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.

Money is all I can think about lately. I need money to work on our house. I need money to pay our bills. I need money to run our new business. I keep thinking, maybe I should get a second job. But I need time to do that and all my time goes into our business or our house and any extra goes to the family. So what do I do? Not sure what else I can cut out or do to make more room in the budget. I know things will get better at our shop....we are just putting profit into more product right now to build it up. And we are busy so I know its going good. I am just trying to make it all work.

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.

I haven't posted since 10/05. We are still trucking along...well maybe hovering.

We found a house...unfortunately it is For Sale By Owner. Who knew this would be soooo difficult. But we are definitely learning a lot and learning how to comminicate even more. We are at a stand still right now because of some issues, but hopefully we will know what the fate of this deal is pretty soon.

Our savings finally hit 10K! Felt like a monumental moment. Then we were hit with 2 car repairs. Alternator on mine and some manifold gasket thing on the husbands! Luckily we had done some side work so we only took $220 out of savings to cover them. Not too bad.

So I'm still here. Numbers haven't changed much, but they aren't getting higher.

So....we are buying a house. The process has been started. We have been approved and gotten all of our financial info to the lender. Its so overwhelming. I can only hope that I can continue to make debt repayments and work to build our savings back up. I'm excited and scared all at the same time.

The last few weeks have been rough to say the least. And not a lot of progress has been made. But here are my totals.

CC1: $721.22 --- $710.39
CC2: $567.36 --- $546.15
CC3: $233.69 --- $267.92
Student Loan: $3918.09 --- $3815.72

Savings: $7000.00 --- $8568.00
Retirement: $476.00 --- $547.05

Everything has been off, including my spending. We have to reach a certain goal in our savings, so I can't take any money from it to pay off the debt. Just feel like the wind has been knocked out of my sails.

Well....I spent some money... and I took it from Savings. $75.00. But although it wasn't necessary, it was nice to do some bargain hunting and I got some great ingredients to do some cooking. I also went out to eat with friends this weekend, but I had some "entertainment" cash budgeted in.

Can't do that kind of stuff all the time, but at least it didn't go on the credit card!

Well...someone decided to post on my blog that I post about nothing useful. Wow....

My blog entries may not be the most interesting to everyone, but its useful to me. It keeps me accountable and helps keep me on track. And we are all on here to learn and better ourselves. So why did you waste your time commenting?

So I am slightly insulted. Because I don't think its that bad. And more so, it kind of hurt my feelings. I'm just trying to gain financial freedom.

I have gone 30 days with no credit card charges. I looked at my statements and realized I was using my cards for NONSENSE! I charged 5.34 to a fast food place one day! What was I thinking??? The answer is....I wasn't. Maybe now my payments should make more of a difference. What an eye opener.

I updated my numbers today. Ugh....not sure what to say about it. Taking money from savings is not an option but I need to find a way to make more of a difference. Maybe after I make my payments for the month I will feel better. But I guess there are worse things to be disappointed about. I could be like other people that choose to do nothing about their debt or don't even acknowledge that they have any.

I woke up this morning to my mouth being swollen....caused by an abscess on my gum. Needless to say I had to go to the Dr. Actually I had to go to the urgent care clinic since its a Saturday. $50.00 to see the Dr, $31.00 in prescriptions and Listerine, and $15.00 in soft foods. An expensive day, but better than the infection spreading. Stayed home all day today, mainly because the antibiotic is horrible on my stomach. And I'm staying home all day tomorrow. Ugh...happy weekend.

I look at sites like Yahoo and wonder how it is true money/finance help. It seems like it is always for people who make 6 digits! I want advice on saving and making extra money for those of us that don't make 150K a year or that don't spend $500 a month on clothes. I don't buy coffee everyday....so I can't save $32.00 a month buy cutting out 2 days a week. At least I have these blogs to inspire me.

On a positive note....Florida was amazing. We had such a good time just hanging out and spent a day at the beach with just ourselves some new friends and a cooler of drinks. I didn't go over budget at all.

This week brought on a new budgeting dilemma. Celebrating my step daughter's birthday early. Because of my husband's travel and her starting school we had to throw together a family party and buy gifts earlier than I was planning. I spent $50.00 more than I should have, but we were able to have presents, go to dinner, and provide a little family party with desserts at my house. So not too bad.

My debt numbers have gone up for one of my cards....it is the devil! I had an unexpected birthday gift. I fall into the trap. I should have taken the money from savings....but I just can't bring myself to do it. I think its time for the cards to leave my wallet.

CC1 - $798.26 --- $736.22
CC2 - $595.13 --- $567.58
CC3 - $288.65 --- $248.69 YIKES!!!
Student Loan - $4113.59 --- $3918.09

______________________________________

Savings $1500.00 --- $7200.00
Retirement $116.00 --- $469.00

I leave for Florida tomorrow! I decided to use grocery money and the little bit of cash that was already available in my budget. Even if I just get to sit on a beach all day with my husband....I'll be happy.

Hopefully I will come back from my mini vacation refreshed and revived and ready to take on the world...and my finances.

Well...I'm going to Florida. My husband's work is paying for the flight and the hotel so that part is free. But we will have to pay for food and entertainment. I don't want to take any from savings and I didn't "plan" for this trip so there is no money in the budget for it. So I have to figure out where to take it from. Its basically 3 1/2 days. So here are my options:

1) Use half of my grocery money and just plan on eating at the house a lot when I get back. (Plus use the cash I will have)

2) Don't transfer any new money to savings and use what I was going to put in.

3) Or just try to use the little cash I have in my budget and make it work (but it will be slim)

Not sure what to do.

2 No Spend Days!! So proud of myself. It was super hard...especially being a weekend. But I did it. And I am over being sick too, which is fabulous!

Going to try it again tomorrow.

My goal is to have 2 no spend days....Saturday and Sunday. I have groceries at home, plus I'm not feeling great so I need to just stay home anyway. I really hope I can do it! I think it would be a good boost for me.

Happy Weekend!

I feel like I am treading water. Seems like I have had to spend more money than usual and I am not making the progress I want.

On a high note, I am catering an event Saturday so I am hoping to make a little money off of that. And I got a raise! So my plan is to act like I didn't get one and just use the extra for debt repayment and savings.

But just to stay legit...here are my numbers. Not much headway.

CC1 $798.26 --- $749.91
CC2 $595.13 --- $563.29
CC3 $288.65 --- $171.26
Student Loan $4113.59 --- $3969.01
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Current Savings $1500.00 --- $5800.00
Retirement $116.00 --- $410.10

But the problem is I am still using my Credit Cards. Something comes up and I use that irresistable plastic card of doom. I need to stop. Maybe I need a spending intervention before I drown!

Well unfortunately I charged some things to my almost paid off cc. Yes...big mistake. But, it was stuff for our upcoming garage sale and an unexpected gift. Hopefully I can pay back what I charged after the garage sale.

I finally got my rebate for my tires that I bought. And instead of a prepaid Visa, they actually sent a check! So I will be able to deposit that into Savings.

And the insurance adjuster finally came. My husband's truck has $2200.00 in damage and they gave us a check. It has several dings and the windshield is cracked. But my husband's thought is... YES, we have to fix the windshield, but the dings are not horrible and the truck is white so they aren't that noticeable. So he thinks we should deposit the rest into savings, whatever is left after windshield. What do you think?

So I should be getting a $100 rebate for my tires here in a couple of days. And we did some sticker work for my company, so that will be another $975 coming in. Such a great feeling!

I'm still on track so far. I've gotten back to where I was on my repayment. And we talked to the insurance agent. They are coming to look at my husband's truck next week and see what the damage is. Windshield is cracked but the hail damage isn't "horrible".

So here are my numbers. ORIGINAL/CURRENT

Credit Card 1: $798.26/$771.00
Credit Card 2: $595.13/ $562.91
Credit Card 3: $288.65/ $85.64
Student Loan: $4113.59/ $4019.76
________________________________________

Current Savings: $1500.00/ $3046.00
Retirement Plan: $116.00/$340.00

Hoping June is a good month and more progress is made. Considering I made quite a few steps backwards last month I'm pretty happy.

Was feeling EXCELLENT....
I went ahead and almost paid off all of Credit Card number 3. I have about $60.00 bucks left and I will pay that off next week. Awesome!
Brought our saving account up to over 3K. ( Yes, I know some people think I should use that money and pay off the debt, but that is not our plan for several different reasons.)
So....I'm swinging for the fences....knocking it out of the park....and BAM!



I live in DFW Texas and we were hit with some pretty bad weather. And we didn't think about it, but my husband was parked at one of the airports that got hit. Sooooo....we have to do an insurance claim on his truck. So I'm sure we will have to pay a deductible or pay for repairs or some sort of money costing something. So I feel like I hit myself with the bat as I hit that homerun. I don't know much about insurance or claims or how they work, so I don't know what to expect.

So...I have arranged to feed some animals for extra money. Miniature donkies, longhorn, and dogs. I have to do it for 4 days and I should make $200. I think I will have to pay an extra $100 in gas, but that still puts me ahead $100, plus who doesn't love spending time with miniature donkies. I have stayed pretty much on budget and I think I have arranged my budget to keep me on track. And I think I might be pretty close to paying off a credit card if I can swing it. Won't that be nice?

So all and all its been a good week. My husband is coming home for a few days and my budget feels pretty good. Hope it stays like this for a little while.

I wasn't exaggerating when I said that I got off track. I used my credit cards, missed a credit card payment, my student loan payment didn't post, and I overspent. But I'm trying to recover. I am going to work a little extra this weekend to help come up with the LATE FEE I received on my credit card and to hopefully help me pay on my credit cards some more.
So here they are..... WAS/NOW

CC 1 - $773.83/$801.00
CC 2 - $580.76/$587.91
CC 3 - $269.20/$277.00
STUDENT LOAN - $4061.62/$4061.62 (PMT STILL NEEDS TO POST)

CURRENT SAVINGS - $2651.34/$2875.00
RETIREMENT PLAN - $265.75/$334.18
EXTRA ACCOUNT - $13.00

I know its not huge, but when I started this blog I had ZERO in a retirement plan and now I am up to $334.18. Once I get my budget set and working, I can finally up my percentage and save even more. That's my small thing for today. That actually made me feel a little proud.

First of all...thank you to everyone that commented yesterday. I felt much better after seeing that I am not alone.

Today IS a new day. So I am going to accept my "mistakes and mishaps" that I've made the last few weeks and start over today. My budget and my slate are getting a bath.

I am going to look at my budget again and make some adjustments. Today is payday so I am going to stick to the budget I set. And I am going to wash the slate clean. If I beat myself up about making mistakes it may keep me from learning from them.

So today starts my DO-OVER!