Overview? I'm Over It.

I'd like to start with a little overview of why I'm here and what I'm going to be doing. First, here is a list of things I am NOT GOING TO DO:

1. I do not want to keep track of my spending.
I have tried to keep track of my spending a number of times, but I've never even made it through the first week. It seems it should be effective, but it's not for me. Besides, I think if we honestly look at ourselves, we already know how all the money is disappearing. I know I spend far too much on coffee, going out for lunch, magazines, shoes, clothes and sweets.

2. I do not want to write a 5/10/15/20 year plan.
I've listed out a lot of future plans, ever since high school, when I so optimistically envisioned my hubby, 2 kids, an amazing career and annual exotic vacations. I'm now 33 and it'd be a stretch to say any of the above has come to fruition. Of course, I've rewritten the list over the years, slowly becoming more realistic (er, pessimistic). Until now. I am now embracing the unknown. After all, I believe the greatest things in my life have all been unexpected.

3. I do not want to determine a budget.
I have also tried budgets in the past, but my needs shift, some months I need larger items (hello shoes! maybe a vacation?) and other times I can do with very little. How could anyone possibly work with same budget for March as for December?

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So what's left? Thankfully, lots!

• I want to delve into my guilty pleasures, figure out why I spend money on things I don't need, and come up with solid alternatives that I'm excited about.

• I want to make some crazy awesome dishes from whatever's in the fridge. I'd also like to explore how to use leftovers in unique ways.

• I want to explore how saving money is also good for the environment, health, home, relationships, intelligence, creativity...

• I want to design forms and templates to better organize the paper clutter.

• I want to delve into some diy.

• I want to explore career options, and the possibility of selling stuff.

• I want to shop super smart.

• I want to see where this goes! I expect many more ideas will follow.