Create a $1000 Emergency Fund in 6 Months {Fiscally Fit Series 2015 - Part: 1}

Hello, my favorite readers!

I hope each of you have been enjoying the holiday season. With 2014 coming to a close, I've been taking time to reflect on the past year and look toward 2015.

The new year is just around the corner, and we all know what that means: time to set some goals!

I've come up with a plan for 2015 that is not only AWESOME, but very important as well.

This time of year, people start gearing up to make  all kinds of resolutions and goals happen beginning January 1... Most commonly, physical fitness goals.

Well, I want to make fiscally fit goals... and I want YOU to do this with me!

Throughout the year, we are going to work on improving our financial situations. Some of these goals might be easy for you. Some might be more of a challenge. But I PROMISE that with each goal you complete you are going to feel amazing... and happy... and relieved... and secure... and all things good.

Without further ado, here is our very first Fiscally Fit goal for 2015:

We are going to create a $1000 emergency fund in just 6 months!


































It's going to take about 5 minutes of our time on January 1.

Then, VOILA!!! We don't have to worry about it until July 1.

In 6 months, our first goal will be accomplished.

Sound easy? It is... with a little planning and 5 minutes on your bank's website, you'll be ready to go.

Some of you may already have $1000 extra or more in your checking or savings account with the rest of your money.

Great!

Good for you!

But I would encourage you to put it somewhere on its own. Let it be money that is not "extra" but specifically a "$1000 emergency fund." Or, just get in the mindset that this is not money that you can dip into and then build up again freely. It is for EMERGENCIES only... to be used in times of dire need.


This is not money to be saved up to buy something. It's not to help pay for a family trip. Not to help pay for Christmas. Not to be used as a downpayment on a new car. Strictly for emergencies.

Something like 75% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. That means if the timing belt in your car busts, or you fall and break your leg, or you lose your job, you are left at the mercy of a credit card and crazy interest payments.

Unless... you have an emergency fund.

$1000 may not be enough for some emergencies... but it is a GREAT start, and a million times better than having nothing to fall back on.

If you don't have $1000 lying around to be used specifically for an emergency fund, you can follow my method for building up to it.

You'll need a checking and savings account to do this. If you don't have a savings account, you can easily set one up for free... no fees or strings attached. There are several free savings accounts out there that don't require a minimum opening deposit, and have no fees associated. Some even earn around 1% interest.

I'm going to explain my method, and you can feel free to do it my way, or you are welcome to figure out a way that works better for you. There are no "bad" ways to save $1000.

Here's the plan:

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A CHECKING AND SAVINGS ACCOUNT IN PLACE
Step 1: Log on to your checking account's website.

Step 2: If you have a savings account already, click on the button that says something like, "Payments and Transfers."

Step 3. Schedule a WEEKLY transfer of $38.50 from your checking account to your savings account.

Step 4: DON'T touch this set-up until July 1, 2015! When July 1 rolls around, you can stop the repeating transfer, and either pull out the $1000 to put in a cash emergency fund, keep it in the savings account, or move it to a different fund of your choosing.


IF YOU HAVE A CHECKING ACCOUNT BUT NO SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Step 1: Choose a free savings account with no fees associated. I like Ally, and GE Capital. You can review these banks and others here: Top High Yield Savings Accounts

Step 2: Set up a WEEKLY transfer of $38.50 from your checking account to your new savings account. This may take a few days to process, so if it doesn't work for you starting January 1, don't be discouraged. January 3,4, 5, or much later is fine. Better late than never.

Step 3: DON'T touch this set-up until 6 months have passed! After 6 months, you can stop the repeating transfer, either pull out the $1000 to put in a cash emergency fund, keep it in the savings account, or move it to a different fund.

Are you excited?!

I am!!!

If $38.50 a week seems like a big chunk of change, I understand. It ends up being roughly $167 a month.

Just know that I believe in you.

Get in the right mindset: Think of it as a bill that you MUST pay.

I know you can do this! It doesn't have to be done following my method above. Do what works for you. You can add to your fund ANY time. The important thing is that you just buckle down and do it. You can find a way to make it work:

If you have been given money for Christmas, or if you receive money for your birthday, or if you get a return on your taxes, use it for the emergency fund. Friends and family who gave you money or gift cards will understand that a $1000 emergency fund is a worthy use of their gift money/gift cards.

Drop your cable for 6 months, Get a cheaper phone plan, get a slower internet connection, sell stuff you don't need, sell retail gift cards for cash, skip eating out a couple times a month, hold off on buying that new pair of shoes, or that dress, or that iPhone, or that tablet, or wait till that movie you want to see comes out on Redbox... those things can wait 6 months, and we are going to MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

Because it's important. Life is full of surprises. Even unpleasant financial ones.

Peace of mind isn't something that can be bought in an instant... but you can save up for it. (Yeah, I made that up myself... clever, right?)

So, let's kick the New Year off right!

We are going to become Fiscally Fit in 2015, and we're going to start on January 1 by getting our $1000 emergency funds in order.

What do you think? I'd love to hear more strategies, so we can help each other out!

Good luck, everyone!

Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies

These cookies just scream, "CHRISTMAS!! EAT ME!! CHRISTMAS!! NOMNOMNOM!!"

Right? Riiiiiight??

I mean, chocolate... peppermint... cookies... It doesn't get much Christmasier than that. (Yes, I totally made up the word, "Christmasier.")

This time of year I'm a complete sucker for all things chocolate and peppermint flavored:

Chocolate peppermint hot cocoa
Chocolate peppermint candy
Chocolate peppermint cupcakes
Chocolate peppermint fudge
Chocolate peppermint-covered nuts
Chocolate fudge-covered peppermint ice-cream
Chocolate peppermint chicken

(Just checking you're paying attention...)

And THESE:

Chocolate peppermint crunch cookies.

My kids (especially my little 5-year old daughter) absolutely devour these cookies. In fact, the only trouble I have with this tasty treat is making it last longer than a couple days.

The cookies combine a significant amount of cocoa with smooth and crunchy peppermint baking chips (thank you Andes for being so stinking brilliant!) making a rich, delicious, and refreshing dessert!

If you're in need of an easy homemade treat for your Christmas goody plates, look no further: These cookies are easy-peasy, and the recipe makes a ton! Your friends, family, and neighbors will thank you.

Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies
Printable Version


INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1(10 oz.) pkg. peppermint crunch baking chips


DIRECTIONS
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter. Add the sugars and cream with the butter. Mix in the eggs until completely incorporated. Pour the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda into the bowl. Mix all together until the consistency is even. Add the peppermint chips. Stir to combine.

Drop by tablespoon onto an engrossed baking sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes. Do not over-bake! These should be soft and chewy when completely cooled, and not crunchy.

Store in an airtight container.

10-Minute Playdough {Quick Easy Kid Gift - $0.17 each}

 $1.36 per recipe          $0.17 each          81% savings

No matter how many times I squish my fingers into playdough, it never seems to lose its magic. My kids (and most other children) just love this stuff!

This play-time staple from my childhood is still extremely popular among our little friends... Okay, and maybe some not-so-grown-up adults like me. But seriously, how can anyone resist sinking their fingers into the soft, moldable stuff and rolling out a snake or two?

It's really easy to pop into the store and pick up canisters of the stuff.

It's almost as easy, a lot cheaper, and WAY more fun to make your own with ingredients you already have on hand... especially when you let your kids help.

We made a batch recently, and I'm not kidding when I say that my kids have been playing with it for HOURS on end for DAYS.

Double-win!

I realize that there are a million other playdough recipes out there, and it's likely that mine resembles some of the others.

But let me be upfront about something:

THIS PLAYDOUGH IS "EDIBLE," BUT  IS NOT MADE OF PEANUT BUTTER AND SUGAR... OR IN ANY WAY TASTY TO KIDS!!!

I've seen several recipes for "edible" playdough, that kids can eat.

I try to keep an open mind... but WHY? I understand that parents are concerned about kids eating something toxic, but seriously... You can make super disgusting playdough that is completely safe and uses much less expensive ingredients than peanut butter and powdered sugar.

I don't want my kids to eat the playdough.

I want them to play with it.

Is that so wrong?

But if my 1-year old happens to pick up a crumb that fell off the counter, and sticks it in his mouth, he's going to be just fine. In fact, he'll probably spit it out cause it's so gross.

All that said... to each their own.

This homemade playdough makes a great gift for kids. You might give it for:

Christmas gifts to friends
Birthday parties/favors
Valentine's Day
Children's church groups
Stocking stuffers
Halloween
and many other occasions...

Ready to roll up your sleeves for some serious fun? Here's how we do it:

 Add boiling water and oil to a pot or mixing bowl with the dry ingredients already sifted together, and stir till a rough ball is formed.

 Dump your ball of dough on a clean surface to cool a little.

 Once you can handle the dough without sustaining 3rd degree burns, knead the dough until smooth. That's it! You're done! Unless you want colors... Then...

 Roll the ball into a long "snake."

 Cut into 8 (or desired number) sections.

 Get your food coloring out...

 Stick your finger down into the ball of dough. Add 3 drops of color.

 Pinch the opening closed.

 Knead until the color is evenly distributed. 

Voila!!! Perfect playdough. Time to play!

If you made it through all those photos... thanks for taking the time! If not, not big deal. The recipe for my family's playdough is below. I really hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

10-Minute Playdough
Printable Version

*Makes 8 Play-doh canister-sized balls.


INGREDIENTS
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 Tbsp. cream of tartar
2 cups boiling water
2 Tbsp. oil


DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients.

Add two cups of water to a microwave-safe container. Microwave to 2 minutes on high (or until it comes to a rapid boil).

Pour the boiling water and oil over the dry ingredients. Stir to combine. Dough will be lumpy. Allow to cool till it's not so hot you can't knead it with you hands. When the dough is still quite warm, knead it until smooth.

*OPTIONAL:

*If you want to color the playdough, or divide it into 8 individual balls, roll it into a long rope on a clean surface. Use a butter knife, or pizza cutter to cut the dough into desired sizes.

** To color the 8 sections of play dough, press your finger into the middle of each ball. Drop 3 drops of food coloring in the hole. Use your hands to knead the dough until the coloring is even throughout.



Cost Breakdown:
2 1/4 cup flour = $0.18
1/2 cup salt = $0.07
1/2 Tbsp. cream of tartar = $0.38
2 Tbsp. oil = $0.05
24 drops food coloring = $0.68

Total = $1.36
Cost per individual ball = $0.17

Play-doh canister (single) = $0.88

Savings = 81%

Broccoli Cheddar Soup ($0.45 per cup) ~ And my child hates Santa

$4.07 per recipe          $0.45 per cup          19% savings

I love broccoli.

I love cheese.

Put the two together, and I am one happy momma.

But before I get too far into this yummy recipe, I have to show you a photo of my munchkins from Saturday...

I die.

My little two-year old was screaming from the instant she landed on Santa's knee, and my littlest baby had the cutest pouty face... 

I can't wait till they are old enough to be embarrassed... I JUST CAN'T WAIT! 

(I don't understand the blue lips though... I think photo printer had some issues. It wasn't that cold. And I don't feed my baby Fun Dip.)

But seriously, Santa and Mrs. Claus were the best! They handled my less-than impressed children with their own smiles and laughter. 

Thanks, Santa and Mrs. C!

Now, for the deliciousness in the photo above:

I'm sure that a variation of broccoli cheese soup has been consumed by nearly every household in this country, and for good reason. It's awesome stuff!

And I just happen to love it.

This recipe calls for a boatload of fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese, and it totally hits the spot on evenings when the weather has turned chill. Serve it with a loaf of crusty bread, and you've got it made!

It takes very little time to make, uses simple ingredients, and tastes infinitely better than the canned stuff. You'll notice from the numbers above, that making your own at home doesn't cost much less than buying it in a can. Let me just say... this soup has fresh broccoli and real cheese... not broccoli that has a 3 year shelf life, or "enzyme modified cheese" Who's idea was it to stick broccoli and cheese in a can?? They need their head examined.)

The real deal is worth your time to make. Enjoy!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Printable Version

*Makes approx. 9 cups


INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup butter
1 small onion, diced
1/4 cup flour
3 cups chicken broth (homemade here)
1 (12 oz) can fat free evaporated milk
(*you can make evaporated milk MUCH cheaper by mixing together 3/4 cup water with 2/3 cup non-fat dry milk, which is what I do.)
1 cup skim milk
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
4 cups broccoli, chopped and cooked
1 tsp. salt, to taste
1/4 tsp. pepper

DIRECTIONS
In a large pot, over medium heat, cook the diced onion in the butter. Add the flour to make a rue.

When flour is completely incorporated and wet, turn the heat to medium-low, and add the chicken broth, skim milk, and evaporated milk. Use a whisk to distribute the flour mixture, until evenly incorporated with the liquid.

Turn the heat to low, and add the cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until smooth. Add the cooked broccoli.  Stir, and cook an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and serve with a loaf of crusty bread.




COST BREAKDOWN:
1/4 cup butter - $0.38
1 small onion - $0.30
1/4 cup flour - $0.02
3 cups homemade chicken stock - $0.87
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk - $0.72 or homemade using dry milk and water - $0.48
1 cup skim milk - $0.16
1 1/2 cup grated cheese - $0.87
4 cups broccoli - $0.99

Total Cost = $4.07
Cost per Cup = $0.45

COMPARISON:
Bear Creek Dry Soup Mix - Broccoli Cheddar Soup (makes 8 cups) = $3.33 
Cost per Cup = $0.55

Savings: 19%

Sriracha Noodles {15-Minute Meal = $0.79}

$1.57 per recipe          $0.79 per serving          84% savings

Confession:

I have a thing for Thai food.

Nay...

I have a BIG MONSTER CRUSH on Thai food.

It is, without a doubt, my favorite ethnic cuisine, hands down, bar-none, forever and ever, amen. 

There's something about the combination of the heat, the spices, the deep flavors, and basically ALL the ingredients in Thai food that resonates with my palate.

Give me a pineapple or paanang curry, pad see ew, or pad kee mao any day over just about any other meal, and I'm one happy camper.

My young children aren't quite so "sophistated" in their tastes yet. So, this stuff is mainly for me and my man to enjoy. And trust me... we enjoy it plenty!

My love affair with Thai food can be problematic at times...

One evening, I had a pretty major craving for some Thai cuisine, but the kidlets were all in bed, and my husband was working late. There are no Thai restaurants that deliver near me. Those issues, and the fact that it was the middle of the week... not even a date night, or other special occasion, meant that I couldn't justify my desire to buy Thai take-out. 

In desperation mode, I raided my fridge and panty. I didn't need anything fancy... just a Thai flavor profile, and a few key ingredients to satisfy my tummy.

I pulled from my arsenal of ingredients a few remaining rice noodles, an egg, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, brown sugar, a small onion, vegetable oil, and red pepper flakes. I found a few straggling cashews that looked lonely and decided to add them to the mix. Sadly, so cilantro was to be found... and I was saving the veggies for other recipes.

15 minutes later, I was enjoying the fruits of my labor. The heat was just right, the flavor simple, rich, slightly sweet, and so delicious... I was in heaven. Next time, I'll be adding a boat-load of veggies and doubling the sauce to accommodate them.

This humble (and versatile... add meat, veggies etc.) Thai dish will undoubtedly become my late-night go-to meal. 

... And maybe my go-to lunch.

... And perhaps my go-to mid-afternoon snack.

... I better stop there. (No sense admitting I'd eat it for breakfast too. You'd all think I was a looney.)

Sriracha Noodles

Printable Version

Serves 2

(Note: These noodles are pretty spicy... but not unmanageable. You will not have a burning mouth or anything. To my way of thinking, they are just right.)


INGREDIENTS
4 oz. rice noodles (or fettuccine if you are desperate)
1 Tbsp. oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 large egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp. Sriracha sauce
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

*opt garnish: chopped cilantro, cashews, peanuts, sliced scallions


DIRECTIONS
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice noodles, and allow to boil for 7 minutes.

While heating the water, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, and red pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

In a large skillet, bring the oil to medium heat. Add the onion, and cook until it starts to turn translucent. Add the beaten egg, stirring gently till cooked. Remove from heat.

When the noodles are done, drain the water, and add them to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the noodles. Return the skillet to the stovetop, and heat on low until the noodles are coated with sauce, and the sauce thickens.

Add cilantro, cashew, scallion, or peanut garnish if desired.


COST BREAKDOWN:
4 oz. rice noodles - $1.15
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil - $0.03
1/2 small onion - $0.14
1 large egg - $0.15
1 Tbsp. brown sugar - $0.02
1 1/2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce - $0.03
2 tsp. sriracha sauce - $0.03
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes - $0.02

Total = $1.57
Cost per serving = $0.79

Thai Kitchen Spicy Rice Noodles (microwavable bowl) = $2.42

Savings = 84%