It’s the shortest day of the year, but we’re going to party hard.
And not just because every day from here on out gets a little bit lighter and brighter for a little bit longer.
Nope, we’re celebrating because the holiday money wins came pouring in this week.
Why? I suspect a lot of us are ready to pat ourselves on the back before we call it a year. And since the holiday season is often PTO season, I’m not going to slow you down with a long explanation.
Nope. I’ll keep my win short and simple. We are attending not one, not two, not three…but FOUR Christmas celebrations this year. I’m bringing a dish to all of them, and I’ve planned ahead enough to either scoop up items from Aldi or pop into other grocery stores for loss leaders. My Christmas contributions will be less than $30 for four different parties, and every dish was something that was requested.
I’m not just showing up with a can of Pringles.
Though that’s not the worst idea I’ve ever typed.
So that’s my holiday money win for the week. $76K, Dillon, and Sarah have three more wins that are worth celebrating, too. Join us!
$76K
[Penny’s note: $76K is back, back again with another money win. And I’m so freaking excited to share this one!]
What is your money win?
After a $1600 payment this month, I have just $3700 left on my student loan!
Why are you pumped?
We’ll pay off my student loan in February, after which we’ll have just one loan left (my partner’s $38K student loan). This means that by late this winter, we’ll have demolished a car loan, $25K in credit card debt, and a student loan.
What can others learn from it?
Paying off debt is a drag. It’s tedious and sometimes frustrating. But if you keep at it, the debt does eventually go away!
Dillon at Dollar Revolution
[Pssst – Dillon is PF nerd on Twitter! I get so excited when Twitter friends are willing to be on ze blog!]
What is your money win?
Multiple relatives have asked me for the link to contribute to our son’s 529 for Christmas!
Why are you pumped?
No massive pile of excess gifts and free money for his college savings!
What can others learn from it?
Don’t be afraid to let your intentions be known! Some will still want to give physical gifts and that is fine, still be gracious and say thank you. Plenty will honor your wishes though and feel good about helping towards their education.
Sarah from Smile & Conquer
What is your money win?
Our budget has been all over the place these last few months after moving into a new house, selling our old place, unexpected pet costs, and Christmas but I just went through our annual budget and we actually increased our savings rate by 20% since last year. I’d been putting it off but was surprised in a good way!
Why are you pumped?
One of my goals for this year was to up our savings rate but after moving unexpectedly I didn’t think it would ever happen.
What can others learn from it?
Good money habits can pay dividends even when you don’t expect it.
Final Thoughts on Holiday Money Wins
I’ll be sharing money wins through the New Year and beyond, so feel free to pop back. If our virtual paths don’t cross again, I’m wishing you all the very best and can’t wait to talk money wins, decluttering, frugality, and awkwardness with you in 2019!
So Tell Me…Do you have a money win we can celebrate? Leave a comment or drop me a line here to be featured!
PS – Don’t miss any of the other money wins. The whole series is right here!
Grocery budget goddess Penny wins at Christmas parties! Good job planning ahead.
OMG that’s so many loans paid off, way to hang in there! Seeing results is so gratifying. You’re almost to the finish!
What a fantastic idea, to allow family to contribute to kid’s future education. That’s the gift that will keep giving for sure.
WOOHOO 20% increase in savings! Amazing! You’re killing it.
My money win is that, post-divorce, I’m now spending significantly less each week. It’s a huge relief!
Oh, and that (with the guy with achy joints gone) I haven’t had to turn on the heat yet this winter. I mean, I live in Arizona, but it’s staying around 65 in the house, which is chilly for here.
Money Win: I maxed out my Roth for the first time ever! Planning for a repeat next year. Also doubled my 401(k) withholding this year.