Me and Crystal, at Starbucks in downtown Indianapolis, after a reader meet-up
First of all, I would like to wish, Crystal Paine, author of MoneySavingMom.com, a Happy Book Release Day! Crystal’s new book, The Money $aving Mom’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year hit shelves today and I couldn’t be more excited for her.
(Notice my pretty nail polish? Thank you, hubby! More on that later this week.)
So you may be a bit curious about the title of this post or why I, as a weight-loss blogger, would want to review a personal finance book on my blog. Well, besides the fact that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a free pre-release copy of Crystal’s book, or that I am a long-time reader and avid supporter of Crystal’s blog and ministry, or the fact that I am passionate about debt-free, frugal and simple living and I share plenty of non-weight-loss information here on my blog…
Wait, what am I talking about “besides the fact”? Those are pretty darn good reasons to want to read and review her book.
What I didn’t bargain on (get it, bargain? LOL, I crack myself up!) was learning SO much about my weight-loss journey, and really, life in general, from Crystal’s book. I was surprised at how many of the things she said in her book apply to this weight-loss journey so many of us are on.
Why it should come as a surprise, I have no clue. There is a reason why it seems most people’s top three New Years “Resolutions” every year are to 1) get out of debt, 2) get in shape, and 3) get organized. It seems that when we lack self-control in one area of our lives, it has a tendency to spill over (or TAKE over) the rest of our lives.
Crystal makes her readers take a good, hard look in the mirror and really get to the bottom of why they are in the mess they are in (financial or otherwise), so that they can work their way out and never go back to that place they once were. And she gives you all of the steps to get you there.
So what ARE some of the things that I learned about weight-loss from Crystal? (The following are all quotes taken directly from Money Saving Mom’s Budget)
1. You’re Never Stuck-Unless You Choose to Be
No matter where chaos seems to land in your life-whether it be your pocket book, your home or your thighs (can I get an amen?)-there is ALWAYS hope for change. If I can do this:
in six-months time, then trust me when I say it, there is ALWAYS hope. But in the words of my favorite Bible Study teacher, Beth Moore, “Honey, you got to change your want to.”
You have to WANT it and you have to WANT it bad! Do you want to experience financial freedom once and for all? Are you ready to shed all of the clutter that is consuming your home and your life? And what about those thighs? YOU have to make the choice and keep making the choice.
2. True financial success is bred and born of patience, sacrifice, hard work, determination, and discipline.
This sentence is on the first page of her book! Crystal didn’t pull any punches or waste any time getting to the heart of the matter. As true as this is concerning our finances, it is just as true concerning our waistlines.
There are no “quick fixes” or “get-rich-quick” schemes. It is hard, hard work. It will not happen overnight. It will require you to say no-to yourself, to other people and their expectations, to cultural norms.
Giving up is not an option, because when you do you can refer back to number one. YOU WILL BE STUCK. There is only ONE way to do this. The hard way.
Quote by Tom Hanks' character in "A League of Their Own"
Guess what? There is no secret! I have not found any earth-shattering solution to get the weight off quickly and for good. The only solution is you have to want it and you have to work for it, and work hard. Quit blaming other people for being the way you are, get off the couch and decide, right now, this very minute to do something about it.
Now, do 30 more jumping jacks! Go!
5. If you’re willing to be aggressive and keep at it, you can successfully win the battle against clutter in your home.
Crystal makes the argument that it’s very hard to gain any track financially if your home is in a constant state of chaos. If your dishes are never done, you are much more likely to go through the drive through (bad for those thighs and the bank account!). If you have no system for organizing your bills, they can go unpaid, costing you more money, time and stress in the long run. If you can’t find clean underwear and socks, you’ll have buy some more (or go without, but we won’t go there 
).
The same thing that works with conquering clutter and getting control over your finances-being aggressive-also works with weight-loss. You have to be all in. It can’t be something that you just think will be nice to do someday. You have to jump in with both feet. A half-hearted effort will not get you any closer to your goals, and may make you take some steps backward.
Now, this doesn’t mean you can conquer it overnight or that there won’t be setbacks. There will be. But it does mean, that you keep pushing forward regardless.
Crystal is up front and honest on her blog about all of the ideas she tried and that have failed and about how hard the journey was getting to where she is now. Crystal also says, “Inching forward-even at a microscopic rate-is still moving forward.”
Source: Pinterest
6. It is a healthy thing to budget for splurges.
Oh, I am so glad Crystal included this in her book. A budget, just like a healthier way of eating, is not about restricting you, giving you no freedom and making your life pure misery. It’s okay to splurge every once in a while. The point is, that when you splurge, PLAN it so that you can do it guilt-free.
I have readily admitted that I generally don’t restrict things in my diet. I eat when I am hungry and I plan for times when I know I may want to enjoy dessert or eat a meal with more calories, by compensating in other areas-either exercising more or eating fewer calories. I don’t go overboard, it is definitely a controlled splurge, but it is a splurge nonetheless.
Just like you shouldn’t feel so suffocated by your budget that you rebel and go on a huge shopping spree, you also shouldn’t feel so shackled by your meal plan that you give up completely and go on a 3-day binge. Neither of those situations is healthy, but allowing yourself to splurge does not mean you have failed. Just plan for it and you will be able to enjoy it that much more without all of the associated emotional turmoil that can result.
7. Contentment is a state of the heart, unaffected by outward circumstances. Contentment is a choice. You can choose to be miserable in your situation or you can choose to bloom where you are planted. You can choose to stop focusing on what you don’t have and start being thankful for the many blessings you do have….It’s all about perspective. Choose to bloom where you’re planted-even if it seems like it’s among thorns!
I can get really, really discouraged when I look at the big picture of my weight-loss journey. I get disheartened when I find myself focusing on the fact that I have 160-plus pounds to lose. It’s depressing to get on the scale week after week and see no movement. On one of the darkest days I have had so far on this journey, I came to you and confessed that I felt like giving up and that I was considering bariatric surgery.
I’m not going to lie. This is a long, hard, road. So is obtaining financial freedom. I know because we have been there too. The Chick Magnet and I worked our tails off (well, not literally, but now we’re working on that too) to become debt-free and we work hard and sacrifice much to keep it that way. Lest you think I don’t know what it’s like, just trust me when I say I do.
Remember that whole job loss, supporting a family of 6 on one income thing? And that’s not the first time we have been in that situation either-but it was our first time going through it debt-free and let me tell you what an amzingly wonderful, peaceful, freeing feeling it was to not have to worry about creditors beating the door down or harassing us with endless phone calls. The time to change your future is NOW. Don’t wait until you are in a seemingly hopeless situation to do it!
I also know that I have a longer, harder road ahead of me than what already lays behind me in terms of my weight-loss. But what keeps me moving forward, what keeps me motivated, what keeps me blogging, sometimes in raw, painful honesty about this journey, is how far I have come. It’s my before and after photos. It’s wrestling on the floor with my kids or chasing them around the house. It’s feeling good in my new clothes and preparing healthy meals for my family.
A few people have made remarks to me over the past few months since The Chick Magnet has been gone about how strong I am. I’ve even been called “Super Mom.” But, really? I’m not doing anything special. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I keep doing what needs to be done. And I CHOOSE contentment.
Is it hard? You better believe it! It’s one of the hardest things I have ever done? Do I ever want to give up? Yes, I have my moments where I despair and feel helpless and hopeless.
But every day I have a choice to make. I can give up because I am not progressing fast enough and I don’t look like a super model. I can feel sorry for myself because I seem to be doing all the right things only to move backwards. I can berate myself when I slip up and fall down.
Or, I can choose to bloom where I am planted. I can be content with what I AM doing, knowing that I am doing everything I can. And I can commit to never stop moving forward, never stop doing the next thing.
The rest of Money Saving Mom’s Budget is filled to the brim with practical examples of how to set goals (and keep them!), how to declutter your life and learn to say no, how to save money on your grocery bill by couponing, among other things, and how to be sure you never pay full price again! I got so many new ideas on ways to save money and further our financial goals even more.
I teared up when I read the final chapter where Crystal talks about what it was like to live some months on $650 a month (total, with a rent payment of over $500 and continuing to tithe 10% to their church!) while her husband was in law school. She has lived every little bit of what you will find in her book. And the amazing thing about all of it?
Every dime of profit she is making on this book is being donated to Compassion International. You can read her post all about it here-it’s is seriously awe-inspiring.
And here is Crystal herself speaking about what her book means to her and what she hopes it will mean to those who will read it:
So, after all that, do you want to win a copy?
I am giving away 3 copies of Crystal’s book. You have three chances to win one copy. Please leave a comment for each separate entry. If you leave one comment, telling me you did all three things, it only counts for one entry. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents, ages 18 and over.
Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment telling me why you want to win, or one of your financial or weight-loss goals for 2012
Optional Entries:
Subscribe via RSS or e-mail to Fat Chick Fed Up. You can subscribe in the sidebar, or if you are already a subscriber, just let me know in the comments.
Mention this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter and leave a comment telling me you did so.
Contest ends at 12:00 am, Sunday, January 15, 2012. Winners will be posted and contacted on Monday, January 16.
Please do not leave more than 3 comments. Good luck!
The Chick
I have both weight loss and financial goals for this year! I have been working on weight loss since the birth of our third child three years ago and am down about 90 pounds-with still more to go. But it does happen! I have enjoyed your blog-I’m not even sure how I came across it! Financially, we are coming out of three years of my husband being in graduate school and me staying home with kids! I would love to read her book about saving money and being frugal. Thank you!
I would love to win one of the books. Like so many, I can use all the help I can get in every area you discussed today.
I have shared this on my facebook page! =)
I have subscribed to your blog! Keep up with the awesome inspiration you are spreading!
I would love to read Crystal’s book. I would love to read about how to be frugal
What an awesome post. I have been reading your blog for a few weeks and I love you positivity and your honest. I have been eyeing this book too and now I want it even more! I follow via email.
I have hit a bit of a walll in my journey and would love to read this book if it will inspire me the way it has inspired you!
I’m already a subscriber!
My fitness goal for this year – excersice regularly and lose about 10 lbs!
I promoted you on facebook…but I woulda done that without the giveaway!
You’re doing great! Keep up the good work
I shared on facebook. I am at the beginning of my weight loss journey and so happy I can follow along with your journey
I’d love to win a book! With my husband piecing together 4 part-time jobs to keep up financially afloat, any budgeting/money saving tips are appreciated!
Great post! I love her blog as well. I also am loving that black & white shirt…where did you get it? Don’t enter me in the giveaway. I’m planning on buying her book to support Compassion. (As soon as I figure out where I left my kindle).
Hey Lisa,
I would love a copy of this book! My goal for 2012 is to not get myself in a bind during the weeks between paychecks. I’m tired of stressing about where money is going to come from before payday. I want to be more diligent in saving mOney instead of blowing money.
Our financial goal for this year is to get rid of credit card debt. It looks impossible with our job situation right now but baby steps, baby steps.
Would love to win the book. Thanks for the opportunity.
I would love to win this book so I can get my financial life in better order.
I signed up for your e-mails!
I subscribed to your emails.
This give away could not have come at a better time. I have been searching the internet for ideas on setting up a budget. Most of the sites I checked out want you to buy their products for a huge price. I have been feeling overwhelmed in my search as the products offered are not within my means at this time. So I was very excited to see your post today. Thanks for the chance to win!
I can’t wait to read this book! One of my financial goals this year is to save for next year’s splurge – a vacation.
One of our financial goals this year is to pay cash in August for our youngest sons tuition to a Christian School
What a wonderful post and review. I have the goal of continuing to try to lower our food bill this year.
I need this book! I always set big goals and I’m working on breaking them down into bite sized pieces!! My goals are to get healthy for our newly adopted 6 yearold! I have had 3 friends in the last month lose parents and I want to be around for him for as long as possible!
I am a subscriber
I would love to win this book! I love Crystal’s blog!
My weight loss goal is to lose 10 lbs. I’ve ran out of excuses, it’s time to start losing the baby weight.
Shared on facebook!
Our financial goal is to get rid of our credit card debt. I would also like to lose 30 pounds this year.
I need this book! I have recently lost almost 100lbs in 2011 and now I am working on “the financial” part of my life.
I would like to read her book. I am not exactly concentrating on weight loss as I am trying to eat healthier this year.
I want to win to help this busy working mom of 4 out of debt and being a better steward of the things that God has so blessed us with.
I started my weight loss last year on Weight Watchers and lost 43 lbs. I now am back on WW with hope to lose another 43 this year!! I gained over 100 lbs when i had my son a little over 3 years ago. Being a single mom and trying to keep up with him has made me realize I have to stay healthy and take care of myself. Thank you for your blog, it was inspiring!
I subscribed!!
I am working hard at losing weight – and struggling with the decision to return to work after having my children. I know that when I was working, without kids, I barely had time to eat healthy, etc and am sure that it won’t be any easier with 2 active sons around. I’d love to read this book to see all the suggestion for getting control in all of these areas of my life – if I can be home, and be healthier because of it, I’d like to see the advice! thanks – will be sharing on facebook and twitter!!
i’ve been reading her blog since 2007! and i’m working on losing this baby tummy.
My goals are to come up with a better budget and try using cash for purchases. I would love to win this book.
This is the 1st blog post of yours that I’ve read – MSM has linked it on FB. I congratulate you on what you’ve accomplished. I just think it’s unfair to say that bariatric surgery is “giving up”. It’s a tool like any other and it’s not a magic fix. You still have to exercise. You especially have to eat right. For those with 100+ pounds to lose and/or health problems due to obesity it may even be a good idea.
My computer did a funny thing so I don’t know if my first comment went through. My comment was that I would like to read her book and that I was not exactly focusing on weight loss as much as eating healthier this year. Thanks.
I need self-dscipline in every area of my life.
Wonderful post!! thanks for sharing!! I would love a copy of her book!!
I want to win because I want 2012 to be the year of POSITIVES. My husband and I made a complete and utter mess of our finances from the moment we got together. When our son was born in sept 2010- we knew we had to fix things. We filed ch 13 bankruptcy and began rebuilding our financial house of cards. It’s been tough but we are getting there. I think crystal’s book would be an amazing asset in our arsenal of weapons!
I subscribe.
One of our financial goals is to save enough money to renovate a building for a dance studio and be able to pay for a 6-month lease up front.
subscribed with this email
lovnmygrankids at yahoo dot com
I just found your blog today and I too am going on a journey to lose 100 plus pounds and I started a couple weeks ago but have stalled. I don’t really know why… yes I do I need to get up and stop making excuses. I would love to win a copy of the book. But if I don’t I will just have to buy it. I have been waiting to buy a copy. Its hard for me to spend money on myself. I am a new fan.Have a great day! Everyone!!
I subscribed via email.
I shared the giveaway on fb!
I need to lose more than 100 pounds and it’s about time I actually did something about it. Our finances are equally out of shape.
I followed you on Facebook.
I want to win a copy of this book because i need to get my financial situation in check! I want to get my kids in a house of our own and think this is the book that will help me do that. I also plan on losing 40-50 pounds this year!
My goal is to stop making excuses and find a way to make it happen–with fitness and financial freedom.
You are SO right! Money management, weight management and space and time management are all pieces of the same cloth. Success in one will add to success in the others. Amen!
What a great and inspiring post! I am on a financial and weight lloss/health kick myself. I would love a copy of Crystal’s book!
I have subscribed to your blog. So glad I found it!
thanks.
I am a subscriber!
tweeted here:
Great post! I have struggled with weight loss too..but since I have start AdvoCare and excersing everyday I feel great and have lost 15 pounds and 20 inches!!
I would love to win a copy… I have been a fan of Crystal’s for several years now!
Shared on fb
I also mentioned this on Facebook.
I want (need!) to lose some weight before we conceive our 2nd child. Getting on a budget and out of debt is equally important! I would love to win a copy of this great book!
Really loved your post! I can see the connections so clearly. I’ve been on a journey as well for the past 7 months, undoing what years of abuse and neglect have done to my body. I’m more than halfway to my goal weight and plan to reach it in 2012! Now I need to tackle the debt and financial mess, too.
What an awesome, awesome post. The last few years I have gotten a hold of my financial situation and this past year I did a lot of simplifying and organizing… But gained more weight!!
I have always been overweight and my smallest size was a 14! Right before the birth of my son. Although I stayed on track throughout my pregnancy and just after, I became so side tracked on everything else and have gone sooo downhill. I am now a size 20/22 and weigh more than I did the day I gave birth!
As I get the rest of my life under control, you’re right, I see the foolishness of not keeping myself at a healthy weight. It *is* hard work, but just like budgeting and keeping organized not only is it SO worth it, but it gets easier with time!! The day IS going to come where we will be debt free, organized and healthy!
I didn’t even realize there was a give away until the end of reading, but I would love to win a copy of Crystals book– I too am a big fan of her blog. Not only for saving money, which is why I started reading, but she’s helped so much in my life also in my parenting and simplifying. She IS AMAZING. I’d love to have my very own copy– mostly so I could share it!
Thanks!
I subscribed to your emails.
I would love to take my kids to DisneyWorld this summer by paying with cash.
My hubby and I are working hard on becoming debt-free, and hope to pay off at least $25k this year. We have several years yet to go at this rate, but we’re making progress!
My husband went from working 30 hours a week to 80 hours a week and yet, my finances are still in a mess. I NEED help….or we’ll always be struggling.
I think your story is amazing!! I sooo need this book! My husband and I own our own company, started it from the groun up 4yrs ago…perfect timing I know!! LOL!! We are currently in the middle of giving the bank back our home and moving into a rental so we can save money…we don’t have health insurance, EEK! We have three boys ages 12, 13 and 15…can you say BUSY!!! I have 40lbs I want to lose and hubby over 100lbs. We need to, no MUST, get back on track with everything right now!!
I subscribed to to your blog via email. Cannot wait to read more from you!!
Subscribed and would really love to win a copy of this book. I also need to lose weight due to the birth of my 2 babies, and financial feedom! My husband and I dream about being debt free. Sometimes both things just seem like just that….a dream.
i have bith weight and financial goals. ive come to see that theyre both tied in together, if i can get disciplined in my eating and spening , how much more effective can i be for Gods kingdome. my goals this year are to be more focused and take small steps everyday to get where i see myself
I lost over 60 pounds before my first son was born. And again I lost all my weight back after my second son was born. However, now that the youngest is almost three, I’m gaining it back!! Get me off this train.
I have lost 40 pounds in 2011 and the next hurdle is to get below 200. 28 more to go to get there. That is part of the goals for organizing my world. thanks for the great read I found you on the side bar on facebook.
I read the various blogs from time to time via face book and I “try” to coupon, but get frustrated when I get to the store and find it all gone. I have been “trying” to lose 30 lbs since my last son was born – yep 7 years ago. This year is my year. I have started a daily food log w/ gratitude journal. I write someone a gratitude/thank you note each and every day. It’s been 11 days and I am amazed at how others are thanking me for things I forgot I even did.
I always believe that when you do good for someone it will come back to you, but you wont know when or how, but it comes back!
I have a very good budget, saying “no” to my kids is hard. I think I have my husband on board for the next 11 months to get everything paid down and still live comfortably.
Thanks for your words of wisdom.
I subscribed to your blog. thanks
WOW! I got here through MSM and I’m glad I did! Thank you for your honesty. I have fitness goals for the year…mainly, just start doing something! I plan to keep it simple and do-able. Financially, we are in a hard spot, so my goal is to stay focused on the end goal and to not get down by the little details (ie: I want to spend $10 on a CD but can’t because we have no $
I’m also working on gratitude, like you mentioned, and what’s so bizarre is that I just blogged about it today.
Keep up the good, hard work! You’re doing great—let’s get our WANT TO to stay in the right place!
I just subscriped to your emails
I would love to win this book because I’m also a follower of Crystal’s blog but don’t have her book. I started a weight loss journey in November 2011 and have lost 20 lbs so far but have about 100 more to go! My goal is to lose the rest this year!! I’m also in the process of reducing our family’s debt- started a few years ago and hope to pay it all off this year. I feel like our stories are very similar!
I also shared this via Facebook.
I think it’s good to spread the word
My goal – don’t give up rather try again. As told to my 4YO
I need to lose weight for health reasons. I am on a ton of medication that costs a lot of money! I could be putting that money away for retirement! And I need to get my clutter under control. I am going to be a grandma to 2 grandbabies this year and I want to live to see their babies!
I have just recently come to the realization that my excess weight ( all 115 pounds of it) , my finances, and my 10 cigarette a day habit are all intertwined. I have made food and cigarettes my best friends when I am stressed, I have come to depend on their support! Most days I am afraid to go to the mail box or answer the phone for fear somebody will want me to pay a bill with money I don’t have so instead of crying I have a smoke and eat something! I am working very hard to overcome this. I have lost 20 pounds ( even losing weight over the holidays!) and I have cut my cigarette smoking in half. My husband and I are working on a managable budget that will free us from the noose around our neck (debt). I am reading everything I can get my hands on and even asking for help ( which is very hard for me). It’s slow going but I figure the fact that we are moving forward, even at a snails pace, is the most important thing and I am going to celebrate all of our accomplishments no matter how small. Thanks for letting me ramble…. God Bless.
My weight loss goal isn’t really weight loss, per se, because I don’t care if I lose weight or not. I will, but I don’t care about that. My goal is to get back to exercising regularly, at least 3 times/week. That’s all. That’s what my body and brain need me to do to be the best wife and mother I can. And my financial goal is to pay off all our debt besides our house – paid off my van this month, will pay off my daughter’s clarinet next month, I also dropped my credit card balance by a third this month, and we have a plan to get it paid off. I can’t wait!
My financial goal is to buy a new car with cash. I would love to win this book.
I already am great about exercising daily, but I need to lose 40 pounds. I need to overhaul my eating habits in order to do this in 2012. My husband and I are also working on financial goals such as building up savings, so I would love to win Crystal’s book!
I have both weight-loss and financial goals for this year. I’m pregnant right now and would like to lose all the baby weight (and not gain too much) before the end of the year. That gives me about 6 months to gain and 6 months to lose. Financially, my husband and I are working through our debt snowball. This year we’d like to pay off our air-conditioner loan and his car (not easy, but not impossible!)
My goal is to lose 60lbs this year of the 90 total that I need to lose.
And finally my goals…
Weightwise… I am trying to stop drinking any kind of soda at home. I already did that last year and it worked well for half a year. Also a more healthy diet is a goal I want to reach in 2012. It didnt start really well but there is always a chance to make it better from day to day.
Moneywise… Having a lower income this year means to have to learn how to spend less for what we need. I want to find a good balance without having too miss the things that are important to me. I think MSM will be a great help with that!
I want to win this book because my husband and I are tired of being in debt. We have been married for 13 years and we want to get out of debt and be financially stable. We have two children and we want to be able to show them that with hard work, you can get out of debt and still have the things you desire if you work hard for them. My weight loss goal for this year is to become healthy. I don’t have a set weight in mind, I will know I have reached my goal when I am healthy and happy with myself. That might mean a size 6 or a size 16, only I know when that will be. Thank you for the opportunity to win and to get my life back
I loved this post! Just do the next thing has been my motto as we have moved for a ministry position. Our daughter will head to college in the fall and right now we have 2 mortgages due to the move and our home not selling in Iowa. I would love to read this book! I HATE debt! Thanks for your transparency!
This is great! Now that I am done having babies, my goal is to lose all my “baby weight” plus some. My last baby is 6 months old today and I am 2 pounds away from my prebaby weight!!! We would also love to start saving more money, so we can buy some investment properties. Mentioning this on fb!
I subscribed to your emails as well! Thanks!
I subscribed to the email feed.
Commented about and posted it on face book. Hope it inspires others.
Wow, thanks to Crystal for linking me to your blog. I am working on getting some control of my financial and weight goals. I haven’t been very good at actually making goals, and I’m so excited to hear that Crystal’s book addresses that. Here’s to a more successful and goal-reaching new year!
What a great story and I love Crystal, she is definitely one great woman! My financial goal this year is to add an additional payment onto our mortgage and continue that from here on out. My weight loss goal this year is to get down 20lbs and look fabulous on our Alaskan Cruise.
I started a workout boot camp to help with weight loss. My goal is to go to that and get cardiovascular exercises in every day. With a toddler.
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss. I have lost 35 pounds so far and like you said, it is a journey where there are no shortcuts… you just have to want it and do it. I hope to get to my goal weight this year (another 65 pounds). I love the Money Saving Mom site… it is one that gets left open on my browser all day to refresh and see what’s new!
I would love to read this book because I need help in the financial area as I was never taught this as a young adult & it’s never to late to start getting things done right.
I am now subscribed to your blog.
I subscribed to your blog.
just subscribed to your e-mail list
I would love to reduce my grocery budget this year and build up our savings.
I shared on FACEBOOK.
Shared on facebook as well
Shared this on Facebook. Thanks again for a well written article!
i would love to win so we can better pay down our student loan debt.
I would love to win a book. I’m constantly trying to declutter my life and stay on the weight loss track.
Nancy
I would love to win a copy of the Money saving mom budget simply because I am a single mom with two children trying to coupon and save. All on a cleaning lady budget. I seem to lose myself in all of the terms used by other financial advice givers but I have been following moneysavingmom.com for awhile now and love how straightforward and honest Crystal puts everything from budget to family organizing. I also learned all I know about couponing from her blog! I can’t say that I am extreme couponer but I do my best in trying to keep a small stockpile in a region that doesn’t double or triple Q’s. – Thank you for this opportunity to so my appreciation to Crystal and I now will be checking in on your site as well! I too am a Fat and Fed Up kinda gal!-Wendy
I forget to mention I want to get my BP down this year(weight too) as well as getting my budget under control. Did I say budget??? What budget!!! I have tried to budget but I have yet to stick with it! I have yet to stick to a weight loss plan!!! I need to stick to something!! Anyway it is only January! Happy 2012!
My mantra this year is “Healthy”. I’m subscribing to your blog to cheer you on and to hopefully have you cheer me back!
What a super post! Your honesty is empowering. Best wishes as you continue your weight-loss journey!
A goal of mine for this year is to fit into my pre-pregnancy pants. My baby turns 1 in February, so sometime this year (preferably by this summer), I’d like to be at a more manageable weight.
I would love to read that book!!! it sounds inspiring! My goals for this year are to find ways to save and to start exercising and keep exercising!!! Thanks!!!!
I would love this book as I have serious issues in every area mentioned here.I would love to learn to be and live healthy this year.
I’d love to win this book! One of my goals this year is to declutter my whole house and organize the things I have.
Lisa,
I found Crystal’s blog about a year and a half ago when I was pregnant with my son. Looking for ways to help cut costs in our household in case I would have to stay home with him, I started watching those extreme couponing shows which lead me to an internet search, which lead me to Crystal (And she lead me to you). I have shared a lot of her wisdom with my husband about getting financially fit but he is such a “need to see it” person, that sometimes I think my words just fly in one ear and out the other unless I can put something in his hands. We have always been in debt our entire courtship and married life and having my son without any health insurance has landed us even deeper in the hole. I’d love to win a copy of Crystals’ book to help us get where we need to be in order to raise our son with financial knowledge that neither one of us ever were taught growing up. I want to be able to save for retirement NOW at 31 and not stress that we don’t having anything at 61. I want to be able to see the balances in our savings INCREASE instead of DECREASE each month when we realize that the money we put in there just needs to be taken right back out to cover whatever bill we didn’t expect that month.
We are with the millions of other Americans who want to become financially and physically fit this year, for our selves and for our child! I’d love to win a copy of Crystal’s book to help me along the way, because when I need help, I don’t always ask for it (but I always read on how to do it!) LOL. Thanks!
Danielle
My biggest goal this year is a weight loss one. I need to lose over 100 lbs. My children have never seen me at a healthy weight. It’s time!!!
I loved reading your post! A year ago I had to resign from my job to complete student teaching which meant we had to live on one income for a while. This was my lightbulb moment to change our path. I began following the Money-Saving Mom blog among others, began couponing like mad, and even realized I needed to and did make time to take care of myself too. I was able to drop those stubborn 15 pounds and I saved almost $2000 in 2011 simply by using coupons. The trip is not over as I was unable to find a teaching job and have been blessed only with a part-time aide position, but I feel much more confidant that I am in control of my destiny. This attitude has really come in handy since finding out we are expecting! Instead of being worried about what to do financially, we have a sense of calm knowing that, just like before, it will work out
Loved this blog and am now a follower.
Hi I forgot to say that I signed up for emails and also posted on FB! Thanks
I have a goal to pay off our credit card bill this year. It will not get us completely out of debt as we have a car to pay off as well, but it will give us significantly more resources to do so. I would love a copy of this book as I am a faithful follower of MoneySavingMom and know that she is a living, breathing example for all those dealing with finances and life in general.
Promoted on my Facebook page!
This sounds just like me. I have been working on eating healthy and so far I have lost 20lbs. I am making better choices and I work out 4 days a week. The next step for me is getting money in shape. Thank You and keep up the hard work.
I have one major financial goal this year, that is to be out of debt by June 1st, so I can quit my full time job to stay home with my children. I also am looking to make my family healthier.
I want to win a copy because I love her blog and like the idea that her book is supporting compassion.
I shared this post on Facebook.
New to your blog and you. are. inspiring. Thank you for your great post! I am challening myself to train for a 1/2 marathon this year. Last year I did a 5k and 10k time to go further
I have followed your facebook and email connections for several months, now. I’m thankful for all you have shared. This past year has been difficult as I’ve dealt with lymes…physically, finacially and on the family. The determination to stay debt-free has been overturned without my consent. Now, I feel like all I do is budget the smallest losses. Thanks to some meds for lymes (& altering my thyroid) and lots of hard work, I have been able to lose 35 pounds…still about 45 to go. Many of the tidbits you and Moneysavingmom share have kept me going to this point. I would love a copy of her new book to help try to simplify things while my brain isn’t thinking like it used to. I appreciate all that both of you do!!! You’re very encouraging to many of us!!!
I SUBSCRIBED! So glad someone posted about you on Facebook today
I signed up for the emails! Im so excited!!! I love the part of bloom where you are planted!! Love it!! I cant wait to read the blogs all the time and would love the book also!!
I’d love to win a copy of Crystal’s book! My goals for 2012 are to exercise each day (that’s my baby step toward weight loss) and to stay within our budget (that’s my baby step toward getting out of debt.)
I subscribed and posted on my facebook
I’m on a good path of getting all 3 areas together. I feel like I need some encouragement. I love money saving moms blog and her book I’m sure will be amazing.
I would love to win a copy of this book! We are trying to live on $800 a month while my husband is trying to get on disability. Challenging! lol
I need to lose weight and get our finaces in order. This would be a great way to start
I am now following you
Of course I would love to win a book on budgeting!! I actually set my financial goals last year about this time, but I redid them and updated them and discovered that I am ahead of schedule… 2012 is all about weight loss for me, if I can do it financially I can hopefully do it with weight-loss!! Wish me luck!!
I need to drop a nice chunk of weight and become more active again.My goal is 50 pounds to start.
My husband and I have both financial and weight loss goals. Both of us are working aggressively to pay off our school loans so that we can start to save for our kids college fund. We also have plans to take a couple of vacations in the upcoming years. As for weight loss, we want to set good examples for our daughter (3yrs old) and son (10 mos.) as they grow. We also want to be able to keep up with them, since we had them a little later in life. My goal is to lose 100 lbs. by the time I’m 40—2yrs. from now. True it is an ambitious goal–but with really hard work I think I can reach it. My husband is more concerned about eating out less. That is really all he has to do to lose weight. I’m going to help him by packing his lunch each day & by planning easy dinners to fix (so we are not tempted to eat out during the week). We are also encouraging each other to get into the gym. We have the membership and need to use it. Thank you for the giveaway. I look forward to subscribing to your emails. I can always use some motivation.
I’d love to win a copy of this book so I can get out of debt (mostly student loans) and actually have some money left over to buy myself something.
Our biggest financial goal right now is to pay off our biggest credit card bill.
I want (need) to lose 75 more pounds this year. That’s 1.5 pounds per week – a totally reasonable number for me. I lost 18.5 pounds during the last few months, and I’ll still have another 16 to lose in 2013, but I will do it! I’m also a big personal finance buff, and I actually found you through money saving mom, so I’d really love to win her book!
I love Crystal’s blog and I would love to win a copy of her book. And as for goals, I just want to stop living paycheck to paycheck and to get healthy.
Also, I follow you via email.
I love Money Saving Mom, and I can relate to most of what you said. My goals are to get better control over our money and to lose weight and get healthy this year. I need to make some major changes and need all the help I can get, so I hope I win the book! Any tips you can give on losing weight while on a very tight budget would be great too!!! Thanks!
Tweeted it at https://twitter.com/#!/mrsaharper/status/157141264112959489
Subscribed to your email feed.
Well, I have a lot of things I am working on. Financial and weight being 2 issues of mine. I have a 22 month old and 3 month old. Both times I got pregnant, I had just finished losing 30 pounds… only to put it back on with the babies. Now I am at one of my heaviest weights and need to lose over 100 pounds to hit a healthy weight… for my children, family and self! My other big goal for this year is paying off my school loan. Four years is expensive… and I don’t want to be paying on it for the next 10 years! So, I would love to have this book!!! Thank you!
I have both financial and weight loss goals this year. I too am a Fat Chick, I really want to get healthy and feel better. I also want to get my finances in track. Really would love to read this book.
I subscribed via email
Shared on facebook.
I follow via Email.
I want to get back to 135 pounds before I get pregnant again!
Mentioned this on twitter.
I shared the giveaway on my Facebook page.
I subscribed to your emails.
I am reall y hoping to win one of these books…I have started to try to lose weight to get back to the old me! Its is hard but I feel that I can truely do it. I am also looking to be more financially stable! I am saving for my daughters schooling at a private school and already saving for Christmas for this year!!!
I subscribed to your email & blog. (just so I don’t miss anything).
I would love to win a copy of the book! My weight-loss goal for 2012 is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. After fertility treatments and cancer, my weight had ballooned, and I have a lot to lose. I have lost almost 20 pounds so far, and have about 60 more to go. It feels like a lot if I look at it all at once, so I am focusing on one step at a time. I also would like to run a 5K this year!
I also shared your story and giveaway on Facebook.
I subscribed to your emails.
I would like to win a copy of Crystal’s book because spending the extra cash to purchase one is not in my budget,
Literally.
(giggle)
My boyfriend and I make a motto for 2012-
‘No More Stupid.”
No more stupid spending out of sheer want.
No more stupid spending out of laziness to cook.
No more attending friends parties at local bars (wow! The cost of a beer is amazing!)
No more eating out, stupidly thinking the time we save is worth it.
And yes, you’re right. Finances and weight go hand in hand.
We are ‘No More Stupid’ now. We have seen the mountain we want to hurdle, and are on our way.
Our goal this year is to save a 3 month emergency fund. Your weight loss journey is so inspiring!
I subscribed!
Hi,
I already pre-ordered the book and I feel like it paid off already. I found your blog. I have been without a job since August 2011and have been in a downward spiral recently with job rejections, weight gain,cluttered house, and unsuspecting financial matters. Two days ago I finally decided that nothing will fall into place if I don’t start with myself. I have 80 lbs to lose (actually down a pound as of today!) and I found your writing inspirational.Thank you so much! One pound at a time, one room at a time, one bill at a time and I will get there. Thank you!
BTW, I have NEVER felt inspired to post before, that’s how inspired your words are!
This is the first time I have read your blog and love it! I too am trying to lose 100+ pounds and get out of debt. Would love to read the book and plan on following you for inspiration!
I’m due in April and have managed to only gain 13 pounds this pregnancy. I normally gain 50-60! My plan is to reach my goal weight of 135 by the end of the year. Also to pay down debt, reducing the stress on my family.
I want 2012 to finally be the year we become debt free (with the exception of our newly purchased home). I’m tired of dreading the mailman, I’m tired of opening bill after bill and wondering where we’re going to get the money, I’m tired of bill collectors calling me 4, 5 or 6 times a day. Even though we’ve been slowly paying things off, it just seems insurmountable at this point. Leave it to a lesson learned and a new year to finally put our financial woes behind us.
I shared this on Face Book!
Hoping to win!
I really would love to win a copy of the book, I am working this new year on weight loss and organizing my home and budget. I have followed MSM for some time now and I am so happy she sent us over to your blog, you are an inspiration!
I am currently 4 months pregnant so my weight loss goals are not as concrete as they would normally be. Prior to becoming pregnant, I had lost 30 pounds, but still wanted to lose another 80. My current weight goal is to keep my pregnancy weight gain healthy and continue exercising. So far, I have gained 2 pounds and all is well with the baby. After my 6 week postpartum check up, I plan to get back to exercising and monitoring my calories so that I am only taking in what I and the baby (I will be nursing) need. I cannot put a number on the amount of pounds I plan to lose, because I want to do this in a way that is healthy for me and the baby, but I can say that my lifestyle is already healthier and will continue to be.
I am now following you on Facebook and I shared your post!
I am a new e-mail subscriber.
First time to your blog. Amazing review and post. This past year has been especially challenging in all aspects of my life. I have really been looking forward to a new year to start fresh. It would be terrific to win Crustal’s book, she is a real person and a great example to all mom’s out there. It’s nice to know that there are still good people out there.
I am so glad that I have found your blog. I looked at some pictures of myself a few weeks ago and thought what in the world have I done. I am now starting my journey. Thanks for sharing yours!!!
Thank you so much for writing this!!! I haven’t been this inspired by a blog post in who knows how long! In 2012 I want to loose more of me and gain more in my check book! I can’t wait to read her book! Thanks again!
After losing 50 pounds in the last year and a half, I just have maintaining the new normal as my physical goal. BUT, my financial goal this year is to be down to just our mortgage in the debt category. We set that goal in our house 4 years ago, and gave ourselves 5 years to accomplish it, I’m very optimistic that we will shave a year off of our completion date. Then the goal will be get the house paid off in 5 years! Hard, hard work, but totally worth it.
I need help in both of these areas! Weight loss and financial freedom have been unattainable for me for too long!
I have financial goals this year to get to where we can buy a house. My weight loss goal is to lose 90 pounds this year. I’ve lost 10 so far!! I would love to win this book.
I have been a fan of Cyrstal’s blog for a long time and just today learned of you.
I am like many others I have both financial and weight loss goals. It’s time (at the age of 50) that I get my “you-know-what” together! Thanks for offering this book as a give-a-way.
I am amazed at you! You have a new follower.
I have subbed to the emails for the blog.
I posted a link to the contest to my FB page.
Just found your site, look forward to reading more entries. As I have both weightloss and financial goals I need to acheive.
My weight-loss goals for 2012 are to eat less sugar and get more exercise.
Our financial goals are to pay off all debt besides house & business loan. Thanks!
I subscribe via RSS
I subscribed to your emails
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book because I truly need to learn how to set attainable goals. I still haven’t set my goals for this year even though I’ve been meaning to.
I already have the book, so I don’t need an entry. I just wanted to tell you CONGRATULATIONS. Keep up the hard work. You look great.
I shared this on Facebook also. Thanks!
Shared on Facebook!
Weight loss: 40 lbs by year end.
Financial: Still attempting to figure that out… It is hard when there are SO many balls in the air. :/
Subscribed!
Facebooked.
One of my financial goals for 2012 is to pay off my husband’s credit card and one of my financial goals is to finally lose those last 15 lbs of baby weight
I’ve subscribed via email.
I have a goal to lose 20 pounds this year. I love Crystal’s blog, and am super super excited to read her book!
Our financial goal is starting to save for a down payment on a bigger house!!
I subscribed. I would benefit greatly from this book as I would like to gain control of my house, weight and finances this year so that I am able to work a job during the day and spend more time with my children. I love to coupon and I love a great deal, I don’t like to pay full price for anything!!
Just found your blog and signed up for email. You are truly inspiring. We all accomplish great things when we get our minds and focus in the right place.
Amazing and inspiring. Like you, I struggle with the same issues and would love to check out this book. Thank you for your story! Definetly subscribing.
This post made me tear up! You and Crystal are BOTH inspirations! I would love to win Crystal’s book because my husband and I struggle to support our family on his income alone so I can stay home full-time with our daughters, especially since we both have student loan debt from graduate school. We live frugally, but I know we could do better, and we definitely need to start saving more (or we’ll NEVER be able to retire!). Some guidance in the form of Crystal’s book would be awesome.
I would like to win because I am in the process of learning to trust God about my health, physically and financially. We moved from Chicago to Austin in 2011 and that move really has taken a toll on our finances. Our house has been on the market for 8 months and I was not able to find a job right away in Austin (although we moved for my husband’s job) so our income went down but our bills went up. I think I could learn so much from the book! Also, I’m working hard on my health. We now have to eat gluten-free and this also makes things more expensive. I really love you blog!! Just found it today, actually and it has helped me have a more positive outlook today!
Nice post. Our financial goal is to pay down a house that we are underwater in, and save for a down payment for a bigger home for our growing family. We are doing the best we can, and are not walking away from a bad investment (even though we wish sometimes, would be the easier way out)
FB shared
Email subscribed
I subscribed to this blog via facebook. I am so excited to follow this blog as I am trying to make healthy choices in my life. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
I need to lose at least 40 lbs. of pregnancy weight. It gets harder each time, and I want to give up. Thanks for the encouragement that it’s just plain hard work!
This is everything I’m about, awesome post, loved it! I need to lose another 35 lb’s and want to do it all this year. It took me 1 yr just to lose 28 lb’s but it’s better than nothing:)
Also love the saving aspect of it all, the less money spent the better is my phylosophy!
My husband will retire in about 10 yrs or less, our goal is to have our house paid off by then, it will be hard but we can do it!
I would love a copy of this book. My husband and I need to get organized. It’s becoming a matter of life and death. His family has a huge heart history and two months ago he had a mild heart attack ( at 36!). His Mom just had a significant heart attack a few weeks ago (and we found out on Christmas but don’t know how bad yet because she has no insurance after being laid off last year) and now his younger brother is having bad symptoms. After my brother was killed in Oct of 2010, I stopped caring about a lot of things but the more that happens the more I realize that this family needs me, his and mine. So we bought a treadmill (its tough to walk the winter months of WI) and we are fighting to become a healthier family. We also want to buy a house and get healthy in all aspects of our life so we can start having babies! From what I read about this book, it would be a great help! (Woah, sorry, didn’t mean for this to be that long lol lol)
I subscribed to e-mails too
I would love to receive a copy of Crystal’s book. I am trying to loose weight and make healthy choices for the new year. My husband who is fit has joined the gym with me to encourage in my weight loss and exercise. We enjoy this time together without our children, its like a date 4 times a week
In addition, we have been discussing our finances to get better control over that. I love this article and it helped so much looking at the broad picture! We have started writting down all of our spendings, creating a weekly menu, and following a list at the grocery store. These decisions have helped with budgeting and weight loss. Again this blog is so much appreciated! I have been looking for one exactly like this to follow! Thank you!
So happy to have found your site through MSM!
In June of 2009, after being told I was borderline diabetic and had high cholesterol, I started getting serious about my diet and created a new way of life. By Feb 2010 I had lost 50 pounds and had my glucose totally under control, cholesterol way down, and other issues I had not connected to my weight were no longer problems. I felt AMAZING.
In Feb 2010 my husband was out of the country and our 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1 is an autoimmune diesease and not connected to diet or weight). Since then life has been full of stress and many changes and I have, sadly, gained some, but not all of the weight back. As of Monday I’m back on it……
I loved your article and being a fan of MSM I’d love a copy of her book as I’m making a move to get our finances way under control this year.
my goal for 2012 is to loose some weight to keep my blood pressure okay & to get our finances back in order
I shared this article on Facebook!
One financial goal we have for 2012 is to save at least 38% of our income. Lest you think I am insane and this is not possible, we are DINKs (Dual Income No Kids) saving for grad school this fall.
I have a weight loss goal to exercise 3 times a week and continue healthy eating in order to lose 20 lbs this year.
I subscribed via email.
I would like to win a copy of Crystals book. I lost a job and fortunatley got another after about 6 months. I had financial problems before losing the job and fell behind during that time. I returned to a position at s lower pay rate and let me say that it is tough. I do use coupons and check for bargins but I need some help (yes, I’m asking for help which is tough for me). From your blog it sounds tough but sounds simple at the same time. Please help. Thanks and keep up the good and not always easy work.
I can’t be put in your draw as I live in Canada. But, I wanted to tell you I loved your post! I think that it’s a very insperational thing you are doing and I am now subscribed to your blog as well as following you on Facebook. Keep up the great work!!!
My goal is to lose 1 pound per week. I am also going to start back to school for my BSN later this month. I have posted this story on facebook (also liked your page), and signed up to receive email updates. Looking forward to following your blog and sharing support!
I came across this via a facebook posting from MSM website. After reading your blog entry I was happy to find a weight loss blog that I can relate to. I subscribed to your feed.
Thank you for the awesome article-how encouraging! My goal is lose 50lbs this year.
Subscribed via email.
Your weight loss journey has given me inspiration. I can’t wait to read more. My goals for 2012 is to reach the 50% mark of my weight loss by the fall. I don’t plan on using any drugs, surgeries or gimmicks. Just sensible and conscious changes to my diet.
I would really love to win a copy of Crystal’s book. I have been an avid follower of MSM.com for over a year now. I found her website in late 2010 when I found myself laid off from my job, with no health insurance (didnt qualify for anything) and a single mom. I turned to Crystal’s website and a couple of others to help me make the best of my situation. I even started my own blog, which helped with keeping positive. I know Crystal’s book will be helpful in all areas of my life.
I shared your giveaway on facebook.
I want to win this book because I have tried to make budgets in the past but have never stuck to it. I am at a place in my life where it is no longer a “want to”, but it is a “have to”….it sounds like this book is full of sounds advice to help make it happen…and I am loving her ebook about becoming disciplined in 21 days!!
I just found your blog and the money saving mom blog – who doesn’t need help being more frugal and setting attainable healthy, weight loss goals when you’re the busy mom of three.
Plus, I love that she’s giving all the money to Compassion. Very convicting.
I am so inspired by your story! This is my first visit to your blog, but most definatley not my last! Thank you for being real and honest about this journey. I have about 200 lbs to loose and have started and stopped too many times to count. I am beyond frustrated, but am inspired to take things one day at a time, make the best choice I can in each situation and take small “bites” out my goals every day! I would love to win a copy of this book, I have been a huge fan of Crystal’s for about 4 years now and have made small strides in our financial frustrations, but there is pleanty more room for imporvement! Thanks so much!
Oh, and I also subscirbed to your feed and shared the link on Facebook!
I am so excited for your giveaway! How fun! We have set up a budgeting plan for the year using an app on my ipad and we are having monthly budget meetings to make adjustments as needed. We will be moving this year and we want to try and save, save, save for our new house! I too am on a weight loss journey. Lost 60 and have about 13 to my goal weight!
Stephanie @ Faith & Fitness: Living healthy for him
Comment #2- I am already subscribed to your blog!
Stephanie @ Faith & Fitness: Living healthy for him
I subscribed via email
)
I would love a copy of the book! Our goal this year is to pay off our suv and be able to save up the payments to pay cash for a second vehicle. I recently became a stay at home mom so our family of four is living off of one income and the book seems like just the advice we need!! I also have a weight loss goal of fitting into my pre marriage clothes. I have an 18 month old and a 5 month old so I have a good 15- 20 lbs that need to be lost! I love following you via fb, thank you for having such an awesome blog!
I posted on fb about your give away!!
Well, first off…Kudos to you!! Everything you said is so true. I am a plus size girl myself and it has come to the point of living with pain in my knees everyday because of my weight. Everything you said is exactly what I have been thinking. Thanks for reaffirming these things!! I watched a TV show a couple of years ago where a man who weighed around 450 just decided one day to do some sit ups. I think he did 3, but the point is, he did them. The next day he did more and so on and so on. He lost several hundred pounds over the course of 18 months. He was to the point where he “wanted” to make a change, and then he did. My goal this year is take a baby step everyday. I am at that point to – my “want” is there!
Comment 3: Lastly, I have shared your post on my fb page for Faith & Fitness: Living Healthy for Him!
http://www.facebook.com/rn4fitness
Thank you, Lisa! You made me see that if I can commit to losing 90+ pounds and succeed, I can commit to getting our finances in shape and succeed. As of now, one of my big goals for 2012 is to begin working toward financial freedom.
I’m a subscriber via Google Reader.
I posted about the giveaway on Facebook.
We really need to get our finances under control. I have heard her book is a wonderful resource.
I would love to win the book. I have been following Crystal for over a year now to get ideas for saving money and would love to continue on that path! I already work out 5 days a week but I do not have the same commitment when it comes to eating healthy! I am going to start following this blog because it is always good to read about others journey when it is similar to yours!
I want a copy of this book so bad! I have followed Chrystal for years. She has changed my life, one small step at a time.
I shared on Facebook!
I shared on Twitter!
Congratulations on your weight loss. I’d like to win a copy of Crystal’s book because I need to get organized and living in CA on one income we need to cut our costs to stop going into credit card debt.
I’d like to lose 30 pounds. I never struggled with my weight until after I had my child at age 30. Before that I was always underweight. I currently weigh 50 pounds more than when I graduated high school. I’m gaining all of my weight in my tummy and thighs. The tummy is distrurbing because I’m outgrowing some of my clothes and don’t want to buy new ones. It is definitely a self control problem. I need to realize that I’m 42 years old and now I’m just like all of the other women out there who struggle not to gain weight. I did the South Beach Diet for 4 days before giving up and I don’t like to work out, but I need to or I’m going to end up getting Type 2 diabetes like some of my other family members.
Thanks for the review! My weight lose goal for 2012 is to loose 36 pounds! Woohoo!
We need to pay off credit card debt that has accumulated because our rent costs are about 47% of our income. We tithe and pay for insurane, utilities and other bills. My husband and I never make a purchase that isn’t on sale and primarily our clothing is bought at at least 50% off and usually 75% off. We buy things in larger sizes to put away for our children so that we don’t have to pay full price for them when they need larger clothes. We go to sample sales and factory sales for some brand name items at 80% off retail. The rest of the time we usually buy our clothes at Target. We are considering moving to AZ from CA in order to cut our housing costs and save for future college and retirement costs. We love CA, but it is not sustainable long term for our family. It is sad that I was born and raised here, but it’s not the same CA I grew up in.
My financial goals this year is to stop using credit cards, REALLY start using a budget incorporating the envelope system, cook more, and only go out to eat if we have saved for it…. I’d also like to really save to take my little ones to Disneyland. =)
I would love to win a copy and my goal this year is to figure out how do joint finances with my husband. He pays the bills & does a lot of our shopping…but I do stuff for kids, hygiene etc and we just haven’t found a system for staying on a budget that works and we don’t save ahead for big expenses. Oh and lots of debt
I would really love to win a copy of this book. In the last two years I have cut my grocery budget drastically with couponing and shopping smarter. This year however I am focusing on my family of 6 and our health and finances. I want to switch to fully organic/partially paleo and work on getting us out of debt. This is challenging as we are a one income family. All of which I plan on doing while my husband and I return to school…him for the first time since getting his GED 7 years ago and me to hopefully finish my bachelor’s in business. I have been very moved by these blogs this week.
I just signed up to follow your feed. Love your review of the book and even did the jumping jacks while reading
I more than happily shared your review and giveaway on FB. Can’t wait to read the book myself. facebook.com/jamie.dressler
First, just wanted to say I really enjoyed this post. My weight-loss goal is to be twenty pounds lighter by my birthday 12/12/12. My financial goal is to tithe faithfully no matter how bleak the checkbook looks. I have not been faithful in this area and need to repent and do right.
Great post! I would love to win because I have been an avid reader of Crystals for a few years. I would also like to take charge of our finances this year and start a cash envelope system and a zero based budget (and lose baby weight when I have this baby in Feb!)
I’d love a chance to win. Dh and I are working hard to become debt free and I think crystal’s book would be a great read. And I have a goal of getting healthier to shed the baby weight left from my now 20 month old. I know it will give me more energy to keep up with my crew and is important. Just to get the plan in place.
First, I wanted to say thank you for writing about your journey. I am still trying to get my finances and weight in check as well. Of course my three 2012 goals are to eat healthier, loose my extra 15-20 pounds and to be debt free by the end of 2012. I get discouraged and feel overwhelmed a lot by it, but I am focusing on baby steps. Reading your story helped motivate me. I want to thank you for sharing your before and to date pictures. It shows you are a real person who is working her butt off to get her goals accomplished. Thank you for sharing. I will be a regular reader of your now that I have found your blog. I had pre ordered The Money Savings Mom Budget and I follow that blog all the time. I am excited about her book coming any day now! I am bound and determined to read it, take notes and be ready to start my new change – both physically and financially. Thanks for your encouragement and being honest about your own journey!
I have goals for both this year… would love to lose 80lbs by christmas and get in control of bills… and stop living paycheck to paycheck with 6 people its interesting
Our 2012 finance goal is to save enough money for a down payment to buy a house in 2013.
I just want to say that I totally think you rock and are such an inspiration to everyone! I so not only want to read this book but am sure that I need to read it. This year I really need to get in shape and drink more water…I am slowly working on it ; )
I like you on Facebook!!
I’ve never needed to loose weight before, but here I am. My clothes don’t fit, I’m tired all the time, and I feel horrible about how I look. I feel like the changes I need to make in my life are too huge to take on. Thanks for your blog- it is inspiring.
I’d like to check out the book because, though we are financially stable, stewardship and frugality are so valuable. I’d like to learn more to become more effective.
Yes I would love to win this book too. The big 3 -debt, weight, organization are my New Year’s Resolutions too. I have told myself to get rid of at least one thing a day. So far I have been doing much more. I have been writing in a journal about the 3 things every day to hold myself accountable. I think this has been working out for me great.
I just found your blog a few days ago and already you have been an inspiration! I have about 130lbs to lose to get to my goal. I am trying to take it one day at a time. Thank you for what you do!
Great review! I would love to win this book — saving money, losing weight and getting rid of clutter are all things I want to work on
I subscribed to your emails. Looking forward to reading your blog
I also posted about this on facebook
Great post!! My goal is to stick to using a budget. I usually get tired of trying to make it all work and give up because I don`t have a lot of time.
My husband and I both want to lose 50 lbs this year! We’re faithfully plugging away so far. I’d love to win Crystal’s book!
I also subscribed to your blog…I was happy to see the link from moneysavingmom on Facebook because I am going to need some motivation to lose weight this year. Thanks!
I would love to be debt free!
i subscribed
You go girl!….I would love a copy of the book
shared on fb
I want to win because our family has 1 income with a child and I am looking for ways to save and be frugal all the time – lately it’s been keeping groceries in check even though I love to cook & keeping Target purchases to a minimum.
I’ve lost 75 lbs. I want to win as well to learn new restraint (yet joyful) ways of living financially and weight wise.
I want to learn how to keep purchases in check…same with dieting: you can enjoy without overindulging to the point of guilt. If that makes sense!
The biggest reason I would like to win a copy of the book is because I really need help in both the financial and weight loss areas. But mostly the weightloss because I have recently come to realize that I am not living I am only existing. And at times that is questionable. I have wasted so much time, talent, and so many opportunities that GOD has blessed me with in my lifetime. Regardless of whether or not I win, I ask for all of you to please lift me up in your prayers, that GOD will help me to really put forth the effort and work I NEED to, so I can begin to live instead of just barely existing. GOD Bless Each and Every One Of You!!!
Just subscribed to your e-mail. Thanks!!!
[...] and say a big, huge, from-the-bottom-of-my-heart, thank you to all of you who took the time to read my review of Money-Saving Mom’s Budget. The overwhelming support I have received from all of you and the honesty with which many of you [...]
Congratulations and thanks so much for the tips… You are an inspirations… here’s a link to my before and after photos… http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.145085522271262.31709.115572688555879
I also shared on facebook!!! I get another entry!
I am already an email subscriber.
I would like to win so I can read the book and then share it with others!
I struggle with weight and chaos. My house is a disaster – but you wouldn’t know it to look at it from the outside – much like the disaster that is the inside of me – you wouldn’t know it to look at it. I am trying to find the strength to deal with everything and I really am enjoying reading your blog!
While your give away has already expired as I read this and I pre-purchased Crystal’s book (to which, I have met her husband who introduced me to her website and the Dave Ramsey principals)..they are such an awesome family and truly and inspiration!…Your blog really captured my attention and I intend on being a new follower!.
Wow. I LOVED reading that. How inspiring! My goal this year physically, is to shed the rest of my baby weight and become more healthy. This is not something I’m good at, or necessarily know a lot about and sometimes I feel like I don’t have the right tools to really be successful. I do know though that that’s just an excuse. It probably doesn’t matter exactly what exercises I do, as long as I’m exercising, and same goes for trying to eat better. Even just the effort will make differences and then from there, it is worth the time and effort to get educated to know where to go next. Why? Because WE are worth it. Our families are worth it. I’m sorry if this comment is kind of all over the place, but bottom line, thank you for being so brave in posting this. As women, this is not always easy, but it’s so encouraging to others! I definitely want to follow your journey too!
Oh, and thanks for the giveaway too!
You are so right, that losing weight, being organized, and financial freedom all have roots in the same place, and the same principles will help us achieve our goals in all three areas. I would love to win a copy of the book to help me in all three areas!
Thanks!
I am also a subscriber!
[...] Fat Chick Fed Up is giving away one copy – enter to win here [...]
My husband & I have just started a monthly budget and we hope to fine tune it within the next 3 months.
I would love to win this to better manage my money.
My weight loss goal is to get to my pre-pregnancy weight – 4 years after the fact.
I want to start and exercise regimen and involve my family in being more active!
My weight loss goal is to lose enough weight (probably 50 lb at least!) to lower my blood pressure and cholestoral and help my arthritis so I can get off all 3 medications!
I have both weight loss and financial goals for this year. We’re finally on the same page and working our way out of debt. I would love to lose about 30 pounds this year.
Goal #1: Get rid of those last few pregnancy pounds
Goal #2: Pay off credit card debt
Our financial goal is to complete our bathroom remodel without going into debt. We’ll also be working toward eating less refined foods and more fresh options.
I tweeted about this contest
financial goal is to build up our savings again since purchasing our house last year.
I’m wanting to get organized this year. And by organized, I mean everything-finances, eating healthier, decluttering my home, manage my time better and to keep a planner/organizer instead of writing things down on pieces of scrap paper or thinking that I’ll remember it.
I subscribed to your emails.
Thank you for your brutal honesty.
Our main financial goal for 2012 is to pay off the rest of our debt. God willing, we’ll be DEBT FREE by July. Amen!
I would love to win a book. I have weight-loss and financial goals. Financially I’d like to have some money in savings by the end of 2012, specifically $2000. That may not sound like a lot to some people but that would be huge for us. Weight wise – I want to lose about 50 pounds. I want to be healthy for my daughter and set a good example.
I’m now a subscriber of your blog.
I want to win because I want the help the book can give me without having to pay for the book!
I’d love to win this book! My weight loss goal is to get myself back to logging my food on myfitnesspal.com. (And trying to be less than 1500 cal per day so I can lose 1 pound per week). I know this works.. I just need to get back on the wagon.
shared on FB
Marisa Meme
I have both goals! Our family just started Financial Peace and this would be a great addition. I also had WLS last year and had a traumatic recovery and I’m making this year a focus on my protein, supplements, fluids and ME so I know I didn’t have the surgery in vain and to finally get my health back! It doesn’t matter if I lost alot of weight..I’m looking to get my health back now
I really need to save money in 2012 and would love to win!
I have both financial and weight loss goals this year! Thank you for such a wonderful parallel!
One of my financial goals is to payoff the second car we have in full by working more overtime. I have a second job and I hope to have it paid in full by the end of the summer. One of my weight loss goals is to exercise 5 days/week. This year I exercised just a few days each week if any at all.
I signed up at LoseIt.com (free!) to track my weight loss. I really need to get on the ball though to lose 50 pounds. At least I’ve been remembering to weigh in weekly and post it on LoseIt.com–that’s a start. You’re my inspiration and I’m going to subscribe to your blog. MoneySavingMom is probably the first frugal blog that I subscribed to after I was laid off in July 2009 (the same company hired me back after two years for which I’m thankful). I’ve learned so much from Crystal.
I HOPE to lose 60lbs this year!!!
I learned about your blog today on Money Saving Mom (I subscribe to it). I have now signed up for your blog. I am TRYING to lose 100 pounds, but it is SO HARD since I am HUGELY tempted by sugary sweets! But I have begun trying to be good with my eating (lots of smoothies to fill me up, and rice cakes, and healthy granola bars). I am looking forward to gaining inspiration from you!
I would like to win a copy of the book because we just bought a house and are now combining 2 incomes and i think we can really use some bugeting advice!!
I want to win so that I can save more money to pay off my remaining credit card debt of $3,000, cut them up, and only spend CASH while only buying neccessities and not the ridiculous things I believe our economy is pushing society with credit cards.
[...] week, I wrote a post reviewing Crystal Paine’s new book, The Money Saving Mom’s Budget. Crystal shared this post on her Facebook page and all of a [...]
I follow the Money Saving Mom website and would love to get my hands on a copy of Crystal’s book (I would buy one, but FREE is always better).
I just signed up for your emails.
Thanks for the giveaway!
[...] 12 books in 2012 – I read my book for January, Money Saving Mom’s Budget. I also read one fiction book, Fools Rush In, on my Kindle. It was [...]
This book makes a lot of sense and is an eye opener for me comparing money, weight loss and being uncluttered.
This year I’ve made a weight loss and exercise chart in order to keep focussed.
I’ve started on a Tracfone SVC prepaid phone, costing $7/month for service, which will save me $880 by the end of the year instead of buying a new cell phone contract.
My husband is going to help me get the kitchen organised every night to keep it clean and to have the dishes done before bed time.
I would love to win this book! I have been following Money Saving Mom on Facebook for quite a while and love it. I have a weight loss goal of losing 50 pounds this year. I would love to lose more but I have to be realistic.
[...] book, Money-Saving Mom’s Budget, published in January of this year, on my blog. You can read the full-review I did on the book here. It was one of my most-viewed posts ever and Crystal was sweet enough to mention it on her Facebook [...]