A Personal Challenge Makes Saving Fun

We all know saving money is not the most fun thing to do.  But turning a goal into a mental challenge proved fun (and profitable) for me.

 

My $10 bill savings goal turned into...

$340  

(in just 2 months)

 

I loved my goal I set in the middle of April.  I decided that every time I got a $10 bill I had to save it.  Sometimes I was excited to get $10 in change, other times I would desperately hope my change would come back to me in $5's and $1's.  

Once I used the self check-out at Wal-Mart for items that came to about $14.  I only had a $100 bill left of my cash grocery budget and as fate would have it, I received $80 back in $10 bills!  I was a little nervous to finish out the rest of the month with only $6 to use for groceries!!

It worked out though and within 2 months (I kept my goal going through May) I saved $340.  I deposited it into my account this month and have decided to keep my $10 savings as a rule I live by instead of just a monthly goal, that's how much I loved challenging myself to do it.

Turns out experts agree.  Check out this MSN article, suggesting playing your own mind tricks as a way to become wealthy.  

Now I just need to think of some more...

Another Flip Hard on a Mom

I picked up this 1976 beauty the same week I sold my last one.  This house (nick named "The Tire Factory" because of the old tires used for the back yard retaining walls) took me 5 very intense weeks to complete.  A perfect cosmetic flip. I did this one without a contractor and with a lot of personal sweat equity to go with the money.

 It was hard on me and my kids.

It sold quickly, and the profit was just under my goal, but pretty good for 2 months of time, work and money.


As I consistently dance the line of taking on big adventures to become more fiscally fit and living a life as a full time mom and wife, I struggle.  I LOVE having these projects, at the same time I hate feeling like I fall short at home when I'm so involved with them.  Sound familiar working moms?

Now that it is sold and money is in my bank, I can't help my urge to find another and watch my savings grow.  At the same time, I remind myself of the time struggle involved with flipping houses.

The same week I closed this house, my veteran flipping friend, J(the same friend my hubby and I partnered with on our very first flip in 2000.) asked if I'd partner with him on another little 1893 house- requiring me to do no work whatsoever.  (Just $.) 

So far so good.

I got a text while typing this post showing trees trimmed, demo done, trash hauled and drywall installing.  I get to be here with the kiddos (and their friends...it is summertime of course) while he manages the job.

Keeping fingers crossed as we move forward with this one.  Hopefully the dynamic of not having to take the time, but financing the project turns out profitable for all involved.