Challenging Myself Again

I finally got a copy of this simple book from 2013. In it, Bob Lotich issues a 21-day challenge to save $500 a month. This challenge marks one of many for me, focused on the improvement of my life. I feel more determination than ever to sharpen the saw and maintain.

Day 1: Lower Your Monthly Bills

The first day already marks a significant hurdle. Lower my monthly bills. Despite its publication 12 years ago, the book remains relevant with its first suggestion. I have a decent list of monthly subscriptions and a couple yearly.

I need to evaluate if maintaining a blue check on X is worth the cost, for example.

I haven't sat to write in ages, all while romanticizing it, procrastinating it, and forgetting often. Yet this challenge gives me an opportunity to begin anew after a hiatus.

The line that clocked for me follows:

"A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided."

-- Tony Robbins

My first call to Xfinity went swimmingly. I was stunned to find we had been double-billed for a Peacock subscription and paid for a security feature we don't use. Given the new promotion added, we pared down our monthly internet bill by $50 and potentially enjoy faster internet.

Following up on the momentum, I removed one Twitter subscription. Discord and Telegram Premium are both extras, too. So while the costs come down, so do the days left of the challenge. I began last week and I remain excited to share how it's come along and what changes bear fruit.

$462/Month Left to Save

12 days left to challenge the spending habits and staunch the financial bleed.

I received several suggestions, thought not all are applicable. I share them here for the interest of my readers:

1. Lower your monthly bills.
2. Always buy used.
3. Negotiate a better interest rate on your credit cards.
4. Rakuten, formerly known as, Ebates Online Shopping Program
5. Simplify your wardrobe.
6. Cancel cable and get with the 21st century.
7. Make your own coffee drinks.
8. Investigate refinancing.
9. Buy from Habitat for Humanity ReStores.

While part of the challenge would benefit from consistency, I couldn't negotiate refinancing, for example. Still, the discussion makes a great learning moment. As I don't drink coffee either, I make note of what else I consume and how often. More than a third of the days complete, I look forward to what's next. For example, I didn't expect to find such a gem on the fourth day.

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The Challenge Continues

And the never-ending journey to count cash carries on. Follow for more money-saving strategies as I record my daily efforts to complete the challenges.