This is where I will keep my journal, keep track of my expenses and other goals. At first, it might be about rather 'simple' goals without much financial 'math'. However, as I progress and once I 'actually' start working (full-time), I hope this journal progresses as well.
But first things first; the bare basics:
First of all, I am not a real big earner. Not at all.
I am still a student and at the moment I am happy with every single penny (Euro, whatever) I can save with my part-time job(s). As such, this journal will be mostly about reducing expenses wherever possible. Also, I am looking to increase my (financial) knowledge, improve my health and overall ability to ‘make it on my own my own’ (DIY-skills, survival, changing my mind-set and so on).
Of course, I will try to look for ways to earn more and I will not be one to pass on an opportunity to earn more. However, during my study I do not expect to earn much more than I currently do, working 10-20 hours a week.
I no longer need to support my family with some extra money, which will hopefully help me to ‘steady’ my finances more.
The Situation (finances and living):
I currently live together with my partner in a 3-room apartment (kitchen-living room, bedroom, study/work-room). We share the rent and other living costs on a 1:2 ratio (somewhat similar our salary ratio, he works as a risk-manager). We share the grocery expenses on a 1:1 basis, just because.
I have a separate account on which I saved money for my study (fees, books and what-not) and currently have 3000 Euros in savings. The tuition fee for coming year has been paid already.
Other than for tracking my finances, I wish to use this journal to track my other goals and endeavors. I am aware that such goals might not be of interest to everyone here (then again, neither are my finances, I am sure
) – but for me, these goals have everything to do with ERE.These goals all fall within the broad categories of self-reliance, health and knowledge. I am pretty certain that some of my goals might not fit into just one category but I will try to stick to these categories to the best of my ability nonetheless.
Self –reliance/ Knowledge:
I think ‘knowledge’ and ‘self-reliance’ are seriously intertwined here. Heck, everything could be put under ‘self-reliance’ in a way, since that is part of what ERE is about: (financial) freedom.
Regardless: I want to improve my DIY skills and self-reliance. Whether through more simple things are cooking more meals more scratch and improving those skills to growing (more) vegetables, herbs and what-not myself.
I have tons of things and skills I want to do and (re)learn. So I need to make a plan first.
At this moment I am growing some herbs myself (basil, thyme, mint) and am experimenting with some veggies (jalapeno peppers and an odd experiment with bell peppers/ paprika which resulted in two plants with a cute little paprika). I am looking to improve the amount of food grown (most notably the herbs), but have limited space. I have my window-sills (lots of sun!) and my extremely humble balcony (1m2-ish?). I might be able to start gardening in the garden of a friend of us, who never bothered to do anything with his garden.
I also want to improve on my cooking skills. Make more with less and so on. Learn how to preserve food in various ways.
Experiment with DIY-shampoo and laundry-detergent.
Learn how to fix more things myself (again) and perhaps pick up a more serious craft and make some extra money on the side (even if it’s just a little).
And that’s probably just the tip of the iceberg. So, I need a plan.
For what it’s worth: I have already made a reading list and will pick at least 2 books which I plan to read every month. These books deal mostly with financial knowledge and changing your mindset – occasionally touching on other subjects as well (perma-culture, etc.) ‘Said list will be put in a separate post.
Health:
I wish to improve my health. The past couple of years have been rather stressful and I have gained the (un)necessary weight as a result of it. I have been working since December last year on my weight, but only got ‘really serious’ (watching my both my food and exercises) about it since four months or so.
I am 1m78 and weigh 83 kilo’s at the moment. I have lost 10kgs since December and am looking to lose another 8-13 kg. Mainly, I look to improve my overall fitness and health – also because of my asthma. So if I would weigh 80kgs with a much lower fat% and having a much better overall physical condition, I would be perfectly fine with that.
I go to the gym about 3 times a week. I do fitness/ weight-lifting for about 45mins to an hour, followed by interval cardio for 20-30 minutes. Warm-up and cooling-down are not included. If I can manage to go an extra day, I will usually do interval cardio (HIIT) for 30 mins or do a spinning class.
I have been tracking my weight, fat% and waist for at least two months now. I might add 'em in later for personal reference and additional motivation.
TLDR; Student, low-income.
Mostly looking to reduce expenses and become more self-reliant and knowledgeable in general (DIY, financial, etc.).
Will use this journal as a tracker for goals in these various areas.
Well, that was pretty much it. If you have any questions, suggestions and what-not, please ask and comment away. I am here to learn after all!
) study are not included on this list. 
