When a new year rolls around, the thought of how can I make this year better, always crosses my mind. That improvement is not only continuing with my journey at the gym, but through making a better life for myself and Jason and I as a couple.
While strolling through Facebook and Pinterest I found some really easy, good ideas for 2014.
In May, Jason and I will be celebrating a year since we moved to Tennessee. So what better way to kick off a New Year then to start off with a savings plan. When we were planning our move, we were in major savings mode, so we could make that dream a reality. Well, unfortunately that savings is long gone, which means it is time to build it up again.
Since we moved to Tennessee, I became in charge of our finances. We signed up for a joint checking account, which I keep track of, and I pay all of our bills. So, I see how much money we are bringing in and how much money we are spending. With some of our future plans, I want to put us on the right track to make those plans flourish.
The simplicity of the savings plan has me excited. All you have to do is put a certain amount of money aside for each week of the year. Week one, put a $1 into savings, week two put $2 into savings, etc. So by the time you reach week 52, you will have a nice cushion. The best part about this, is I’m putting double aside every week, a $1 for me and $1 for Jason, if you will.
The start of 2014 has been good to us so far. Jason starts a second job at Bonefish Grill this week, which is in addition to his first job at Ruby Tuesday. I unfortunately will not see him that much anymore, as he will be working doubles most days. But, I’m excited for him, new experiences in the kitchen, room for growth, as well as working up the ladder so to speak. This, of course, will help us tremendously financially.
The good news came for me as well. I have taken on more responsibilities with the paper in Arizona, which will increase my editing and writing. This of course is really exciting. I have my own little business going – my own little freelance writing business. Oh the possibilities are endless. This year I’m going to dedicate my time to both the business side of things, as well as the writing.
It’s the little things that get me excited.
Another idea I started on Jan. 1 stemmed from a post I saw from a good friend on Facebook. This, I have to admit brought an instant smile to my face when I read what it was about. Every day, I write the date on a small piece of paper and write something that made me smile . . . something I was proud of . . . or a nice gesture . . . something that stopped me in my tracks.
The post I read (the picture to the right) says to write about a surprise gift, accomplished goals, the beauty of nature, lol moments, memories worth saving and daily blessings on that small piece of paper.
I’m thinking every month I may write on different color paper. It will certainly make a pretty jar by the time I reach December. January I’m writing on white paper, hence the cold winter, snowy weather. February I’m leaning towards red or pink.
Oh, how much fun I’m going to have with this daily task. I’m a sentimental person, so this exercise is perfect for me.
This part is what I’m most excited about, on Dec. 31, I get to read all the little pieces of paper and see what my moments were for 2014. I’m also going to have Jason read these moments that were important enough to write down on a piece of paper.
I’m hoping this will further help me write that book, give me the inspiration to build my characters and write a plot that others will want to read.
Let 2014 continue to shine . . . let the new year continue to bring good to Jason and I.
