The 'B' word

If you read post about traveling in 2010, you'll know that I've got some vacations I'm planning. Two are in the works and another has been discussed briefly. To be able to go on vacations it's usually pretty important to have money to fund it. Unfortunately I am not independently wealthy (WHY?!) and do not know anyone that is (AGAIN< WHY!?), so I have to save and scrimp and put my pennies in a jar. My travel plans this upcoming year are quite lofty so this means I'll need a larger sum of savings than usual.

Tax season is coming which means I'll be working my ass off and I'll be able to stash some money aside for these trips. But I need to make sure I also save enough to pay for the small things, like my mortgage and food. This means I'll have to cut some corners in my spending also to accomplish the goal of travels, having a place to live and eating. I've considered cutting out all but the essentials before to help pay my house off earlier. I thought about canceling my cable, internet, home phone and other "luxuries" that I could live without. But I know me and I know I like to watch Top Chef on cable and I like to be able to get on the internet at home from a computer. But I've been making a mental list of the things I can do to save a buck or two and really make the most of what I've got.

I need a grocery budget. I did a 30 days grocery budget spending only $100 for the month and I did well. I only went over a few bucks so I know I can do it. I think I'll make a more reasonable budget of $200 a month. Savings would be approximately $100 a month.
Cancel my Netflix membership. I used to watch Netflix movies and shows all the time and now I never do. I've had the same three DVD's sitting on my desk for two months. That'll save $15 a month.
Pay off that last credit card. Technically this won't save me much money but I'll save the interest and have that monthly amount I am paying to set aside. $75 a month savings.
Give myself an allowance. As it stands I just buy what I want when I want it if I can can afford it. Some months I might spend $20 on myself, others I might spend $200. I need a consistent budget for frivolous purchases. No one needs 3 new handbags at once. Approximate savings, let's say $100.

Total savings per month, approximately : $285

That's not a lot but its a good start. That's an airplane ticket to New York or a few night's stay in a hotel or enough to have some spending money on a vacation. If I'm being honest with myself I really just need to work a butt-load of hours at work for those few months and then I'll be set for the rest of the year. It's just so so so daunting for some reason. I'm not cut out for 15 hour work days, 6 days a week for almost 4 months.

But I'm going to buckle down and suck it up and git 'er done for the sake of a fun-filled traveling year that won't leave me homeless with no food. Perhaps that can be my New Year's Resolution. Just get it done and then relax for the rest of the year. Without whining....that's the real goal.