I can't wait until later this year when I get to go back here!
Hey everyone! I hope everyone is having a great week. On Tuesday, I published my September Side Income and Self-Employment Update. September was a great month!
September was good all around. Income was good. We met our financial goals. Life with student loans is still going great. Family and friends are well too. And my best friend got married.
We have been thinking about a lot of trips that we want to take. We are going to go back to St. Thomas at the end of this year, and we also want to go on a road trip. Going to Colorado in the winter time and going skiing would be fun too. I've never been skiing! Do you have any travel plans?
My wedding dress came in a couple of weekends ago. I picked it up and I no longer have wedding dress regret. I posted a picture of me in the dress once it came in, but I deleted it the other day just in case W saw it. I honestly don't care if he sees it, but a lot of people are telling me that I'll regret it. Oh well!
A lot of different things happened in September, and October is and will be a life-changing month for the both of us. I'm trying to keep things a secret for now so that nothing bad happens from me being too public.
One secret is that W is going back to school starting in January. He's going back for a science degree. There's a really good program here with tons of jobs available that we know he would be passionate about. So, if any of you have tips for someone going to college when they are an adult and not fresh out of high school, please leave them below!
September Goals Update
- Keep our food budget under $450. PASS. We did pretty well with our food budget. We ate in a lot. We really can't stand going out to eat anymore. I guess that's what happens when you spend all of your money going out to eat and can't stand the food any longer. Food at home is just so much better.
- Create a meal plan. FAIL. I didn't make a single meal plan. We probably could have saved a little bit more money if we would have had a meal plan.
- Do more free activities. PASS. We did really well with this! We have been riding our bikes and have never been happier.
- Fully fund our emergency fund. PASS! I made a post on Diversified Finances about this. Self-employment life will be so much easier with a fully funded EF.
- Run 20 miles each week and lose weight. FAIL. I have been extremely unmotivated.
- Make an extra $10,000 this month. PASS. I made over $12K last month in business income. My best month ever!
- Jump out of an airplane. I have been really wanting to go skydiving. October will be the month! Or at least I hope so.
- Start looking into getting my pilot's license. My dad had his pilot's license, and when we were little he would take us out on short day trips on small planes. It was a lot of fun. I know that if he were still alive that he would love for me to do this.
- Keep our food budget under $400 and meal plan. I have slightly decreased our food budget since I will be making the switch to self-employment VERY soon.
- Make an extra $10,000 this month. This is of course before taxes, and I think it is possible. With self-employment being so close, I will have so much more time to add even more clients and projects to my business.
- Publish a post on my last day of work. Yup, I just said it. It will have to be a surprise until then 🙂
How did you do in September? What is your main goal for October?
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Charles@gettingarichlife says
October 4, 2013 at 3:29 amNow that I got married I am extremely unmotivated to keep exercising. I am failing big time in that department.
As a freelancer do you incorporate your income?
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 7:21 amI have an LLC 🙂
Taynia | The Fiscal Flamingo says
October 4, 2013 at 4:53 amYou will LOVE sky diving. It’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 7:21 amI can’t wait. I’ve been putting it off forever!
Amber @ Steps to Save says
October 4, 2013 at 6:06 amI did pretty good this last month. I got my website up and running and am now trying to fill it with quality content.
I really need to list at least 15-20 items on Ebay so that is one of my goals as well as having a yard sale next week. Both are easy ways to make extra money.
I’m hoping to get some guest posts in for October, go hiking, and like you consistently run/walk 5 days a week.. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 7:22 amGood luck with your goals! Thanks Amber.
Brian @ Luke1428 says
October 4, 2013 at 6:11 amMy wife just went back to school to earn her CPA license and get an MBA. It took nearly three years of her life, working full time as well, to accomplish that feat. My biggest suggestion would be for you to be as supportive and helpful as possible. I basically had to take over all kid and house duties for this time period because she would come home from work and spend 4 hours a night studying. It was extremely difficult but we stuck together through the tough times and are now about to reap the benefits, as she will be completely finished next Friday.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 7:22 amGood to hear Brian. Thanks!
DC @ Young Adult Money says
October 4, 2013 at 6:19 amYeah I’m not sure I could go skydiving. Well, I could do it I’m just not sure how much I’d enjoy it haha. I would like to take that trip to Costa Rica in the Spring, but also want to be smart about money so I’m cautious about it at this point. I guess we’ll have to see how well Q4 goes.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 7:23 amCosta Rica is definitely on my list as well!
Matt Becker says
October 4, 2013 at 6:46 amI love skiing! I haven’t been anywhere near as often as I would like, mostly because of the cost, but it’s so much fun. I’ve never been out West to do it but that’s definitely on my bucket list. Oh, and I definitely saw my wife’s wedding dress before we got married and it certainly didn’t ruin anything. Your call, but I wouldn’t stress it too much.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 7:24 amHaha yeah I’m not too worried. I don’t see how him seeing it would affect anything.
kelly @stayingonbudget says
October 4, 2013 at 6:59 amI cannot wait to read for October posts! I am so excited about your transition and hearing more about it! September was hit and miss for me. I am hoping October and the rest of the year are a little less crazy.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 7:25 amThank you Kelly! I hope October is better for you.
Mark Ross says
October 4, 2013 at 8:14 am4 out of 6. Not bad Michelle! 🙂
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 8:24 amThanks!
Simon @ Modest Money says
October 4, 2013 at 8:18 amHoly Cow, Skydiving! Am sure its somewhere in my bucket list and am hoping i don’t cross it anytime soon 🙂
September was awesome…Had a nice bump in side-hustle income and am definitely looking forward to maintaining and improving on that the coming months. That and staying in shape!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 8:25 amHaha I’m looking forward to it! It will be scary though.
EL @ Moneywatch101 says
October 4, 2013 at 8:18 amSeptember was a bit slow for me, but I am looking foward to achieving some great growth in october. I want to increase my net worth and lock down a freelance side hustle.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 8:25 amI hope October is great for you.
Holly@ClubThrifty says
October 4, 2013 at 8:26 amI’m glad you don’t have wedding dress regret! I’m also glad he hasn’t seen it…..this way he’ll be surprised!!!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 10:21 amHaha I don’t think either of us care either way 😛
Kali @CommonSenseMillennial says
October 4, 2013 at 8:31 amThose are some excellent goals! Once you go skydiving, you’ll have to try hang gliding – we’ve taken my Dad to do both for various birthdays, and he said he actually enjoyed the hang gliding more.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 10:25 amI want to hang glide also. Seems so scary though!
Mr. Utopia @ Personal Finance Utopia says
October 4, 2013 at 8:49 amThe jumping out of an airplane experience might come in handy when you get your pilot’s license! 😉
Those are good goals to have – ones that keep life exciting and pushing you to grow.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 10:26 amThanks!
Grayson @ Debt Roundup says
October 4, 2013 at 8:56 amMy main goal this month is to enjoy the Jeep I am buying and not go overboard with buying stuff for it. I have to keep myself contained!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 10:26 amHaha it is hard. As a fellow Jeep lover I know how you feel!
Tammy R says
October 4, 2013 at 9:09 amMichelle, I am so happy for W going back to school into a field in which he feels passion! I tell my students that I am going to be a scientist when I grow up! I just received my master’s degree at the ripe old age of 40, so my advice to him would be, Do it for the learning! Read with passion and discuss his learning with you. When I read something particularly interesting, like the book Blaming the Victim, during my studies, CJ and I had so many wonderful conversations about it.
And pishaw to W seeing your wedding dress and you regretting it. If you want to show him, show him. My grandmother was sick and my mom caring for her, so CJ went with me to pick out my dress. We are happier than we’ve ever been and are celebrating our 16th anniversary! Advice from a happily married person: Do what YOU and W want! You will love your life much more! So happy for all of your successes!!!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 10:27 amThank you so much! That’s so good to hear, I know he will look forward to it.
Stephanie says
October 4, 2013 at 10:23 amYou’re going to go skydiving?! Eeek!
I voted for you, good luck!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 10:27 amHaha thanks!
Jason B says
October 4, 2013 at 10:51 amMy main goal for October is to continue looking for and finding opportunities.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 11:22 amGood luck! 🙂
emi says
October 4, 2013 at 11:03 amthanks for inspiring me to keep up on my own goals! XO
the well-traveled wife
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 11:22 amWelcome 🙂
anna says
October 4, 2013 at 11:56 amOh man, so bummed I missed the dress sneak peek!! Oh well, I know you look beautiful in it regardless. So exciting that you want to try skydiving – it’s exhilarating, I hope you have a blast with it! Best wishes on your October goals and winning the Plutus award!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 12:00 pmI think you saw it on Twitter, didn’t you?
Thanks Anna! 🙂
Island Girl @Practical Cents says
October 4, 2013 at 12:13 pmI went to college as an adult. I was 22 and working full time. It was hard but I found many others like me and even older and that was encouraging. St. Thomas looks beautiful and it’s a neighbor of my Island so I’m sure it is beautiful in person as well.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 1:10 pmGood to hear! I was of course an adult when I was in college and working full-time, but I never took a long break. I’m hoping he can get into the routine 🙂
Jaclyn says
October 4, 2013 at 12:22 pmI want to shriek like a middle schooler thinking how exciting this month will be for you. Can’t wait to read about your last day of work! P.S. voted for you – good luck and congrats for being nominated!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 1:11 pmYay thanks!
Shannon @ The Heavy Purse says
October 4, 2013 at 12:51 pmMy father had his pilot’s license too. Occasionally he would fly me to Catalina for lunch, which is an extreme indulgence, but now that he is gone – I really cherish those memories. My husband did a tandem skydive years ago but unfortunately I was unable to join him as I was pregnant at the time. But it is something I’ve always wanted to do too. Looks like you had another great month and I have no doubt October will be even better. Have a great weekend!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 1:11 pmYes, I really cherish mine too! That is awesome that both of our dads were awesome 🙂
Kristin says
October 4, 2013 at 2:27 pmAt the end of the year, my boyfriend and I are going backpacking around South East Asia for 5 weeks. It will be my first time away from home for Christmas, my first time travelling internationally with a significant other, and my first time truly backpacking! I’m really excited, but a little sad that I’ll be missing my favorite holiday. Best of luck on all your October goals. Skydiving is on my bucket list, as well!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 2:40 pmWow that is awesome! We want to do something very similar.
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
October 4, 2013 at 2:43 pmI may be road tripping in Colorado as well. I wonder if there are any deals on lift tickets.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 3:08 pmOooh if you do then we should try to meet up 🙂
Eva @ Girl Counting Pennies says
October 4, 2013 at 2:46 pmWell done, Michelle, on achieving your September goals! Your October goals are so exciting!! I would love to go skydiving, hopefully one day in the future!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 3:08 pmThank you!
CeCe @Pink Sunshine says
October 4, 2013 at 2:48 pmSkydiving is amazing!!! I did tandem. No way was I going it alone. Congrats on the award!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 3:09 pmHaha yeah I would DEFINITELY be doing tandem. I’m too clumsy to jump out by myself haha
krantcents says
October 4, 2013 at 6:56 pmYou should find an exercise program that will motivate you. It can be walking, weights, running or bicycling. Personally, I like bicycling because it works for me.
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 9:01 pmWe are riding bikes a lot lately. Much more fun.
eemusings says
October 4, 2013 at 7:56 pmHow cool! Good luck to W.
Skydiving will be amazing. One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life (wrote about it here http://nzmuse.com/2012/09/in-the-nzone-skydiving-and-surviving-in-queenstown/). Once was enough though!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 9:01 pmThanks! And awesome, I’m going to read that now.
Lance @ Money Life and More says
October 4, 2013 at 8:37 pmYou can’t call it extra income much longer Michelle!
Michelle says
October 4, 2013 at 9:02 pmHaha you are right!
E.M. says
October 4, 2013 at 9:22 pmSounds like you have a lot of fun plans in store for the rest of the year! I have only been skiing twice, but it is a lot of fun. We rented a house near the mountains with 12 people once for three days and had a blast. Skydiving is on my bucket list, too, you’ll have to tell us how it goes!
Michelle says
October 5, 2013 at 7:55 amWow that sounds like so much fun! I would love to do something like that.
Sarah @ The Wanderblogger says
October 5, 2013 at 7:37 amAwesome job with that extra income! You’re awesome!!
You will love going skydiving. I’ve done it a few times and it’s such a rush!
Michelle says
October 5, 2013 at 7:56 amThanks Sarah! 🙂
Christina says
October 5, 2013 at 10:46 amYour goals are so admirable.
I have an off topic question for you about student loans and finances, which I think you are an expert of.
We are over 60 and still have student loans from ions ago ( it’s a very long unreal story), so we pay the interest every month, but it will never go down with out principal. But we also have very little retirement money saved. We are in a quandary , pay more on the loans or take that and build up a years worth of savings. Fully funded emergency fund. What would you do?
Michelle says
October 5, 2013 at 1:15 pmThank you Christina!
May I ask what rate your student loans are at? If you have very little saved, I would probably build up savings first. That’s what I did. It made me feel much more comfortable.
Christina says
October 5, 2013 at 2:36 pmThe rate is awful, at 8.25
I haven’t signed up for the automatic which would take off .25
I just am so unsure what to do. I’d like to chip away at them ( they’re consolidated), but then the extra $500 could go towards building our FF emergency fund…;(
Catherine says
October 5, 2013 at 10:51 amDude, you’re nutso. Skydiving is nooootttt for this cat. When we become debt free I dream of being able to tell my husband he can get his pilots license, just sign him up for it. He’freak the eff out.
As per W and his school, he has a LOT less to worry about then he thinks. He will be more mature than 99% of his classmates, his profs will likely take him more serious and he will have more focus and drive than a lot of people around him. I’m sure he’ll do great.
Michelle says
October 5, 2013 at 1:15 pmHaha I’m trying to convince W to join me skydiving. I think I convinced him last night!
Sally @ TinyApartmentDesign says
October 5, 2013 at 11:27 amIt sounds like October is going to be pretty exciting! Congrats on W heading back to school, that definitely sounds like a smart move.
Michelle says
October 5, 2013 at 1:16 pmThank you Sally!
Jacob | iHeartBudgets says
October 5, 2013 at 8:53 pmCongratulations on your transition, what an awesome feeling it must be. Excited to see what’s in store and how your life changes once you are your own boss and you stop “working for the man”.
And have fun sky diving. That has to be exhilarating! I’m too much of a-fraidy cat to try. GET SOME PICS! And getting a pilot’s license would be WICKED AWESOME. Good luck! 🙂
Michelle says
October 8, 2013 at 10:00 amThank you Jacob!
Daniel @ UrbanDepartures says
October 5, 2013 at 9:01 pmSkydiving is definitely on my list of things to do. You’ll have to keep your readers updated as to the when, where and how much!
Michelle says
October 8, 2013 at 10:01 amHaha I hope I get the courage to do it!
Tushar @ Everything Finance says
October 5, 2013 at 9:35 pmWow, you are brave! I think I would chicken out about skydiving, as much fun as it sounds. I’m interested to hear what these life changing experiences are! Good luck on all of your goals and good job for meeting your September goals.
Michelle says
October 8, 2013 at 10:01 amHaha yes it will be scary.
The College Investor says
October 6, 2013 at 1:20 amMy main goal for October is to have a blast at FinCon! Pretty simple, right?
Michelle says
October 8, 2013 at 10:02 amWe have to meet!
Laurie @thefrugalfarmer says
October 6, 2013 at 12:06 pmAmazing job as usual, Michelle! I think it’s super cool that you want to get your pilot’s license. And great job on the grocery budget too – it is more fun to eat in, isn’t it. 🙂
Michelle says
October 8, 2013 at 10:02 amThank you Laurie!
Budget and the Beach says
October 6, 2013 at 3:14 pmI highly recommend skydiving! It’s something everyone should do in their lifetime! I haven’t done the tandem jump, I did the static line jump solo where the plane pulls your chute. It was awesome!
Michelle says
October 8, 2013 at 10:03 amSounds like fun!
Lisa E. @ Lisa Vs. The Loans says
October 7, 2013 at 1:20 pmCan’t wait for your last day of work post! YAY!
Michelle says
October 8, 2013 at 10:03 amThanks!