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Archive for December, 2015

2016 Goals

December 31st, 2015 at 03:15 pm

My goals are updated on my sidebar. I originally had a much more detailed list. After a great deal of thought, I realized I needed goals I could attain without setting the bar too low. They are still on the low side, but it's what I feel I am capable of at this stage. I hope to exceed several of them.

I am excited about the $20 a week out-of-pocket for the groceries and household goods. This is very dependent on the grocery store mystery shops not going away. Assuming they stay, I average 6 of those a month. I am reimbursed $10 for groceries for those shops. I also earn a fee, but I am not using the fee on these shops. A good amount of food is also covered with restaurant shops. The rest of the food and household goods will be ordering from Amazon Prime Pantry. That money is free to me as well because I earn Amazon credit from several programs including Swagbucks, Media Insiders Panel, and InstaGC.

I personally like a set it and forget it amount for savings. However, my income is so variable right now, the 52 week challenge is a better fit.

As far as the cleaning, I do basic cleaning daily. The idea with the 15 minutes is to focus on something larger such as going through boxes, scrubbing a floor thoroughly, etc.

The trips should be doable since I can work while I am gone and I am staying with family and friends. I shouldn't pay more than some extra gas to reach those destinations.

I hope you all reach any goals you set for the year. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2016.

Thinking about the future...

December 20th, 2015 at 04:17 pm

I really need to update my sidebar. I will be doing so soon. I want to think hard about my goals and my future in general.

I do have a few goals for 2016. One is to keep my grocery/household goods budget at $100 per month. I have been pretty close to that lately. Mystery shopping and Amazon credit allows me to stick to such a low budget.

I want a more structured 2016 in general. This means some decisions need to be made soon. My son is taking extra classes through virtual school to graduate early. We need to look at colleges when he officially has enough credits to be considered a senior in mid-January. If he stays in the area, I will stay as well. I like the area, but nothing has me tied here otherwise. I have until mid-April to make a decision.

I also have to decide on my marriage. My husband has been so depressed and does nothing about it. He won't seek help. He has not worked at all since the end of May. I don't want to sound like I have no compassion, but I admit I am resentful. I don't mind being the major breadwinner, but I do mind him not having any responsibilities and sitting around all day. He literally has nothing if I end the marriage. If family doesn't take him in (I am sure someone would though), he would be homeless. I truly think even if he found something part-time he would improve. He needs a routine and some sort of structure. Otherwise, I only see him going downhill. There's more to it, but those are the basics of the story.

On a positive note, I do love the editing job. There has been a lot more to learn than I expected. Although we work as employees in almost every aspect, we are independent contractors. I find this to be an advantage because I can fill my day with other income as well. I don't have to work set hours. I only need to do the edits within 24 hours of receiving them. This has allowed me to ramp up the mystery shopping. I will also go back to publishing that monthly income next year.

I also finished all the paperwork etc. for subbing. I am waiting on an email and should be able to teach in January. I am not sure if this will lead me back to teaching full-time or not, but I do miss the classroom to a point. The pay for the subbing is decent since I have a degree.

I hope you all have a good holiday and enjoy your family, friends, and/or a little down time.