Comments on: Twelve Ways to Use the “Thirty Day Challenge” for Great Personal Finance Benefit http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:08:33 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Katrina R. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-522569 Katrina R. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:21:01 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-522569 I've been reading Leo's book too, and I really like this 30-day concept.I've put it to work with fellow freelance writers, and we've created a system of accountability for 30 days with contacting new editors. It's so true you can take this simple idea and craft it to help improve areas in your life. And your book is next on my reading list, Trent ... I’ve been reading Leo’s book too, and I really like this 30-day concept.I’ve put it to work with fellow freelance writers, and we’ve created a system of accountability for 30 days with contacting new editors. It’s so true you can take this simple idea and craft it to help improve areas in your life.

And your book is next on my reading list, Trent …

]]> By: Dana http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-518755 Dana Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:31:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-518755 I am an avid reader of The Simple Dollar and have been able to put much of your insight to practical use. I have 2 teenagers and a preteen and all of them are involved in many activities. I know you have very young children and that it is hard to put yourself in my shoes. I would like to keep track of my "miscellaneous" expenditures and even try to not spend outside of the regular bills for 30 days but I am discouraged because it is almost impossible for a day to go by where I don't have to pay $5 for a school dance ticket, $15 for a birthday gift, $7 towards team trophies, $20 for new saxophone reeds (you get the picture). We already have a system of what the kids pay for and what we pay for but these things always come up unexpectedly (like on the way to school). I would love to hear what ideas you have for balancing opportunities for your children (when they are older) and not breaking the bank. I am an avid reader of The Simple Dollar and have been able to put much of your insight to practical use. I have 2 teenagers and a preteen and all of them are involved in many activities. I know you have very young children and that it is hard to put yourself in my shoes. I would like to keep track of my “miscellaneous” expenditures and even try to not spend outside of the regular bills for 30 days but I am discouraged because it is almost impossible for a day to go by where I don’t have to pay $5 for a school dance ticket, $15 for a birthday gift, $7 towards team trophies, $20 for new saxophone reeds (you get the picture). We already have a system of what the kids pay for and what we pay for but these things always come up unexpectedly (like on the way to school). I would love to hear what ideas you have for balancing opportunities for your children (when they are older) and not breaking the bank.

]]> By: AnswerGuru http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-516660 AnswerGuru Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:18:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-516660 I think the 30 day plan works for a lot of things in life...we are creatures of habit and once a habit "begins" (over 30 days) it can stick with us for a long time. A related post was written by Steve Pavlina: http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/30-days-to-success/ I think the 30 day plan works for a lot of things in life…we are creatures of habit and once a habit “begins” (over 30 days) it can stick with us for a long time. A related post was written by Steve Pavlina:

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/30-days-to-success/

]]> By: Beth @ Smart Family Tips http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-516351 Beth @ Smart Family Tips Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:58:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-516351 I'm familiar with Leo's 30-day challenge idea, but I hadn't ever taken the time to figure out specific areas where I could apply it. Thanks for the list of suggestions. One of the things I like about this site is that I often learn new things from the comments, in addition to the information in the posts. To the hundred push ups commenters, thank you. My family has been working on a small exercise program since January, but I've been really frustrated with my inability to do a decent number of push-ups. I'm heading over to check out the site. I’m familiar with Leo’s 30-day challenge idea, but I hadn’t ever taken the time to figure out specific areas where I could apply it. Thanks for the list of suggestions.
One of the things I like about this site is that I often learn new things from the comments, in addition to the information in the posts. To the hundred push ups commenters, thank you. My family has been working on a small exercise program since January, but I’ve been really frustrated with my inability to do a decent number of push-ups. I’m heading over to check out the site.

]]> By: Merry http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-516333 Merry Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:48:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-516333 Another hundredpushups.com user here. Our whole family is doing it and now the kids remind us when it's pushup day. Another hundredpushups.com user here. Our whole family is doing it and now the kids remind us when it’s pushup day.

]]> By: John Simpson http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-516023 John Simpson Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:47:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-516023 I love the idea of this 30 day thing. If I were not already doing a 30 day blog turn-around, I'd start this tomorrow. I love the idea of this 30 day thing. If I were not already doing a 30 day blog turn-around, I’d start this tomorrow.

]]> By: Elisabeth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515974 Elisabeth Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:48:31 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515974 For the money tracking one, I recommend wesabe.com. For the money tracking one, I recommend wesabe.com.

]]> By: brooke http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515780 brooke Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:09:27 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515780 My thirty day challenge is to get into the habit of calling my family more often. I haven't lived near my family in over 5 years, and I don't want to look back later and wish that I had called when I had the chance. So, everyday, I take 15 minutes to call and check in with someone I love. I even put it on my calendar at work, so when the day is almost over, I am reminded to call my family that evening. I think it will greatly strengthen my relationship with my family, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do this thirty day challenge to adopt a new habit. My thirty day challenge is to get into the habit of calling my family more often. I haven’t lived near my family in over 5 years, and I don’t want to look back later and wish that I had called when I had the chance. So, everyday, I take 15 minutes to call and check in with someone I love. I even put it on my calendar at work, so when the day is almost over, I am reminded to call my family that evening. I think it will greatly strengthen my relationship with my family, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do this thirty day challenge to adopt a new habit.

]]> By: Jillian http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515748 Jillian Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:25:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515748 If you haven't already, check out hundredpushups.com for pushup training. I'm as unfit as anything and am absolutely amazed at how far I've come. I had to repeat some weeks so it's been longer than 30 days but I'm well on track to complete 100 pushups next weekend. When I started I could only do 9! If you haven’t already, check out hundredpushups.com for pushup training. I’m as unfit as anything and am absolutely amazed at how far I’ve come. I had to repeat some weeks so it’s been longer than 30 days but I’m well on track to complete 100 pushups next weekend. When I started I could only do 9!

]]> By: Nate @ Money Young http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515736 Nate @ Money Young Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:08:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515736 I may have to use the work relationship suggestion. It's definitely a good idea for developing a new habit. I love the way leo thinks. -Nate I may have to use the work relationship suggestion. It’s definitely a good idea for developing a new habit. I love the way leo thinks.

-Nate

]]> By: Gord http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515676 Gord Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:14:25 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515676 This has many similarities to givving up things for Lent, which would be about 40 days. Not that I am particularly religious, just sort of remembering it from childhood. Some might find that is extra incentive to keep working at the change. I have used this in the past to change diet habits, by giving up hamburgers for lent. This forced me to look at healthier choices for lunches etc. After 40 days, it does become a new habit, and I went from having hamburgers (and fries) as a meal 5 times a week to now perhaps once a month. This idea in general is a great way to make a positive change in your life, and keep it up long enough to make it a habit. Tying it to easter and lent kinda forces me to make a positive change at least once a year. This has many similarities to givving up things for Lent, which would be about 40 days. Not that I am particularly religious, just sort of remembering it from childhood. Some might find that is extra incentive to keep working at the change.

I have used this in the past to change diet habits, by giving up hamburgers for lent. This forced me to look at healthier choices for lunches etc. After 40 days, it does become a new habit, and I went from having hamburgers (and fries) as a meal 5 times a week to now perhaps once a month.

This idea in general is a great way to make a positive change in your life, and keep it up long enough to make it a habit.

Tying it to easter and lent kinda forces me to make a positive change at least once a year.

]]> By: Chris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515628 Chris Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:02:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515628 I really believe habits come in series of 3's. People who have quit smoking seem to break their habits in 3's. 3 hours, 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months and 3 years. All major milestones to breaking the habit. I think this is similar in concept (it does have a 3 in it). I really believe habits come in series of 3’s. People who have quit smoking seem to break their habits in 3’s. 3 hours, 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months and 3 years. All major milestones to breaking the habit. I think this is similar in concept (it does have a 3 in it).

]]> By: Beth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515570 Beth Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:02:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515570 I am also doing a 30-day challenge. I am trying to drink at least 40 oz of water a day and eat at least 2 serv of each veggies and fruit. At first it was just to get myself healthier, and now it has really boosted my savings a little as well. Instead of grabbing a soda or coffee, I know I need to make my water goal for the day so I grab some free water. And same goes for the fruit, as long as I go to the grocery store every week, it's a lot cheaper to eat an apple or banana then a bag of popcorn or chips everyday. So it's kinda a two for one deal. If it lasts longer than 30 days hopefully it'll be a routine I will keep and maybe improve on continually! I am also doing a 30-day challenge. I am trying to drink at least 40 oz of water a day and eat at least 2 serv of each veggies and fruit. At first it was just to get myself healthier, and now it has really boosted my savings a little as well. Instead of grabbing a soda or coffee, I know I need to make my water goal for the day so I grab some free water. And same goes for the fruit, as long as I go to the grocery store every week, it’s a lot cheaper to eat an apple or banana then a bag of popcorn or chips everyday. So it’s kinda a two for one deal. If it lasts longer than 30 days hopefully it’ll be a routine I will keep and maybe improve on continually!

]]> By: Gabriel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515567 Gabriel Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:01:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515567 My dad, a professional writer, used a similar thirty day trial to write his first novel. It really helped him stay on track, and his book is fantastic! My dad, a professional writer, used a similar thirty day trial to write his first novel. It really helped him stay on track, and his book is fantastic!

]]> By: Sarah Eliza http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515529 Sarah Eliza Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:21:51 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515529 Wow, this is such a simple idea, but so good... I have been feeling really overwhelmed with the idea of job searching again, even though my current job has begun to feel intolerable. Focusing my search into a thirty day project just might make it manageable enough to tackle... Thanks! And on that note, if anybody has any job-search / finding your passion related advice, I would definitely appreciate hearing it. Wow, this is such a simple idea, but so good… I have been feeling really overwhelmed with the idea of job searching again, even though my current job has begun to feel intolerable. Focusing my search into a thirty day project just might make it manageable enough to tackle… Thanks! And on that note, if anybody has any job-search / finding your passion related advice, I would definitely appreciate hearing it.

]]> By: RJ W http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515521 RJ W Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:04:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515521 These challenges can be fun. A couple that have worked for myself is tracking every dollar, working out, and flossing. In the future, I have always wanted to track what I eat for 30 days and contact a family member each day. I got this idea from Steve Pavlina, and find it to be very useful. These challenges can be fun. A couple that have worked for myself is tracking every dollar, working out, and flossing.

In the future, I have always wanted to track what I eat for 30 days and contact a family member each day.

I got this idea from Steve Pavlina, and find it to be very useful.

]]> By: Becca http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515517 Becca Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:54:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515517 I've been doing a sort of 30 day challenge by tracking my cash spending (not bills or anything, but literal cash expenses) to see where it's actually going, and I've found it very helpful. I have a little spreadsheet that I carry around with me that allows me to categorize and write it down immediately. It's a great tool in addition to receipt saving to really get the full picture of spending habits. There are a few entries about it on my blog, if anyone wants to see the spreadsheet I use. I definitely do think it's a very valuable exercise to do for 30 days, and if you're having trouble with budgeting, it's a great place to start. I’ve been doing a sort of 30 day challenge by tracking my cash spending (not bills or anything, but literal cash expenses) to see where it’s actually going, and I’ve found it very helpful. I have a little spreadsheet that I carry around with me that allows me to categorize and write it down immediately. It’s a great tool in addition to receipt saving to really get the full picture of spending habits. There are a few entries about it on my blog, if anyone wants to see the spreadsheet I use.

I definitely do think it’s a very valuable exercise to do for 30 days, and if you’re having trouble with budgeting, it’s a great place to start.

]]> By: Patrick http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/02/11/twelve-ways-to-use-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-great-personal-finance-benefit/comment-page-1/#comment-515488 Patrick Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:13:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3140#comment-515488 If you want to do push up training - visit http://hundredpushups.com/ I haven't made it to 100 yet,still working on it, but I like the site and the path to 100 is all laid out for you. Good luck! If you want to do push up training – visit http://hundredpushups.com/
I haven’t made it to 100 yet,still working on it, but I like the site and the path to 100 is all laid out for you. Good luck!

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