I now owe myself $800. I took some money from the house fund to pay some bills. Now I'm behind -800, plus whatever I should have contributed from my paycheck this to this date ($400). The goal: $25,000 by the end of this year. I think I can do it.

Now: $12,127.21

First I need to set some rules.

1. Eliminate unnecessary expenses, leave only what is essential. I need to go over all my bills.

2. Get things cheaper.

3. Save on electric bill. I have only used the heater twice (so far) this winter. When it's cold, I just put a sweater on, make myself some hot cocoa. Turn off the tv/lights when I leave the living room. That's really all I can do...

4. Drive less. One day a week (mostly Sundays) I'm going to give my car a break.

5. Collect change - save/deposit.

6. Surveys online.

7. Get things for free.

8. No major purchases this year - nothing over $200, unless it's an emergency (need new tires, etc). Also, I'm going to stop buying clothes!

9. I'm going to start contributing $400/paycheck ($300 last year).

I have a 2% bonus coming up from work and then the tax refund so that should help. I really do not want to take a second job. Cutting back on expenses is so much easier.