ch-ch-ch-changes!

So maybe you all have noticed, as I have, that our motif for the year is Change. Sweet, sweet change has finally come to the White House, and my house. My little amount of change is in the form of a new dedication to dealing responsibly with my money, and a little bit of extra change in the literal sense. I finally have a few leftover dollars laying around some months and it's time to do something better with them than blow them on beer and eating out. Getting out of debt might be a good start.

Now, this isn't to say I'm basing my new frugal life on any kind of literal frugality. I'm 26 and I don't think I should have to give up eating out and spending time with friends. I also don't think I should have to give up buying supplies for my one creative outlet and hobby, knitting. I'm also one of those people who buys coffee every day and keeps saying "Man, if I got a coffee maker I'd save so much money." I won't give that up, either (though some sort of french press might end up on the shortlist, if only so I don't have to leave my house on Saturday mornings when it's 8 degrees). In short, I will not sacrifice everything I enjoy in my 20's so that I can enjoy my 60's.

What I will do:

1) Start some measurable amount of savings.
2) Monitor my spending to understand my own trends so that I can plan accordingly (not make unreasonable limits).
3) Raise my credit rating significantly over the next 3 years.
4) Be able to make travel plans without ending up a crying heap on my bed.
5) Feel confident that I will enjoy my 60's as much as I'm enjoying my 20's.

So there they are. My initial ambitions. I'm sure this list will grow, shrink, and/or change in any other way that seems prudent, but I think it's a good start.