Hi! Below is Spending Faster, Jenn’s December update. She’s doing so amazing! See her past updates here and here. – Anna
MONTH TWO OF THE SPENDING FAST
Even with Christmas, I was able to save some money in the month of December! It’s been a busy month for me, but not with buying gifts and focusing on the holiday. My family and friends understood this, relieving me of the stresses of the holiday season. Aren’t they great? I am truly grateful for the people in my life, because they all genuinely want what’s best for me.
I did, however, give my mom some framed artwork of mine and my dad and friends some of those DIY ring dishes from A Beautiful Mess (the ones Anna made are pictured above).
In December, I focused on ways to bring in more money. This is what I did:
Ebay: I have listed some items that I don’t use anymore and am continuing to do so. I have sold $250 so far, but you have to minus the shipping cost and cost of using Ebay. I would still say not too shabby.
Society6: I started up a society6 account to sell some art prints as I work on my passion for painting abstract art.
Etsy: I also just opened an Etsy shop today and my first items for sale are two of the jewelry dishes leftover from the Christmas gifts. I will be adding original artwork for sale on this site.
I also received a Christmas bonus of $300 at work. And it was saved instead of spent on gifts.
This month has been about combining passion with income. I definitely feel like I am taking a plunge and putting myself out there so to speak. But I have a newfound sense of excitement and purpose. I have a new appetite for education and learning that will enhance my passions. It is coming to my attention that nothing happens overnight, and that my impatience for things to happen overnight is a notion I have to let go of to keep moving forward.
Total saved for month two: $400
Which went into a savings account for an emergency fund. My impatience has, however, gotten me to say the amount of $400 will my emergency fund (instead of the 1,000 I set out for in the beginning). In the interest of time and my sanity, I feel like this is an ok amount to set aside for now and to begin on throwing the money at my debt.
Spending Fast Stats:
Started November 2014
Total Saved to Date: $400
What have you done to increase your income?
P.S. Ready to get out of debt ASAP? Check out the Spending Fast Bootcamp! SpendingFastBootcamp.com
Congrats on saving money in December–that’s awesome! It’s great that your family was on board with your plans too. I’m always so thankful that my family understands my frugal habits as well. Makes life much easier and, then they can participate in saving their own money too!
I really like your idea of combining passion with income. What a great way to approach side hustling :).
It’s been a struggle to find the time outside of a full time job because half the time I come home, I just want to veg out. I’m playing with the idea of blocking out times in the week, like a school schedule, to just spend time in my studio.
I have just opened an Etsy shop this past November! I sell handmade crocheted scarves and other goods for the home and baby in my shop. I’ve always wanted to share my little talent with others and I’ve had 2 sales on the site so far and 2 off site from others seeing my work!
The shop is called WovenAndWorn :)
Those bowls are beautiful. I love the idea and am excited to try it with my little ones!
Congrats on the savings and opening the Etsy shop! Love the bowls, they are gorgeous.
I started a Spending Fast on Jan 1st, and I too have been fired up with energy and creativity. Love it!
I am looking for ways to use some of the job skills I use every day at work, so have applied to write resumes for talent.inc.com. Am also looking at being a test scorer for Pearson. There are some great websites out there to help you find a flexible job. flexjobs.com and wahm.com are two that come to mind.
Lynne, thanks for those sites and tips! I will have to check them out. I am all about exhausting all possibilities right now!