Frugality Boot Camp 2013

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend Frugality Boot Camp 2013, hosted by Jordan Page, the Fun, Cheap or Free Queen. What a beautiful event! There were delicious snacks, a lunch provided, and tons of great information. Jordan and her husband Bubba shared information on how they budget, how they split financial responsibilities in their marriage, how to be fashionable on a budget, and how to get the best prices on things like groceries, travel, and so much more!

It truly was an amazing chance for me to be in a place with a hundred other people who share my goal of being, and staying, completely out of debt. I learned a lot of great things, but the most valuable thing I got out of it was the motivation. I feel so pumped, and ready to start saving money.

What did I take away from this?

I feel blessed to be in the situation I am in, rather than the situation many of the people there find themselves in. I am not deeply in debt, or on the verge of losing my house or wrecking my credit score. I am just a college student with a small amount of student loans, who is about to graduate it a not-very-stable job market. I want to save as much money as I can while I still have a job, health benefits, and all the other great things that come with being a student. I want to have a good chunk of money saved up, so if I don't immediately find a job with benefits, or have to pay moving expenses, I'm covered. I am also driving a 17-year-old car that is nearing the end of it's life, and I don't currently have any money saved up if I need a down payment on short notice.

Now what? What can I do to turn that motivation into action? I really do make enough money to cover all my needs, and save a chunk each month; however, I tend to spend too much money on my "wants" instead of saving it. That needs to change. I need to realize that giving up some of the activities with friends will be a bummer, but in the long run, if I am in a good financial place it will be SO worth it.

I spent a few hours the other day looking at the money I have spent over the last few months, and I have definitely found some places I can cut back. I just have to do it. Sounds simple, right? It will be tough, but if I keep myself accountable and motivated, I can do it!