Friday $avings: New Years Resolutions

Welcome 2010! Where did 2009 go? Another year gone {poof} and we'll be celebrating anniversary #10 this year - that really seems impossible! But all of that is neither here nor there nor related to the post...

One of the things that I love about January 1st is that it gives me a blank slate. I have no idea what this year is going to hold, and I love that! It could change a little or a lot, it could find us in a new location or still in the same place. We could be a one or two income household. We could face lots of medical problems or be fit and healthy as ever. Only God knows. This past year was a year of trying new things, taking a few small risks, and learning through failure. They were all part of our growth process (as Christians and as people) and even when it was uncomfortable, I like feeling that I am moving forward and not just standing still. It's like that old song, "You put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking 'cross the floor...you put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door!"

So with 2010 here - a big, blank slate - I do know that one of the things I want to continue to work on is finances. I took a big step forward in 2009 by learning about coupons and sales and using a calculator when I'm shopping so there are no surprises at the check-out. I still have much to learn though - actually, it's not so much about learning as it is about actually doing it. I know what I should and shouldn't do - I just need the self-discipline to follow through! Some of my financial goals this year include:

1. Paying off the car (our only car) that we are buying from my parents - sooner rather than later!
2. Saving for a new computer (Peter has to revive ours about once a month and he's getting tired of doing it!)
3. Saving to pay for Christmas/birthday gifts in cash (I did OK this year, but I know I can do better)
4. Saving to cover our medical insurance deductible (Peter may end up having rotator cuff surgery this year, so we'll have a lot of expenses to cover before the insurance kicks in)
5. The biggest savings goal this year is finding ways to set aside 6 months of living expenses in case of unemployment.

I think those financial goals are enough to keep me busy reorganizing our finances and finding ways to cut corners and save more. I already know that one of the best ways I can save money is by not going to the store. Any store. Including Target. (Wow, that was hard to type!) Sales and coupons are great and they can certainly help stretch a dollar, but if you don't need it, then you're not saving anything. Lesson learned in 2009 that will hopefully help me reach some of these goals in 2010.

What are some of your financial (and life) goals this year? I'd love to hear them and any tips about how you are "finding" extra or saving something. Also, check out the Life as Mom post on this today - lots of good ideas and encouragement that we are not alone in this frugal adventure. :-)

Happy New Year!