy place. And bonus - now that we have adjusted to this low-spending life style, we can keep it up and save even more this year!
A small setback was launching a side business. We decided to start a crib and baby equipment rental business as a side gig. We spent about $1,000 on cribs, pack n' plays and other items, and another $1,000 or so on advertising in the month of December. We knew this little business adventure would set us back in the savings department, but we thought it would be a good time in our life to start something relatively low-risk and see if it could turn into a legit business that could be a primary income in a few years. We live smack in the middle of retirement country and those folks are always having family visitors/grandkids and it does have the potential to really take off. We will see. That being said, if we had put that $2,000 in the savings account instead, we'd be really close to our goal. So we did pretty well!
We hope to save a few thousand more by mid-year 2013. We'll start with a good ol' fashion fiscal fast! Our pantry and freezer are completely full...to the point where things come tumbling out when you open the cabinets. One week of no spending whatsoever starts today!
