My fingers are crossed right now for so many reasons. In the morning we are taking our camper to a consignment dealer. We just have to get our payoff. This was a costly mistake we made last year. It would be perfect if it would sell super quick. We have to have it there by nine because a potential buyer is going to look at it at three. I am hoping this is a good sign.

Personally, we have an exciting week ahead. My oldest daughter is competing in an honors recital on Thursday. My youngest daughter has her cross country team tryout on Friday.

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend!

Today was productive. First, we checked our pantry and found we have an abdundance of rice and flour tortillas. I am going to try to use these next week along with all the other items in our freezer. We also made the decision that we could make it another week without purchasing groceries except for bread, milk and a little fruit. So I should be able to make a payment on our credit card on Friday.

We have the order form completed and ready to turn in tomorrow for my daughter's ring. She was very conservative with her ring choice. The total cost of her ring is $185. She did not choose a precious metal for her ring. Together we made a plan on how she could pay for the rest of the ring. Today she applied to work a seasonal job (working a concession stand at a little league field). If she gets this job it will only be for 3 months. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Tomorrow I am going to call our insurance company and see if I can combine several of our items on one bill. On my table I have two insurance premiums due days apart. Funny how things are like that, maybe, I can see if I can get a lower rate. Any particular questions I should ask?
Have a great evening!

Good evening everyone,
I have discussed the class ring issue with my daughter. I have agreed to pay the $50 deposit and she will pay the remaing balance in May. I am happy with this decision.

We have another day off from school tomorrow due to expected ice and snow. This is very unusual for us. I live in the south and I can't ever remember missing this much school. So tomorrow should be a no spend day!

I think my girls and I will organize our cabinets and freezer and see if we can plan meals so we won't have to purchase groceries next week and that money can go to debt. Got to make the most of all the days I get off. I hope you all have a great evening.

Hello everyone
This past week has not be the best. I am still reworking my budget due to things I forgot. Mostly insurance and items related to my two teen girls. I did not know my oldest daughter would order her class ring this year. I thought they did the in 11th grade. She is a sophomore. Her deposit is due on Wed. My youngest daughter needs a new dress so I spent $50 yesterday for that. I am paying for all the insurance and girls expenses out of my budget. That leaves no money to pay extra on debit. I will just be able to make all payments. While I am feeling down and out, I now know how crucial sinking funds can be. I have a few questions:
1. What do you have sinking funds for? I need one for insurance, clothes, school stuff. What am I missing?
2. Where do you keep your sinking funds? A separate account?

Thanks for any advice. I am not giving up. I am determined to have one debit paid off by the end of the year. I am just getting a slow start.

I welcomed in February with a $672 mistake. What? I am so disappointed in myself for not seeing this expense. Insurance....Ugh. I will be better prepared next time. Since I just got paid I was able to pay the bill in full. I am planning on being creative with my groceries to pay for it. If I come up short I will have to take money from my small savings. A new budget line item will be for insurance. While I had the nice insurance folks on the phone. I was able to get a quote on adding my daughter to our car insurance in May. Wow! It was a large jump. However, my daughter should get three discounts they offer. She will get a discount for her good grades, taking drivers education in school and completing a workbook that I have to go pick up from them this week. She will need to have it completed by May. How do you budget for insurance? Do you set money aside each month?

I still have not bought groceries because I was not able to get out. We are above freezing but I think I am going to stay home today. I still have my $80 and plan on purchasing only items on sale or a necessity. implan on doing this tomorrow after church. Off to meal plan since I didn't do it yesterday...

Hello All,
This has been an odd week to say the least. I have not worked since Monday because of the weather. I live in central Alabama and we are in a crisis mode because of snow. I know it is nothing for folks who live up north but this is a nightmare for us. We don't know how to drive in this ice and snow. However, since I am home I have finalized my February budget down to the penny. I am so excited!

I opened a Capital One 360 savings account with the goal to save $1K. I found a chart using pintrest on a way to save $1000 during the year. I thought this looked like a good plan. I set up atomic payments that match my paycheck for the entire year. I am pretty excited about that.

I am still working on the goal to pay off that stinking credit card. I have taken advice of others and have shopped around for another card. I think I found one that will work for me. It will have 0 interest for 14 months. I have been approved just waiting on the paperwork to see how much of the balance I can transfer. My goal is still to have it paid off by he end of the year. Looking forward to a February with a new budget. My goal is to see if I can come under budget. Have a great rest of the week!

I am recently new (within the month) to this site. I have taken advantage of the forums and asked a question and received support with a challenge. It is past time to get serious with our money.

I am married. My hubby and I each hold down a full time job. We have two daughters. DD1 is 15 and DD2 is 13. With DD1 starting a job we need to be role models for our children.

My first step is to identify my debt. I have a total of 4 debts and they are biggies.
1. Credit Card $8600
2. Travel Trailer $8800
3. Car 1: $19,000
4. Car 2: $18,000

We have our travel trailer up for sale. Hopefully, it will sell by spring. I am hoping to have credit cards paid off by Dec 2014 and first 1000 in emergency fund.

I am hoping this blog will give me a chance to share my feelings, thoughts and progress as I become debt free, fund emergency funds and save for our children's education.