If you regularly listen to Marketplace Money on Saturdays then you have probably heard Michelle Singletary's advice in the past. She is a columnist for the Washington Post and writes regularly on personal finance.
She recently spoke to Robin Young on Here and Now about taking on a 21 Day Financial Fast as part of a financial New Year's Resolution. I decided this would be a good time to invite you to take a look at your own finances and join me in this project.
There is a book which explains the fast in more detail and, in true procrastinating fashion, I waited until today and then requested it through InterLibrary Loan.
The premise is simple, however. For 21 days you spend cash (not plastic- even debit!) on only the necessities. Pay your bills, buy your groceries, get to work, but nothing else. The idea is to hit the reset button on where you're spending and what meaning your money gives (or doesn't give) to your life. To wit she offers journaling and tracking pages on her website here (scroll the the bottom).
I like personal finance and after paying for a wedding in December and then finding out last week my HVAC unit has to be replaced this couldn't come at a better time to recalibrate. Plus, who doesn't like a new New Year's Resolution after we've broken our first round already?
Each day Ms. Singletary is offering a video to help nudge you along. I will be blogging daily to share what I am learning.
You can also follow us on Twitter: Michelle Singletary is @SingletaryM, with the hashtag #FinancialFast. You can follow me on Twitter @lindsayraemyers and @WUWFmedia. Let me know if you're joining in!
Introduction:
Day One:
Lindsay Rae Myers is Digital Content Editor at WUWF Public Media you can reach her at Lindsay@wuwf.org or @lindsayraemyers.