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If I am being completely honest, July was the month that got away. Very few habits stuck, and I accomplished little in terms of my to-do list. In exchange was a month full of travel, friends, family, books, sand, beach, mountain, snow, sun, and summer. It was a whole lotta living and very little planning. The days were glorious, every minute worth my aching muscles and tired eyes.
Despite all this good stuff, my soul is calling for a bit of balance in the month of August. Time to readjust. To breathe. To enjoy California which I call home.
I have determined August to be a frugal month. The $600 EDD weekly stipend just ended so I think it would be a great month to focus on how we can all save extra money. I have a long list of frugal challenges in my course on Mastering a Budget, most of which can be found on this landing page. If you are also scrambling to find ways to cut costs, that would be a great place to start!
This month, there will be a few themes.
Frugality is the first.
Mental health is the second.
Minimalism is the third.
All three make up the foundation of this blog. Without further ado.
August Goals
PERSONAL:
- Decrease phone use –> Dock phone when at home, do not allow the phone at the dining table or when in conversation with others, remove the Instagram app after every use to add a barrier to habit-scrolling, set screen time goal of 30 minutes or less per day.
- No fun money spending –> Think about your long-term goals and how not spending money will get you closer towards your other financial goals. Follow the 30-day rule, which is to wait 30 days prior to making a purchase just to make sure you really want it.
- Finish two books –> Read 20 minutes per day.
- Stay offline one day a week –> Dedicate one day a week to time with family, being outdoors and in nature, or pursuing other passions and hobbies.
- Learn French –> Complete 5 lessons of Duolingo per day.
- Practice Guitar –> pick up the guitar at least three times a week.
- Do nothing more often –> Every time you start to think about traveling or going out, force yourself to stay home and enjoy the joys of doing nothing.
WORK:
- Get more affiliate projects for the blog –> Apply to at least 20 affiliates, get at least 5 partnerships for September.
- Increase blog views from last month by 500 views –> Post at least five times a week and apply to five podcasts.
- Increase Instagram followers to 900 by tagging more companies that the blog partners with.
- Get through dental continuing education classes —> Do one online course every day on Mondays through Wednesdays.
HOME:
- De-clutter the filing cabinet and desk.
- De-clutter the kitchen and pantry.
- De-clutter the garage.
HEALTH:
- Schedule “me time” for two hours every week.
- Wake up every morning and meditate or do yoga.
- Take care of the physical body by committing to eating more fruits and veggies and exercising at least five times a day.
- Schedule to call a like-minded person at least once a week to catch up and discuss ways in which you’re both thriving right now.
- Write down one thing you are grateful for each day.
FINANCES:
- Limit spending –> less than $250 in groceries and dining out, less than $75 in gas
- Cut down on electricity – and even get paid for doing so!
- Increase income –> Try to hit the goal of $500 from the blog.
- Tackle loans –> Take advantage of the 0% interest rate on student loans right now and funnel all the money towards debt before September 30 hits.
- Read JL Collins.
OTHER:
- Write the book –> Work on it thirty minutes a day.
- Bake 1 new recipe.
- Explore 2 new places.
I know these goals are pretty particular to my life and situation, but I hope they inspire you to focus on whatever is calling to you right now. Below are a few resources to draw from, whether your focus is on frugality, mental health or minimalism.
FRUGALITY:
MENTAL HEALTH:
- Healthy Coping Skills During Times of Stress and Anxiety
- Intentional Living: Vitruvi
- Restorative Quarantine
- Intentional Living: Headspace
MINIMALISM:
