Photo Credit: Ramit Sethi
I’m finally updating on Ramit’s 30 Day to Save $1,000 challenge. The tip on hedging fuel expenses is something I wasn’t crazy about. l’ll explain why later. I did appreciate tip #7 on having a no spend day. I’m happy with how the challenge is coming along. I even managed to make some money (Tip # 3: Sell on Ebay).
Gasoline Hedging
Ramit’s breaks down how he creates and uses the gas hedge funds. It’s a clever way to prevent yourself from spending money carelessly.
1. Set up a high-interest ING savings account
2. Open a sub-account
3. Automate deposits into sub account
4. Check every couple of months to see how it is working for you.
I use sub-accounts with ING Direct and I think they’re a wonderful tool. I just prefer to put my little snowflakes (savings) away into either one of three sub-accounts:
- Savings
- Debt Reduction
- VW Repair Fund
When gasoline prices increase I adjust the budget accordingly. I also become a bit more aggressive with my conservation skills. I realize it’s simply an issue of reallocating funds if I just save it, whatever the account name may be. If I use it for debt reduction, I see that as a long term move. With my car loan being at 13.75%, I get a great ‘return’ on my money. It will also puts a few hundred dollars back into play for my budget once my car loan is done.
‘No Spending’ Day
Creating a “No Spending” day once a week is something that I have followed. It started as a necessity as I was a broke college student for some time and wanted to keep my meager checking account in the black until my next paycheck.
Having a no spend day also gets me into the mode of controlling my purchasing impulses. I ask myself why I feel like I have to spend money in this instance. Am I buying food because I’m really hungry or just because my friends are taking big lunches?
I surprised myself because even when I had a good breakfast at home, I wanted to spend money as a way to chat with my friends during break. I try to bring a snack with me and may either get a free water or just buy a drink. (This saves me cost of meal that would only be half-eaten.) It’s better for my wallet and waistline.
For those keeping track of my progress:
- Tip#1 $45/month
- Tip#2 $10/month
- Tip#3 has brought me $15 for two books I haven’t used.
- Tip#4: $10 for an ING Referral bonus
- Tip#5: $7.25/month
- Tip#6: $235/month once the car loan is paid off
- Tip#7: $80/month
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