The Bottom Line {January}

I've talked a lot about how it is a fresh start to a new year, with potential for growth and change and taking action. I've shared about some of our goals, and our desires to be Purposeful, Focused, and Intentional in 2012, as well as how those ideas can apply to specific things, like the Project House.

Along the same lines, we have used the month of January to refocus on our financial situation, looking specifically at where we can cut corners, how we can save more, and what we need to do in order to reach both our personal finance and Project House goals. It was great to be able to sit down together and discover we were on the same starting page, discuss ways to track our spending, and decide to make some temporary cuts now, so that we can do more later.

With that in mind, let me introduce to you to the 2012 version of the monthly blog feature (formerly known as) The Financial Review...

Want to join me? Feel free to grab the button (click HERE) and use it if you share your financial goals and updates on a blog. If you write a Bottom Line blog post, please leave a link to your post in the comments  so that we can come see what you're working towards and cheer for you. You don't have to have a blog (or write a post) to join in the fun - I'd love for you to share your goals and updates in the comments as it's an encouragement for me to keep plugging away when I know that others are as well.

One of the things I enjoyed about The Financial Review posts last year was seeing financial growth in those who commented - be it buying a house, sharing a great money tracking tool, or hearing about a budget meeting. It's always encouraging to know that you're not alone in trying to figure out this whole financial stewardship idea, and accountability - even if it's people I've never met in real life - is good for me.

Bottom Line January Review:

1) Made discussing our financial goals and budget for 2012, a priority

2) Beans and Rice and everything...cheap - we've decided to do what it takes, and we've aimed HIGH
3) Discontinued two automatic refills on DD cards

4) Weekly transfers to savings (we've almost reached our minimum Rainy Day Fund goal)
5) Decided to try cash-only for food during the month of February

What goals (financial or otherwise) have YOU been working on this month?

Bottom Line Link-Up Day: The last Tuesday of each month

(next update: 2/28)