When I decided to pay off all of my debt in one year, it took me a while to realise that I needed to break this mammoth task into monthly chunks. Every month, I write a list of goals, most of which link into my debt free goal and some that are just there to help me be a bit happier or healthier.
I usually post a quick list on my Instagram but considering that writing down my thoughts is an immensely helpful tool for getting things out of my head, I thought I share a more in-depth list on my blog. So here they are!
- Pay at least £743 off debt. This £743 is broken down into two categories; the minimum loan payment of £243 that we pay off every month anyway, and a £500 overpayment. When we first started our debt free journey, the overpayment was about £400 less, but we have reduced our outgoings to such an extent that we have a spare £500 now (much easier than I thought when I started paying down our debt). With Christmas to pay for this month, I have the savings put aside to cover the cost and Mr M and I have imposed a budget of £100 each for each other. Becoming debt free is all we want for Christmas!
- Twelve gym sessions. With Christmas coming up, I worry that I will get a bit slack on attending so I’ve told my gym buddy in advance that I’ll be there so I’m held accountable. After renovating our home, I’d put on a bit of weight because I was having a lot of takeaways and not working out so I’ve lost some of the weight since then and really don’t want to lose any of my progress over Christmas. So this year, I’m going to be declining the awkward get-togethers that I dread over Christmas and will be suggesting to friends and family that we go and play tennis or squash, take a yoga class or do a treadmill HIIT together (my gym gives out day passes which will be great for family visiting). I know this may literally be the most Bah Humbug thing ever, but I will be so depressed on Boxing Day if I don’t exercise (geddit?) self-control and found myself having binge-eaten a whole tin of Quality Street, fourteen roast dinners, a full pig’s worth of pigs in blankets, twenty bottles of wine and a partridge in a pear tree.
- Complete Christmas shopping in cash- no credit cards allowed. I have a sinking fund for Christmas which I’ve transferred into my account today, ready for use. This year, we’ve saved £50 per month for Christmas when we got paid and will do the same next year. We will be going to my mum’s for Christmas dinner and will probably spend a bit extra on food, but will also try not to go too mad with the unhealthy eating (see above potential self-loathing scenario). I’ve been listening to The Minimalist podcast a lot and have been inspired to buy experiences this year, so will be hitting a lot of restaurants today to buy vouchers for people. No wrapping for me this year!
- Walk home from work every day. I love to walk and listen to podcasts so this goal is a reoccuring one. I know that Christmas festivities have a way of shifting your focus so I want mine to remain firmly on keeping parts of my routine intact that help me to keep fit and healthy.
I’d love to know more about your own December goals below or on Instagram so hit me up! And if not, have a lovely festive run up with your nearest and dearest, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! x
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