After reading Smart Women Finish Rich, I knew I had to do something about my expenses. I’m only 26, but I went through a divorce last year and am still amazed that I landed on my feet. I make a decent income, but I’m trying to keep up with my friends who go out all the time and spend money right and left. It’s a hard balance – I want to keep my social life and enjoy my 20’s, but I don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck as a result of it. Plus my passion in life is traveling – and that’s not cheap!

So I made a decision. Every week I go play team trivia at a bar with my friends, and also am in a social bowling league. I probably drop $30-40 a week just from having a few beers at each event! I opened up a money market account, and setup my direct deposit to put $50/paycheck into that account and now just drink water when I’m at trivia or bowling. Not only is my vacation fund growing – I plan to go on a 7-day Caribbean cruise with my new, wonderful boyfriend this year – but my bowling average has gone up! I’ve even lost a few pounds and am sure it’s because I’ve cut out a lot of beers that I just didn’t need. I’m just so much happier, and so motivated to manage my finances so I can live my life the way I want to. You’ve helped me get on the right track and I can’t thank you enough!