Time to kick off our Focused in 2021 year-long program with Focus on Finance Month! Follow along with our weekly challenges to whip your wallet into shape in no time.
Happy New Year, Freebs! Who else is excited to rock these Focused in 2021 monthly challenges?? We firmly believe that 2021 will be the best year ever!! After the holidays and all the unexpected costs that December brought, we're totally ready to refocus on finances this month.
*Note: When you click the links in this post, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
We've really learned that the frugal mindset! Being financially prepared helps us to not only decrease stress in our lives and accomplish more on a daily basis, but it also allows us to be able to do so much more for others!
So let's get this party started! All month long, we will follow a calendar of weekly challenges to help us reset our budget, save money, spend less, and recover from the holidays.
OPTION 1: SIGN UP FOR OUR FOCUS ON FINANCE MONTH FREE PRINTABLE CALENDAR
Step 1. Print the Focus on Finance Month calendar — if you're not already on the mailing list, SIGN UP to get our January calendar emailed to you. The easiest way to stay updated is to get on the email list and follow along on the blog, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I'll post lots of helpful tips and how-to's there!
Step 2. Follow along! Each week there is a theme to help you focus on your finances. Then of course, we always suggest wrapping up the week with a simple date or family night to help keep you focused on the people who matter most.
Step 3. As always, adapt the calendar to work for your needs so you get the most out of the monthly challenge.
OPTION 2: BUY OUR FOCUSED IN 2021 CALENDAR
We know how important it is to plan ahead! That's why we also offer (while supplies last) a gorgeously-designed print Focused In 2021 calendar you can order and place on your wall! Prefer a digital version? We've got a Google-calendar-friendly add-on, too! Read for more details about our new and improved 2021 Focused In Calendar.
Whether you for our free version or our printed + digital bundle, you're ready for the best year ever! Let's DO this!
HOW TO MAKE THIS FOCUS ON FINANCE CHALLENGE WORK FOR YOU
My goal is to keep the excitement and momentum going for this all year long, and not have it fizzle off like resolutions tend to. My best advice is to find a buddy to do this challenge with!
Whether it's your husband, best friend, sisters, girlfriends, whatever! The buddy system works. You can work on challenges together, talk about how it's going, encourage each other… And let's be honest, it's just more fun with friends!
JANUARY CALENDAR & CHALLENGES
Let's get to the important details! In order to start the year off on the right foot, we're going to set ourselves up for success with some good financial habits! Money is one of the biggest stressors in life, so if we can decrease the stress here, that frees us up to focus on other important goals!
MAKE THIS A CASH ONLY MONTH
For the next 31 days, commit to using CASH ONLY. It helps you to be more mindful about what you're spending, decreases impulse-buys, and trains your brain to set a limit. Since you only have a certain amount to spend each week, choices need to be made to keep from running out of cash too quickly!
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH A CASH ONLY CHALLENGE
First off, decide your budget! Not sure how!?
- Make it tight, make it a challenge! Take what you spend in a month, cut it down by at least 30%, then break it down by week. The goal is to have your BEST YEAR, so it's time to push yourself a bit!
- Decide what your spending budget is for the month, then break it down per WEEK. That's right, per WEEK. Every Monday, head to the ATM or bank and get out your cash for the week. If you try to budget for an entire month, you're most likely going to lose track and run out of steam. 7 days? Piece of cake!
- Grab your 2021 budgeting envelopes and get ready to save some money this month!! If the “cash only” thing is holding you up, you can still use my Envelope Budget System even with a card. It's super simple; it single-handedly got us out of our tough financial crisis!
- Divide up financial responsibilities. Once you have the list of things YOU are in charge of, you can make sure you stay on track.
Pro Tip: Use my budget planner to start your year (and month) right! It contains everything you need to get out of debt!
FOCUS ON FINANCE MONTH WEEKLY CHALLENGES & ACTIVITIES
First up, we have a little mini challenge for you. In addition to finances, get ahead by planning your whole year in advance. Sounds complicated, but we promise it's not! This will set you up for success in every area of your life and will get you on the same page as your sweetie.
JANUARY MONEY DATE
End the first week of the new year with a money date and set some financial goals for the new year. We've got all the best tips on how to hold a money date, and we've got tons of tips for setting financial goals that will help you accomplish whatever you put your mind to this year! Just grab a pen, your partner, your favorite notebook (or Budget Planner), and get to planning!
WEEKLY FINANCE CHALLENGES
As you have your weekly check-in with your spouse or challenge partner, remember, life is all about choices — sometimes giving up the little things is what allows you to achieve great things! Some of these challenges might stretch you, and that's okay! That's when the biggest growth occurs.
FOCUS ON FINANCE – NO EATING OUT WEEK
This week we are saying NO to eating out…of any kind. Coffee, drive-thrus, gas station drinks, lunch money for your kids, ordering a pizza, even bottled water…you name it. Basically, anything you consume this week needs to come from your own house or not at all! GULP! If you do need coffee or a treat, make it! Our banana bread recipe always hits the spot when you want something sweet!
For so many of us, cooking can be hard. Trust me, I know. I’m at the point in my life where cooking is just one more job; one more annoying task at the end of an exhausting day that only leads to lots of “I don’t like this” comments from the kids, and lots of dishes and mess (I am the world’s messiest cook. Like, ever.).
But I also know that when Bubba and I had over $10K on just one credit card, had $0 in savings, and weren’t making enough money to pay the bills some months, the simple act of focusing on our FOOD is one of the largest factors that pulled us out of the hole we were digging and started letting us get ahead in life.
This week we are going to say NO to buying any food, other than groceries! Buy groceries, as usual, sticking within your weekly grocery budget. And remember, only go grocery shopping ONE TIME, no matter what! Use Walmart Grocery Pickup to help stay in budget! If you need bread, make it yourself using our super easy bread recipe! If you need a gallon of milk, try to substitute, or if you must, send your spouse or a friend (someone who will come home with just the one item and nothing extra).
MINI CHALLENGE: FIND 5 THINGS TO SELL
For the mini challenge this week, take a look around your house and see what you have that you are no longer using and sell it online! This reduces clutter around your home and also earns you a few extra bucks toward your financial goals this month #WinWin
FREE DATE NIGHT ON THE TOWN
For date night this week, get creative! You don’t have to go out to eat to have fun! Pack a picnic at home and hit the town for a fun activity. A few of our favorite ideas include hitting up the local library or browsing a bookstore, checking out free community events (read for fun things to do near you), test driving your dream car, window shopping at the mall, or eating samples at Costco — but only if you have enough self-control to not buy anything!
For even more great ideas, check out our post with 18 free out-on-the-town date night ideas!
FOCUS ON FINANCE – SPENDING FREEZE WEEK
Don't panic!! A spending freeze might seem a little scary at first, but once you embrace the challenge, freezes become exciting (almost addicting, even) as you start getting creative and see how many ways you can avoid spending money! Whether you're a spending freeze pro or a newbie, starting TODAY we will spend ZERO DOLLARS for 7 whole days. That’s right, Freebs! ZERO DOLLARS!
Emergencies and bills that can't wait are the only exceptions. And no, “emergency” doesn't mean “oh I forgot to buy a baby shower present,” or “shoot, my son forgot his school lunch,” or “case lot sales are only this week”. I mean actual emergencies!
IF you absolutely cannot start today, then go to the store and pick up just a FEW things you might need to tide you over, then start tomorrow. It's only 7 days, it's not like a zombie apocalypse or something! Maybe milk, or a loaf of bread if you are out. I purposefully didn't want you to have more notice so you wouldn't go crazy at the store buying a whole bunch of stuff beforehand.
In a pinch, do what I try to do and live off of what you have! Shelf cook and make your own meals! Drink water and skip cereal!
WHY YOU SHOULD DO A SPENDING FREEZE
The purpose of a spending freeze is to open our eyes to how many times we spend money on little things we don't need, show us that we can go without, AND of course, help us save a BIG chunk of change in a short amount of time. I will save $350 (my grocery budget + other budget + date night money) in these 7 short days! Think of it as the start of a money-saving challenge and use our free money-saving chart printable to keep up with it!
When the spending freeze is over, take that money and put it into savings or against debt. Don't take what you saved and spend it on what you couldn't during the freeze. If that money isn't being put to good use, your week of no spending is only half useful!
INVENTORY YOUR PANTRY AND FREEZER
One of the hardest things about a spending freeze is making sure you and your family get fed! Take an inventory of what food you have on hand. Dig deep in your pantry and freezer to see what you can find for meals this week. You probably have more to work with than you might think. Then, come up with a meal plan and stick to it!
FREE DATE NIGHT AT HOME
As you continue with the spending freeze theme this week, come up with a crazy fun at-home date night idea that's completely free! Make a treat and play some games or do a puzzle together. Have an outdoor picnic and go stargazing in the backyard (if you're in a Winter Wonderland like we are, bundle up and make my favorite hot cocoa recipe). Grab your kid's nerf guns and have a nerf war!
The ideas are endless, which is why we have a whole post dedicated to fun and free at-home date ideas!!
FOCUS ON FINANCE – SAY NO TO 3 WEEK
You just finished a week-long spending freeze! Way to go, rockstar!! This week, I wanted to give us all a challenge that would piggy-back the last one. To help us avoid the “Wheew! The spending freeze is over, now I can go SHOPPING, baby!”, make-up-for-lost-time, Supermarket Sweep race-to-the-finish shopping spree (remember that show??). Because that kiiiiinda defeats the point of the spending freeze.
So, let's keep working on building our frugal muscles and simply say no to three things that you want to buy, or normally spend money on! Skip, pass, say no, back away slowly. However you do it, just say no three times! You've got this!
Building up your strength to say no can be as simple as putting back an item at the register at the grocery store, asking your family over for dinner versus going to an expensive restaurant, or saying no to the cute household items that you want but don’t need — I’m looking at YOU, Target Dollar Spot!
DIY WHAT YOU MAY NORMALLY SPEND MONEY ON
Try making your own copycat Starbucks recipes if you normally hit up the drive-through. Or your favorite Cafe Rio sweet pork recipe if the urge strikes (and you have the ingredients, of course)! Use our ShelfCooking.com site to find ingredient substitutes when you run out of something versus running to the store for the ingredient you're missing. You'll be amazed at how much money you can save doing this!
FOCUS ON FINANCE – NO WASTING FOOD WEEK
WOW!! It's been a crazy awesome month! To help us go out with a bang, I wanted to end the month with a challenge that is near and dear to my OCD little heart. The goal for this week is simple. Don't waste any food! Take note of what you have in your fridge and cupboards that may be on it's way out and make sure you eat it! Save leftovers and repurpose them the next day!
As my husband could boldly attest, I am absolutely ridiculous about not throwing anything away…especially food! Being wasteful makes me sick to my stomach, literally, I hate it so much.
Thus, over the years I’ve learned to freeze everything and get pretty creative when it comes to finding ways to use and reuse food (cough, cough — just another reason to check out ShelfCooking.com! It's full of tips and tricks on making your food go the extra mile!) Trying to use up all your food rather than tossing it will save you THOUSANDS on your grocery bill.
REPURPOSE YOUR LEFTOVERS NIGHT
This mini challenge is exactly what it sounds like! Pull all the leftovers out of the fridge and serve them up for dinner. If you don't have enough leftovers to fill everyone's tummies, get creative and add something to them! Use these 10 cheap ways to stretch your meal and make the most of your food.
CELEBRATE FOCUS ON FINANCE MONTH!
WE DID IT!!! It's the end of the month! Take note of how much you saved this month and give yourself a big pat on the back! Treat yourself and celebrate with your spouse on a date night and discuss how you can implement some of these habits going forward! Or, even better, talk about what you might put all that money towards. Making plans for the future can be huge motivation!
Don't forget, it’s the slow and steady, simple conscious decisions — not accidental or impulsive ones — that lead us to incredible lives; being able to do more, have more, and live more than you ever thought possible (regardless of how much money you make).
LET BUDGET BOOT CAMP HELP
Hopefully, this month was epic for you, so don't slow down now! If you really want to whip your wallet into shape and be in charge of your finances, check out Budget Boot Camp! I poured my heart and soul into this online video program. These principles are how Bubba and I were able to get out of debt — and they've helped thousands of other families just like you!
Sounds pretty amazing, right?! I know you'll love it so much, I even have a 100% money-back guarantee. Plus, use the code FCFBLOG at checkout to get 10% off and save even more! Why? Just because I love ya! 😉
SHARE YOUR FOCUS ON FINANCE JOURNEY WITH US!
We want to see how you're doing! Post your progress on Instagram and/or Facebook this month using the hashtags #Focusedin2021 and #FocusonFinanceMonth.
Looking for even more focus on finance budgeting posts?!
- Get out of debt in just a few simple steps! Plus, use our free debt tracker!
- Use my best budgeting tips to get your finances in order!
- Stop stressing and learn how to make your variable income work for you!
Can't wait to see how this focus on finance month goes for you. Cheers to 2021!
I need help!!! Can’t wait to try this!
Hi Jordan, for some reason I can’t access any links to your calendar? (both email and website). Maybe i’m accessing the wrong area? I have looked over this page and accessed multiple links indicating where I would find it but no success.
I’m sorry you are having trouble. The calendar should have come in an email.
What’s the link to print the calendar? I couldn’t seem to find it
It is sent to you by email. I hope that helps!
Using cash is good, but I get points when I use my credit card as well as cash back. I pay the full balance very month. By paying cash I’m getting no additional benefit. Your thoughts?
Totally! You will here me rave about the beauty of using cards to earn points for travel in different posts and videos on our site, I do think it’s good to do a detox every once in awhile and be very aware of our spending. 🙂 Find it here.
I am having trouble actually signing up. The captcha says it can’t connect. Is there another way to bypass that?
That’s so strange! Maybe try clearing your cache and try again? If that doesn’t work, email [email protected] and they’ll be able to help you out! 🙂
Can you tell me what CCE sale is?
Hi! Do you mean BBC?? That’s the only acronym I can see on the calendar. It is our Budget Boot Camp. 🙂
Thank you for doing this challenge this year. I am a long time Freeb, and rave about your channel all the time.
What is the “Say no to three”? I understand the other challenges, but this one has me puzzled.
Say no to three things you would normally purchase.
Hi!
When I try to sign up for the program answer is “Did not process request from 95.168.120.144 due to Spam Sources”
How can I apply to challenges?
Tnx!
I’m sorry you are having that issue. I’m not sure how to fix that, perhaps a different browser would work.
I just bought the budget boot camp program. Should I also try and follow your January 2019 calendar and challenges?
It should work together just fine but I would focus on the program first and foremost.
You guys are awesome!!! Can’t wait to learn more from you this year.
Thank you so much!
Didn’t get email with password to watch webnier.
Oh no! Did you get the replay email?
I have my calendar (and I LOVE it so far), but what is “say no to three?” thanks!
Hi! So glad you like the calendar. Say no to three is saying no to three things you would regularly buy. There will be an email with more details 🙂
what is “say no to three” mean?
Say no to three things you would regularly buy.
I’ve discovered your financial plans through YouTube and am really excited to finally find a system that makes sense to my brain. Thank you for the printable envelopes… I’ve managed to print them for my A5 planner and they are perfect. Can’t wait to really use them and stay on track with the budget… instead of winging it like I have been. he he
Well done on your success!
Thank you so much Kate! Welcome!
I am SO excited to find your channel!!! I have 7 kids and I’m trying to get us out of debt so we can be free financially. Thank you so much for all your help and hard work!!!
Hi! I signed up mid month (yesterday actually,) but I am excited and desperate to start this program. My question is, since emails are sent on the first of the month, how can I get the link for the January calendar? Than you
Hi April, you should have received one, send an email on over to [email protected] and request one 🙂
I’m starting a little late, but I’m ready learn and grow. So Excited!!
My wife and I want to get out of debt. I have been following you for some time now and really like what you do. Your attitude is so great! I am pretty good at budgeting but am very interested in your plan. I want to put it to the test.
Thanks for everything you share.
Hi! I actually just found your site 2 days ago and I would LOVE to still try the January challenge if I could. But I would like to also do the February challenge , as well. Am I able to do that?
Thank you!!!
Yes definitely! Just sign up for the challenge and you will get the emails with the calendar. 🙂 https://dw274.infusionsoft.com/app/form/focused-in-19
Hello, I signed up in the beginning of February, thanks so much! I would like to go back and do January ‘s calendar also. Is there a way to access the month I missed?
Thanks for all your inspiring content!
Hi, there should have been a link to the January calendar in the email. Email [email protected], if you can’t find it.
Hi I’ve only just signed up I know a bit behind but I had to get involved! Just wondering what does “say no to three mean”?
Hi! Glad you asked and you are NEVER to late to sign up and join us, we are just getting started! Say no to three is saying no to three things you might typically say yes to. Maybe it’s a tasty beverage on your way to work, maybe it’s lunch with friends, maybe it’s that killer deal on mascara that Ulta just emailed you about. Whatever it is, we are saying no to things we might typically say yes to. Exercising and strengthening our frugal muscles. 🙂
If I just signed up but want this challenge to do in March! Can I still get the calendar?
Yes of course! It will come out at the beginning of the month. 🙂
I’ve discovered your financial plans through YouTube and am really excited to finally find a system that makes sense to my brain. Thank you for the printable envelopes
I love this “Focus On” idea. One of my best tips for saving money is to not eat out as much and then save that money for a vacation!
Okay bad question how do you figure out 70 percent? never was good at math and what if it comes out to what it’s not I keep getting 338 for the out come that’s only leave my husband and I 113 at the most what do I use that for or is that what we pay ourselves? I’m so confused.
Hey Lisa! Check out this post, it should be able to answer any questions that you have: https://funcheaporfree.com/the-70-percent-rule/
Thanks for these printable envelopes. Love the tip of breaking down the monthly budget into weekly ones.
So glad you like them!
I’m so excited for 2020~!
So are we!!! It’s going to be a GREAT year!
Thank you for doing this again! Happy new year
Of course! Happy New Year to you as well! 🙂
Hey Jordan I have signed up for the emails about the January focus on finances about 1 week ago and still haven’t got an email just a little concerned.
Oh no! Check your promotions or spam folders. If it’s not in there, then email [email protected]ee.com and they’ll be able to help you out!
Anxiously waiting for my 2020 calendar in the mail! I have already started some of these habits that I learned from your BUDGET BOOTCAMP Program! It was worth every penny! My husband and I did the program together and we learned SO MUCH! We plan on watching it again! It has already changed our lives! I can’t thank you enough for all that you do and I am proud to be one of your freebs! â¤ï¸
That’s so great to hear! We’re so glad that the program was able to help you and your family, that’s always such an honor to hear when it works for different families in all different situations. Hope you get your calendar soon!!! 🙂
Omg my husband and i need something to seriously change fiancé’s. I was at the point i can no longer life with this drawing from savings (put money in then pull same money out plus some. We started your yearly challenges and we also doing shelf cleaning at moment as well. Our savings account went straight up to we did our weekly check in and we were like where in world did this money come from. THANK YOU SO MUCH
What?!? That’s SO great to hear!!! Sometimes it’s hard, but stick to it and you’ll be amazed at just how far you’ll be able to go with your finances! Good luck and let us know if you have any questions! 🙂
I signed up for the e-mail list but I didn´t receive the free printable 🙁
Oh no! Can you email [email protected]? She’ll be able to help you out! 🙂