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Spending, Life, Income, Food Updates…

Last Updated: BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 49 Comments

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Can’t believe it’s almost the middle of November! This month is flying by. I had a good weekend, except for how I started to feel sick and I think I had the stomach flu. It seems like everyone I know has had it this past month so I wasn’t extremely surprised.

I have good news for you all! As an update to my blogging anonymously post, I thought that I would let you all know that I have finally told 2 friends about my blog. Yes, yes, I know this isn’t a huge step, but because of my job I will not just broadcast my blog out there for everyone to know. I don’t really care about broadcasting it to everyone, I just wanted to tell those who I am close to about it.

I told the first friend about it a couple of weeks ago, and I told the second friend on Saturday night. A couple of drinks in and of course I was blabbering about it like there was no tomorrow. But they were both very interested in it and we were talking about it for awhile. I won’t lie though, I didn’t tell them the name or give them the link, just because I’m not ready for anyone that I know to read all of my personal posts about my mom and dad.

I will of course one day share it with them. Just not yet! 🙂

The next month and a half will be good for me. Thanksgiving, a short vacation in December and having the days around Christmas and New Years off will be really nice!

My updates:

Spending: We did good with our spending this week. We both went out on Saturday and didn’t spend a lot of money, which is always great! I did go shopping as I said in my Weekly Roundup post, but I only bought one shirt and it was only $14.

We are really trying to limit any extra spending so that we can throw EVERYTHING at my student loans. We are really determined to get rid of these by April of 2013, which will take a little work since I do still have around $35,000 left. I will make a post on how we will make this possible very soon.

Extra Monthly Income (this is on top of my salary from my job): I made $1,360 from extra income last week. This includes staff writing, my blog and rent from my sister for the room she rents from us.

Don’t forget about my giveaway, maybe you can make some extra monthly income as well!

Food: We did very good with our food spending this past week. We ate out on Wednesday (I think, it might’ve bee Thursday) and Sunday. Our goal is to eat in 5 days this week again.

Being healthy: I actually did really good with this! I went running with my dog 3 times last week, and did a little bit of Insanity (I would’ve done more but I’m lazy). My goal is to go running with her everyday this week as long as the weather permits.

How’s your spending, working out and extra income going?

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About Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Michelle is the founder of Making Sense of Cents, a blog about personal finance and traveling. She discusses how her business has evolved in her side income series. She paid off $40,000 in student loans by the age of 24 mainly due to her freelancing side hustles. Click here to learn more about starting a blog!

Comments

  1. DC@Young Adult Money says

    Did not know you had a renter in the house! We have one moving in end of January. Not gonna lie, it's nice to have the entire place to ourselves but the extra income will be worth it. Love our giveaway! Just saw a friend tweet about it this morning (Bart Bartels).

    I tell almost everyone I know about my blog, outside of work. The main reason is that it takes up a decent amount of my time so they are more understanding when I am busy and also brings in some traffic!
    My recent post The Laffer Curve and the Fiscal Cliff

    Reply

  2. John S @ Frugal Rules says

    You have to start somewhere in telling people, so good for you telling two friends about your blog. I've told one and given the link to another so I am in good company. 🙂 Awesome work again on the side income! I do agree that I wonder where November has gone. It's crazy that Thanksgiving is next week.

    Reply

  3. MoneySmartGuides says

    First off, I love the picture!! I'm excited to hear your plan for knocking out your student debt…it's a sizable amount, but like the old saying goes with great struggle comes great rewards!

    I've been hitting the gym fiendishly lately, usually just taking one day off per week to let me body relax. I'm excited for the holidays too. First because I get to see my family and second (OK maybe not second) but less traffic on the road to and from work since many people will be on vacation!
    My recent post The Round Table – November 9, 2012

    Reply

  5. Holly@ClubThrifty says

    I know what you mean about telling people about your blog. It's kind've a weird feeling. We don't blog anonymously but we don't shout it off the rooftops either. I want to be able to say whatever I want.

    Reply

  6. Budget and the Beach says

    I started telling a few close friends too. (and they know the name and link). There is only one person I regret telling, mostly because she is involved with the freelancing work I do, and she is involved in my social network. Anyway what's done is done, and I just have to be careful with my language. Congrats on the extra income. I need to try and do some task rabbits this week.
    My recent post Changing Course/$20 Amazon.com Giveaway!

    Reply

  10. SavvyFinancialLatina says

    Wow $35,000 gone in a couple months! It would be the total debt payoff story!
    Yes, the year is flying by! I can't believe it's the middle of November! Where is time going?? Oh wait, life.

    Reply

  12. @Lbeemoneytree says

    I am feeling the burn as I just moved to a new apartment and have to buy most everything. Yeouch. Congrats on your goals though, and thanks for being there for me these past few weeks.

    Reply

  13. Cat says

    Nobody but my husband knows about my blog – and I'm happy that way! I hit the gym a few times last week. Spending – ooh – went out last night, and hit a church Bazaar on Sat morning, so a little more splurging there. Extra income – hmm..a drop in the bucket compared to yours! 🙂
    My recent post How to use coupons to help the less fortunate

    Reply

  15. debtandthegirl says

    I blog anonymously and I think thats the way it has to be for a while. I like it though and I probably would not have it any other way. Congrats on the side income.
    My recent post Recipe for Cheap Homemade Laundry Soap

    Reply

  16. Jason Clayton says

    I think it makes perfect sense to stay anonymous if you feel more comfortable this way. It's not as if this is hurting your blog, as it's clear you are doing really well.

    At the same time, telling one friend at a time makes sense. Eventually it would be nice to have others you care about experience an important part of your life…
    My recent post What is the Fiscal Cliff and Why Should you Care

    Reply

  17. Yelle says

    I too am so shocked how fast this month flew by! I've also come across a lot of bloggers lately who don't tell their friends and family about their blogs! I've always told my friends and family, and I even use my personal Facebook to promote it because I want them to be involved!
    My recent post Weekend Recap @ the Farmers Market

    Reply

  19. Pauline @ Reach Financial Independence says

    Good job eating well and exercising! I don't blog anonymously and know that some people have googled me and found my blog, but I don't talk about it with everyone. I write for me and don't think about anyone when I do.
    My recent post Little house in Guatemala, week 2

    Reply

  20. Stephanie says

    As usual, I'm way jealous of your extra income. 😉 We're pretty pumped in our household though – My husband just got a new job, and straight off the bat his income is going up by about $12k/year, but after 3 months he gets a $3k/year pay bump, so as of mid-February we'll have an additional $15k/year (pre-tax, that is) coming in. That will definitely help with a new baby on the way and now two car payments (ick, although I can't complain about the awesome interest rates we got!), plus we'll still have extra money to throw toward prepayments on our student loans. So pumped for more income and less debt!
    My recent post Perfect Timing

    Reply

  26. kimateyesonthedollar says

    I am not really anonymous, but most people have no idea I have a blog and the ones I've told are really fascinated and surprised. Biggest comment is "How do you have so much to say". I've had tons to say for years with no one who wanted to listen. Maybe no one listens now, but at least I said my piece, LOL.
    My recent post Obesity in America: What It Costs Us

    Reply

  28. Vanisha says

    I definitely get why you wouldn't want to tell anyone. I don't keep my blog a secret but I don't talk about it as much with my colleagues or family. They know I blog and I might often say 'oh I was asked to do a post about this…' but I don't know if they read it 🙂

    Vanisha @ Vanisha's Life in…Australia http://vanishaslife.blogspot.com

    Reply

  30. Living Debt Free Rocks! says

    Oooh I'm excited about your student debt knockout plans! I can relate to your misgivings about talking about your blog due to your profession as I have the same discomfort. Only my husband and best friend know about LDFR! and even the BFF doesn't know the web link.

    Reply

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