Hey, friend! So, you wanna save $10,000 in a year? Ambitious, I like it! Let’s be real, it’s totally doable, but it takes some serious planning and maybe a little bit of sacrifice (pizza night, anyone?).

First things first, let’s figure out where your money is going. I know, I know, it’s not fun, but it’s necessary. Download a budgeting app (Mint, YNAB, Personal Capital – pick your fighter!), or just grab a notebook and track your spending for a month. You'll be surprised (and maybe slightly horrified) at where your cash is disappearing to. Seriously, I had NO IDEA how much I was spending on coffee until I started tracking it. It was insane!

Once you know where your money’s going, you can start cutting back. This is where the tough choices come in. Do you really need that daily latte? Could you switch to a cheaper grocery store? Could you cut back on eating out? These little changes add up FAST. I'm talking hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars a year.

Next up: increasing your income. This could mean anything from picking up a side hustle (think freelance writing, dog walking, or driving for Uber) to negotiating a raise at your current job. Been there, done that – negotiating a raise is nerve-wracking, but it's worth it! Just do your research and know your worth.

Now, let's talk about saving. Automate your savings! Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account each month. Even $100 a month adds up, you know? And try to boost that amount whenever possible. Think about it as paying yourself first. You deserve it!

Other things to consider: selling unused stuff on eBay or Craigslist, finding cheaper ways to entertain yourself (hello, free parks and hikes!), and taking advantage of any employer matching programs for your 401k. You're leaving free money on the table if you aren't!

I know, this all sounds like a lot of work, but trust me, it’s worth it. Saving $10,000 in a year is a HUGE accomplishment, and it’ll give you so much financial freedom. Plus, imagine all the things you can do with that money! A down payment on a house? A dream vacation? A new car? The possibilities are endless!

Have you tried any of these strategies? Would love to hear your take!