$10,000

3

November 2, 2013 by CJ

Who wouldn’t like to have $10,000?  I don’t think many of us would say no to that.  As I run into the middle of my 40th year of life I’ve been thinking about things that have always seem to allude me.  One of those things is maintaining a savings.

Don’t get me wrong, I do save.  I have a 401k and money removed from my checking account on a regular basis, before my greedy little eyes can set sight on it.  What I am referring to is my inability to save the money I have available to me.  The money I don’t hide from myself.  I want to be able to put funds away and tell myself no, when I want to raid that account for some awesome shoes, or pay for something the kids are begging me for.  Discipline is what I lack.

That is why I’ve decided to add something new to my list.  I want to save $10,000 for my 50th birthday.  It’ll be my gift to myself.  I’m not sure what I’ll do with it.  Maybe take the first class trip to Figi (I think $10,000 will cover one ticket), or put a down payment on something big… I don’t know.  I have approximately 10 years to figure it out.  Now, I just need to focus on starting the process.

I live on a fairly tight budget.  While my husband covers the majority of the bills, my paycheck pays for groceries, I supply health insurance and fund our retirement account.  But as you can see with this blog, I subscribe to quite a few subscription boxes, shop at least monthly and I’m not opposed to taking some extra care with myself.  Where am I going to find the additional money?  I may squeeze it out of out grocery bill.  I use to be big on coupons, but recently got lazy about it.  I can try that again.  I think pre-planning our weekly meals will save a few dollars too.  I am also going to have to say goodbye to some of my monthly treats.  More importantly, I need to create a real budget and not add a subscription before I end another.  I know I can do this.  I hate to even admit it, but I probably waste $25.00 a week on things no one needs.  I’m going to begin actively saving in January 2014.  This will give me 498 weeks to save before my 50th birthday in August 2023.   It’s going to be interesting, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Have you ever saved for a big event?  How did you do it?

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