In the spirit of trying to meet a savings goal this year, I've been doing the kinds of things real mustchians are already well-versed in: selling things I no longer need and cutting monthly service expenses.
The other day, I sold a bicycle trainer I had bought for my mom but that she was unable to use, using kijiji. Once the deal was complete, I contemplated that I believed it was the first time I had sold any of my belongings. I've often given things away and I've often engaged in fundraising, but it was the first time I had asked for and received money in exchange for something I had owned. And I am nearly 38 years old. It feels like quite a symbolic victory. I would certainly not be averse to doing it again but I can't think of any current items I want to move along to someone else that are worth the time to resell rather than give away.
Secondly, I'd been receiving offers to switch my home phone from Bell to Rogers for $15 a month for the first two years (and a monthly price that will almost certainly beat Bell's thereafter). I don't have any good reason for why I hadn't acted on this before but I finally made arrangements tonight. The 2-year contract is a bit of a risk because my boyfriend and I may move in together before that time period elapses, so we'll only want to keep one of our phone lines if and when that time comes. We'll figure it out then.
Next, I need to review my insurance premiums (car and condo) and see if I can get a better price on that.
It's still not looking good for meeting my savings goal but having the target in place is motivating to take these small actions that I otherwise would not have bothered with.
