Well, it's an interesting year...

I can't say that it's a bad year, but it has been challenging so far. Slightly not as easy to stay ahead of the game, but it is not as easy as past years. It does demand discipline, and attention, and frugality, to an extent.
It does seem that everyone that you would normally owe money to, wants more money. Insurance companies, Utility comapnies, general services...as in food, clothing, etc. It does take some attention to keep ahead.
I am still managing to save, invest, and have that emergency fund, but all of those listed above are grabbing for it. You just have to pay greater attention to what you are spending, and stay a step ahead. So how do I do it???

Let's think about it. What are you trying in times like this. I will tell you what I am doing.
1: Looking for the best investments.
2: Saving that money in accounts. No matter what.
3: That includes keeping money in that emergency fund! That's a must.
4: Eating at home, and getting deals on that at the store.
So far I really haven't had to cut back too much on the normal spending, but it is different. Different brands, different buying times, and amounts. Just kind of moving the needed buying times around, and finding ways to get money back on that necessary buying, like a cash back credit card. I pay it off every month, but in the past I would not have put anything on a card, but now it makes sense because I use that cash back to go towards paying the bill. That seems like a win/win. It seems like I am staying ahead, but those bill collectors are pretty greedy.

So how are you doing? Is it easier, about the same, or a little bit of a struggle? Be sure to let me know in the comments. I am interested.
I think that keeping money for you is mandatory, after all, who are you working for?

Hoping for a Good New Year!

How do you feel about 2025?
For me it's feeling hopeful, different, enthused, gratifying, doable, and positive so far, and I am actively working to keep it going. I began the year looking for discounts that I might be entitled to, such in the gas bill for the home (which I did get), a free energy audit also for the home that may also include money to help with improvements. I learned that I could get a discount on the internet bill, but that won't come until June. A increase in salary, which never hurts.

Second, I had 2 Bank CD'S come due in one week, then another came due 1 week later. I decided to combine them all into one large CD since the rates have gotten a little smaller than they were last year. I like CD's because they are not risky like other things that I could be investing in. I was very happy with how they all did last year, and combining them into one will help with the .9% loss in interest rates.

Third, I now have a stock portfolio. I have always been adverse to doing that because I knew nothing about stocks, but with the help of Robinhood I now have one. It's just starting out, but it has already earned money in just the first few days, so I'm hopeful.
I let them pick out the stocks, based on my fears, and they are doing well so far. They gave me free money to pick a stock when I signed up, and out of those I picked Amazon, because we all buy from them, so I figured it would be a good one. I am happy to say that it is also doing well!
I will soon be adding more money to that as well. I feel much better, and not as afraid of stocks anymore.

Fourth, and last. I am not one for making New Year's Resolutions, but I had been thinking about eating better for awhile, and I have started on that path. My diet wasn't horrible, but there was a lot of sugar in there in the way of snacks.
We all know that better food choices will help with health problems, which luckily I haven't had any major problems, I know the foods I picked will also help with the minor problems.
What did I pick? More salads, healthy crackers, and humus (which I have never had before), fruits, raisins, healither breads, and so far they are serving me well. I am not as sad about missing the Oreo's, and other cookies, and candies. I will also be adding more fish.
In closing, I don't know if any of this will help you, but I can tell you that it all makes me very happy, and hopeful for the year to come. It may not all turn out roses, but I have done what I could to give it a good start, and that goes a long way to making things better.
So, with all of that said, How are you doing in this New Year? I hope that you will find a little inspiration in the reading of this, because if I can do it, so can you!