Well, here we go. It’s my first time contributing a post to the Saturday Savers Club (SSC). Dragging my feet into this aspect of the cryptoverse simply because I don’t understand it all that well... But give me time! I suppose this is what brought me to SSC in the first place. (As well as a friendly prompt from 
Last weekend 
| Objective | Project | Goal | CB 02.24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | HBD | 100 | 16.592 HBD |
| Secondary | EDSD | 100 | 2.000 (0.63655$) |
Earnings from posts will play a significant role in advancing my savings objectives – especially when allocated wisely towards HBD and EDSD investments. Until I’m more familiar with cryptocurrency, I’ll rely on the earnings I make this way – having initially set up profits made to split evenly between 50% HBD and 50% HP. As advised, I believe my HP will contribute to steadily enhance my stake on the Hive blockchain, accruing its own returns. Meanwhile, the HBD portion is earmarked for various other savings and investment avenues within this community.
Financial objectives
The reason why I opted for EDSD... well, you have to start somewhere. Having practiced my due diligence and read up on the variety of tokens one can invest in here, I gave the 
(Please correct me if my summary is wrong!) But, basically, from what I understand, EDS tokens are HIVE income tokens distributed weekly, granting dividends every Monday based on 12% of the total power-up balance of the
Having experimented with exchanging HBD for EDSD, I think the process is fairly straightforward. New EDSD tokens can be minted through owning and staking HBD to 
- Enter HIVE wallet and transfer HBD to "eds-d"
- Code behind it will convert to EDSD
- Deposits into Hive Engine wallet - best viewed with TribalDex
Based off reviews covered in the posts of other SSC community members, and feedback from new friends on the Hive Blockchain, I believe I’d like to focus on securing EDSD alongside HBD at present. Should the climate shift, or if my understanding of the cryptoverse encourages me to invest elsewhere, then so be it! But presently I feel... quite confident... in putting my stakes on EDSD. And I guess we’ll see where this journey takes me!
February is a "No-Buy“ month
This idea appealed greatly to me! If you’re new to the “No-Buy” idea I suggest you read the following post, which introduces the theme to SCC.
I think “No-Buy” presents an excellent opportunity to reassess spending habits in order to boost your savings. I’ve been applying the concept to my daily routine – which means actively tailoring my preferences, like buying in season, bringing in lunch, and refusing store-bought cappuccinos. The idea has also encouraged me to commit to larger goals over longer periods. While the term "No-Buy" might seem extreme, I find it encourages a heightened awareness of one's expenses and strategies for reduction, allowing essential purchases to take priority - while actively curbing unnecessary spending.
The artwork here depicts rubbed, crushed coloured pastel on paper. Artist Do Ho Suh took the impression of every surface of his New York apartment, finishing the project in 2016 after his landlord had passed away. His aim was to show the traces of each occupant, accrued over time. I felt it was appropriate to include this here... because I'm more comfortable talking about art and culture than finances, haha. But also because I have made a dreadful habit out of having to relate absolutely everything to allegory (I genuinely can't help myself). So, just as Suh carefully preserved the traces of his living space, I've come to appreciate that saving enables one to preserve financial stability… in order to build a more secure future. If that makes sense. By setting aside funds for emergencies, investments, and long-term goals, one can create a financial palimpsest (like these paper casts) that reflect commitment to prosperity and resilience against life's uncertainties.
Tips for saving
Budgeting: I have spent the last three months actively budgeting my earnings using YNAB. "The YNAB method is a proactive, flexible, and empowering system that shows your money who's boss (hint: it's you)". And it's true! Your spendings are entirely in your control. I think, over time, I’ll also come to appreciate being in SCC and receiving daily reminders that essential expenses should be prioritised. Whist allocating a fund for occasional treats... chocolate, events, books (– or, perhaps, purchasing tokens –) are not essential but nice to have when there’s excess in the bank.
Cost-free alternatives: Activities spent outdoors have become a very popular pastime/pursuit of mine… when the weather’s bearable - haha. (As they say in Scotland, it's presently "pure mince".) But getting outdoors to experience new sites, scenes... we shouldn't take that luxury for granted. (After January’s splash on bike accessories, my bank account might be giving me the silent treatment, but my explorations on two wheels around Edinburgh are an absolute dopamine hit.)
Travel and tourism: Investing in a Ridacard has so far saved me £6 this month on communing costs for work - as well as the added bonus of travelling for free on the weekends. This, alongside my ASVA pass, grants ticketless access to listed historic sites. The cost of activities accumulated this month alone would have surpassed £60 for weekend travel costs, Rosslyn and Holyrood . The long-term benefits of access cards like these far outweigh the short-.
Cutting waste: I am dismayed to find myself continually discarding expired items in the fridge due to neglecting proper rotation. Implementing a structured budget for the “No-Buy” period, has helped to cultivate mindful spending habits when it comes to food and household products. I intend on this awareness leading to some savings by the end of this month – and significant savings by the end of the year. Curbing wastefulness in place of more conscious spending is a constant, strained, but ever-so-slowly ebbing battle within myself.
Finally, inspired by a recent post in #LeoFinance by 
MY GOAL: Save 50% of normal monthly expenses.
Goal: Save £1,000.00
Actual Amount: Saved $TBD
FEBRUARY EXPENSES:
•Monthly bills
•Food – shop twice a week. Pastas, dairy, bread, and fresh produce ONLY
•Toiletries and housekeeping
•Memberships
•Regular misc. (Spotify, GiffGaff, contact lenses, Adobe etc.)
Additional February costs
•Work-related Conference in the Netherlands
•Essential repairs or replacements – bike, shoes (the holey boots really have to go)
NO-BUY ITEMS:
The items below I feel that I can definitely do without for a month.
•No financial or crypto investment
•No shop-bought non-essential sweets or other treats
•No new clothing
•No travelling (unless work-related)
•No household items
•No subscriptions
•No paid events – free music at the local pub will do
I guess I'll round it up now. Thus ends my more official, detailed budget plan. Does this pass as a worthy introductory post for SCC...?
A little late to the game but armed with a hard-earned, steadily-growing knowledge of the Hive Blockchain and its cryptoverse... and a basic inventory of essential items.
I'm prepared to embark on my February “No-Buy” Month.
Bring it on!
Disclaimer
Blogger: 
Photographs: unless otherwise noted, all images were taken by me with an iPhone 8.