Overall Debt: How Much Do We Really Owe?

Facing your overall debt can be overwhelming. I don't recommend looking at the "big numbers" every time you sit down to budget your weekly paycheck however, it's good to check your balances on a regular basis to see what type of progress your making. If your numbers are remaining stagnant, it may be time to kick things up a bit by creating a more aggressive payment plan.

Remember, not all debt is created equal. I try not to stress over investment debt such as our mortgage. Although it's a huge debt, it's one that will serve us later in the form of equity. Other debts such as student or personal loans and of course, credit cards - those are debts where you should focus your undivided attention when it comes to budgeting. Getting rid of revolving credit or loan items will free up your money from being bogged down by large payments and accumulating interest.

To print out a simple spreadsheet where you can record and analyze your debt, click HERE for a free printable.

For more videos on our budget plans, debt and my planners, check out my YouTube channel HERE.

Countdown to the Holidays - 6-Month Christmas Savings Challenge!

It's hard to believe that we're almost approaching June marking the half-way point of 2019. In an effort to prepare (early) for the holidays, I've put together a 6-month savings plan that, if followed, will generate $500 in holiday saving by December - just in time to kick off your Christmas shopping!

Every year I say I'm going to open up a Christmas Club Savings account at my bank and every year, I don't do it. It never feels like the right time to start saving for the next holiday season when the first one isn't over. This modest six-month plan starts long after the holidays have wrapped up and now is the best time to start stocking away for this year!

If you follow the simple savings plan, you will have $500 saved. Depending on what time of the month you add to the savings, you could even have the entire amount by Black Friday - just in time to enjoy all the holiday deals! Of course, you can always add more to the plan - if you have extra, it wouldn't hurt to bump up your monthly allotments, especially if you have a long Christmas list to cover. 

Join me this June in kicking off our Christmas Savings Plan! A full video about this will be uploaded soon so please make sure to check out my YouTube channel:

Oh My Goals!

Use the hashtag #omgsavewithme if you upload on Insta or YouTube so I know you're participating!

Most importantly - don't forget...

to download the FREE printable chart and prepare for your savings plan, click HERE.

Budget DIY: How to Make Your Own Happy Planner Inserts - Laminated Routine Lists

I've been really excited to film a video showing how I make my own laminated planner inserts for my Happy Planner! Ever since I started using my laminating machine, I've been coming up with more and more projects I can do with it, most recently, cash envelopes and these helpful daily routine inserts you see here.

 

Steps are as follows... 

1. Print out your daily task list(s). Mine include morning and nighttime routines as well as cleaning to-dos.
2. Choose the scrap paper you want to appear on the back of each list.
3. Cut all papers to Happy Planner size. My inserts were for my Classic planner so the paper size is 7"W x 9.25H.
4. Place your printed list and scrapbook paper back-to-back, so both are facing outward. You do not need to glue or tape them together.
5. Place papers in a laminating pouch; feed through laminator carefully. (I choose 5 mil on my laminator even if my pouches are 3 mil). Take extra care to make sure the laminated piece comes out straight.
6. Trim excess lamination where needed.
7. Hole punch your laminated piece with the Happy Planner punch, or a round punch if using inside a 3-ring binder. 

8. Write on your laminated pieces with dry erase marker for easy re-use.

This project couldn't be easier but if you aren't able to make your own, you can order a set personalized to your own to-do lists by contacting me directly here. Prices vary depending on number of inserts you'd like. For a peek at the entire process from start to finish, view the full video below: