Last month, I posted about how Andy and I had decided to split the responsibilities for our goals. The idea is that by splitting who was soley responsible for our success in each of two areas, we’d increase our accountability. Each month I’ll be checking in with an update until we reach or change our goals!

Let’s see how we did this past month.

The Goals

We have two major goals. Of course, there are other goals besides these two but we’re focusing in on two since there are two of us. Once we get these under control we can expand onto the others. Each of us is in charge of a different thing. I’m responsible for the healthy eating. He’s responsible for the budget.

The rules are simple. If we want to spend money, he’s responsible for being the bad guy ALL THE TIME. If he wants to go out to eat or buy junk food at the grocery store, I’m the bad guy ALL THE TIME. There is to be no argument. If I say no, he can’t argue. If he says no, I can’t argue. Of course, there is a little room for debate sometimes. If either of us can make a reasonable justification, the other is allowed to either agree or put their foot down. If they put their foot down, then the discussion is closed.

The Successes

Well, the last month has been a success in the financial department.

We increased our debt by getting a loan to repair our roof and fix our windows. But we also paid off our car and my last student loan. We’ll pay it all off faster than we would’ve paid off the original car loan by itself. So all in all, we increased the debt but it was a smarter move. Andy completely took the lead on it, with some input from me, since he’s responsible for the financial goals.

We continued to contribute to our savings this month and pulled nothing out.

Our Christmas budget stayed on track, aside from a little extra spent for a special gift for my uncle and my parents.

Andy also picked up a few extra shifts at work so we can pay extra onto our loan to pay it down quicker.

Financially, we’re doing good! Next month, I think I might increase the amount I’m contributing to my 401k. Andy also plans on buckling down more on how much extra we spend that doesn’t fall into one of our funds. The goal is to pay off the 36 month loan WAY faster than 36 months!

We’ve also done well in restricting a few of the unhealthy habits we had in the weight loss department. W’ve stopped drinking soda as much as we were. It’s now only allowed once a week. Andy is also restricting his alcohol drinks to once drink per week. Not that he drank a lot, but it was more than necessary and contributing to his weight gain.

The Failures

We have not done great all around in the weight loss department. We’ve both been hitting our goals, which is great, but it’s been by ounces. Not pounds.

We’ve also been a little loose a few times with the snacks. I have a terrible habit of eating ice cream or chips after a bad day. Lately, I’ve had a few of those. I’ve been really good about not giving in every day, but I have a few times.

Going forward, I’m going to be more committed to not bringing junkfood into our house. I have to keep up with my end of the bargain.

Specific Goals for next Month

For next month, we’re setting some specific goals. I think it will help us keep focused.

Financial goals: Increase my 401k contribution, set aside half of the money we receive for Christmas and birthday for paying off the loan

Weight Loss goals: Stick to one soda per week, lose at least 3 lbs each.

What goals are you working towards? Have you tried splitting the responsibilites for them with your spouse? Did it help? 

-To your Better Life-

Kira