So I am interested in investing, although I know nothing about how, when, what, etc. I have heard people talk about Sharebuilder at ING. Anyone have an opinion on it or know how it works? I have a 401K, but of course I don't do many changes to it. I am also looking for minimum investment. The floor is open people.....give me your thoughts!

Last night I was finally able to cook a meal. It was nice. The kitchen is still a mess, but I can function. I've noticed that I am unpacking very slowly....

Then I bought new towels. Did we need new towels....not necessarily. But I did it. And I bought nice Eqyptian Cotton ones. Was that necessary....no. But I would like to think that they will last longer.

Oh....and we bought a POS system for our store. We were quoted $3100.00 for a new one with the operating computer. I found one that is a little over a year old with the computer and everything else, plus a label printer for $800.00!!!! Super excited about that.

But I've got to stay away from the spending.

At this time in my life, I am having a hard time being frugal. We have this house, which has had many needed repairs. Husband broke the toilet, plumbing to dishwasher is wrong, damaged boards, 2 rooms of new carpet, etc. Although nothing major, $30.00 here, $50.00 there, $500.00 here.....it adds up. Then we also have our new business. Although we are trying to be dollar wise on equipment and displays and things like that, it adds up too. I did manage to find a lot of displays, our counters, and some other useful things at an office supply store that was going out of business. So we only paid $160.00 for everything! But I don't know how to save right now! I can't cook because our kitchen has been under repair...so we are eating out A LOT. I have to buy the stuff to repair the house. We have to buy stuff for the store, so we can have money coming in. So all I know to do is sit at home and unpack and only leave for work!

2 things have been on my mind in regards to produce. I know this doesn't sound like a financial issue, but it is. Last weekend at our new house, while walking in the front yard, I discovered turnips. Just right there next to our porch....lots of them. And it got me thinking. 1 - Can I eat these? and 2 - That means the soil must be good for growing...unless turnips are just easy to grow. So potentially I could have a pretty good garden and save money on produce at the store!

The other thing that was brought to our attention is becoming a garlic farmer/producer. It just requires 1 acre of land, but I don't know all the rules and other requirements. I am sure there is insurance and equipment and blah blah blah. But apparently there is some good money it. Maybe I could go from an accountant to a garlic farmer.

I am back after a hiatus. A lot has happened. We bought a house. My husband quit his job and is opening a business. And we survived the holidays. But I have a lot to think about.

So we bought a house in the country. And when I say country I mean OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS, NO SUBDIVISION, NO STORE FOR 15-20 MILES COUNTRY. And although the new house will cut my commute down about 15-20 minutes, I think I will have to think about my processes and thought paths. Now I can't run down to the store for mile or trashbags! The store is only 15-20 minutes away, but its still not as close as it was. On a positive note, at least I can't just run up the street and do impulse shopping anymore!

2nd thing - Husband and New Business
I have the most faith in my husband, but I have to admit that it is scary. Its scary to go from financially secure to "hold on to your pants." But we do have the seed money for the store and money for our household expenses until the store is going. Hopefully we will be open next week!

But hopefully I can make some progress on paying off the debt and pursuing dreams and goals of my own. I am looking into ways to cut bills, coupon, and just live a more simple life. Can't wait.

I'm back from a hiatus. Lots has happened. We bought a house....just finished moving in last night! My husband quit his job and is opening a business. And we survived the holidays. But the move has caused me to start thinking.

The house we bought is in the country. And when I say country, I mean OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS, NO SUBDIVISION, NO STORE FOR 20 MILES COUNTRY. Although it does make my commute to work 15-20 minutes less, I am thinking about how I will have to change my processes and thinking. I can't go down the street to grab milk or trashbags! And although the store is only 20 minutes away, I may have to have more things on hand. So I think I need to change how I look at things. But a positive thing...no more random trips to the store for impulse shopping!!!

2nd thing....Husband and New Business. What a leap! I have the most faith in my husband, but I have to admit that it is scary. We have the seed money, plus some money built up for our household expenses until the store is going...which is hopefully next week. But going from financial security to "hold on to your pants" is a little overwhelming.

But hopefully I can now make progress on paying off the debt and pursue some other goals and dreams of mine.