I started the job I have now a little over 4 years ago. Although I do accounting, I work in the oil & gas industry which was BOOMING 4 years ago. I didn't realize how overly good I had it back then, and I wish I would have been smarter back then. We used to get paid for 5 hours of overtime every week...we didn't have to work 5 hours extra, we just got paid for it!!!! During that boom, I should have been socking that money away or paying off debt, instead of increasing my expenses. I still love my job. We don't have that perk anymore, but it has so many others. But I wish I would have been a little wiser 4 years ago. Amazing how much you can grow in 4 years and how your priorities change.

So I was on Dave Ramsey's website the other day, and I realized that they are giving away at least $1000.00 a day in a Home Improvement Giveaway. After taxes, its not a huge chunk of change, but it would would help towards our siding!!! And what do I have to lose? So show me the money Dave Ramsey....show me the money.

My work started a 401K program a little over a year ago. The only issue is that they do no match or make any contribution. It is just a way for us to do it on our own through them. I do not contribute very much because its just me socking money away. So I'm wondering if I should up my percentage or should I consider other options?

So glad I have a long weekend coming up. I'm actually off Friday - Monday. Eventhough its a long weekend, I am hoping I can spend as little as possible. Saturday we are going to a event to promote the business. One of our vendors provided us with free tickets and passes, so we are only out gas and food. Plus it will be a great way to reach new customers. My in-laws are coming next weekend, so this will be a great opportunity to finish getting my house in shape. Maybe if I'm busy cleaning I won't spend money.

As a side note...with the Texas heat coming, I decided I really want to buy an above ground pool. So if I want it, I have to find extra money to pay for it. Its a want...not a necessity, but it would be a great summer activity for me, the husband, and the step daughter that we wouldn't have to pay much to enjoy. Part of me says...use that money and put it towards debt. Ugh....torn.

Well...although my weekend wasn't as productive as I wanted it to be it was productive. I am finally done unpacking (Only took me 3 months....Jeez!). I went through each room and worked on everything. Got my office almost completely organized. All I have left is to redo my files and finish my laundry room. Then I can try to do my secondary goal of redoing my budget. So I'm still trucking.

I had a little extra money this last week, so I paid it toward my 3 credit cards. It wasn't a lot, but every little bit helps, right?

Have you ever been so flooded with thoughts that you can't stay focused? That's how I am feeling right now. Thinking about our business, the house, finances, life in general, things I want to do, things I wish I could buy.... (sigh)
I am off Friday from work so I am planning on doing as much around the house as possible and just GET IT DONE. Saturday I have to go to our shop and work, but then I am going to redo my budget and try to get to where I have nothing to do on Sunday.
Starting couch to 5K too and doing yoga once a week. Maybe the exercise will help me. A friend suggested I try to get some outside time - no cell phone/no computer/ no TV - to try to "center myself."

Positive note - the business turned a profit for April! Made me breathe a little easier.

When I first started blogging I wondered if financial habits were "hereditary." My mom has never been the best picture of financial fitness. But as the year has passed I have started to look at not only my mom, but other relatives and even friends. My father's family has always lived within their means and had money to show for it. They all owned properties or companies and had healthy savings. My mother, like I've said before, has no savings or home and is a spender. Her brothers, are the same way only worse. And recently I watched a friend take money out of retirement to pay bills and buy a car. So now her retirement is less, plus they will have to pay taxes, and I'm not if it solved the problem. Basically I am just trying to take pieces from all of these examples and realize that I can be like my father's family if I try. And I don't honestly feel like I have really been trying. Just going through the motions.

Lately with our heavy upward swing in expenses I was glad to see some small victories. I got my $50 bonus on my new Sharebuilder account. Eventhough I can't withdraw it right now at least I know I have it. I also got news from my work that my medical insurance is going down! Since my husband started his own business we had to take insurance from my work. (Which I am thankful we can.) But it is going down $40 a week!!! So hopefully I can work that into debt repayment. And finally, I was able to start paying my husband a salary from the new business. So our funds won't be depleting anymore. (And yes our business funds are kept COMPLETELY separate from our household funds)

So small victories but I can't help but have a smile on my face.