{Reader Success Story} A Shockingly Easy Way to Save Money for Fun

In my posts on this site, I share my progress toward financial freedom sort of like a diary to the world. Sometimes the stories reveal my failures and the things I learned from the experience so you don’t make the same mistakes. More often than not, my stories are transparent accounts of gained confidence in regards to my financial literacy. Every week, I have diligently crossed off numbers on the 52 Week BINGO Money Sheet and I update you on how those funds are being used. As of week 15, I have saved $590.00 extra dollars that I have put toward my credit card debt. I am proud of myself but I am equally proud to know I haven’t been on this journey by myself. This week, I wanted to shift the focus off me and begin to share the stories of other smart women who are kicking debt’s butt and redefining the “fab life” for themselves. Our very first reader’s profile is from Alysa T., a 28 year Marketing and Communications Manager out of Washington, D.C. A friend referred Alysa to shemakescents.com about 3 years ago and interestingly enough, the BINGO Money Challenge was the first article that she read.

When asked why she decided to join the challenge, Alysa explained, ” It’s a very simple and kind of fun way to put aside a little extra money each year! I think checking off all the boxes appeals to my organizational side too. This year I’m putting [my savings] towards a vacation. I am recently SCUBA certified and want to explore the underwater world more! It is awesome to know that she is using the money saved for things that (if you follow the blog, you already know what I am going to say) FEED-HER-SOUL! Over the past few years, Alysa has become more than a loyal reader. She is my Twitter pen-pal/accountability partner who sometimes sends me her progress updates before I have the chance to check-in. I LOVE THAT! I love knowing that we are on this journey together. “In past years”, Alysa reveals, “I used it for a new computer and a down payment on a car”.

The journey towards financial freedom isn’t a easy one…if it was, no one would have debt and everyone would be building wealth. Alysa’s biggest financial goal is to get her emergency fund to a healthy level so she can put more savings towards fun things. I’d say with a savings of $515.00 year to date, she is well on her way.