SunShay

Well our focus and determination haven't wavered.  In fact, in all aspects of our lives I find the principles of Dave Ramsey and baby steps working. We've been saving like crazy this last month for a "rainy day".  Our snowball has become a snowflake.  But beefing up the savings accounts gives me comfort that we can weather through any storm. During this last month I joined a gym and have been focusing on getting stronger, healthier, and thinner!  The winter weight crept up on me, and it's time to have some focus, discipline, and determination.  My financial goals and personal goals seem very similar.  Lose "weight"  all of that debt!  Build "muscle"  that savings account, and focus on being "healthy" in mind, body, spirit, and pocket book. Our road is clear.  Paying off so much debt the last two months has given me some breathing room in our budget, allowing us to beef up our emergency fund, save for annual expenses, pay medical ...

Well, February has been the month to end all months!  We've broken all sorts of debt repayment and savings records!  Don't think I can keep up this pace, but if we do, we will have our savings boosted up and many of our debts paid off by May! Whether or not this snowball can continue, I'm confident that good riddance is in order for the debts that are gone for good and the beefed up savings we have for our "rainy day" fund. It's so comforting to know that we can cut back if we have to and stop the snowball, but those debts are still gone forever.

The money just posted to the last credit union computer loan!  It is officially paid OFF!!!!  Started at $5,694 on 5/09, pd off $279.55 today!  Never again to be seen!  Woo hoo!   Now all that is left is one Visa and the Car Care Card!  Car Care is scheduled for payoff on March 5th and Visa is scheduled for April 5th.  I'm so excited to get these GONE!  It will be so freeing not to have to worry about these again. The loan is gone and the car is running well, so hopefully we won't have a big car expense again for a while. The list of debts gets smaller and smaller and that leaves us room for saving up for a rainy day.   I know that life may hit us, but it won't seem so hard knowing that all this debt is gone.  We've weathered through life's ups and downs and always made it out on top.  This debt payoff has made our personal accounts look really good, so I'm hoping we are in a good position to finally buy a house!

On the spur of the moment, we decided to head out to Avila Beach for the night with the kids!  I have been dreaming of going to Avila for months now.  It was so nice to just go and not worry about things. We almost forgot that we have a dog now and someone has to take care of him.  Luckily our wonderful neighbor loves watching him, so we were good to go! We surprised the kids, packed some quick bags and we were off. Financially, it wasn't the cheapest place to go, but it is our favorite and there is a wonderful little town to wander in, get snacks, and shop.  We window shopped mostly. No one seems to be able to cash a travelers check anymore.  I had an AMEX one from a contest we won and wanted to use it to pay for part of the hotel.  They wouldn't take it. Will have cash it when we get back and just deposit the money back in the bank. Lunch was my FAVORITE clam chowder with lobster on top! It is so yummy!  We ended up just getting pizza by the sl...

January and February have been good months!  I've stayed in budget, saved money, funded sinking funds, and drum roll.....paid of the last personal Visa! What a great feeling to finally have that weight lifted.  In addition, the business paid off a big item and this has enabled us to save and pay off other debt even faster. Lots of little things got caught up in December, so the last two months we have seen less bills, smaller bills, and less finance charges. All these things have made it even easier to payoff debt and save faster!  It's the GREAT SNOWBALL Charlie Brown! We've been good about eating at home.  When we do eat out it is in the budget and within the budget.  I've even started giving DH and myself a little extra money so that we always have a bit of cash in our pockets. During the month, we've been saving for all the things that I used to stress about like the taxes, accountant's fee, sports fees, etc.  Now with the sinking funds in place an...

Well, the kidlets are out of school for two whole weeks!  I'm finishing up the last of the shopping online.  One down, one to go.  DS last present is the only thing left to buy! The week had its ups and downs with spending.  I didn't actually budget for any lunches out, but I ended up spending quite a bit in that department.  I should just plan for a few "running around town, need a bite" type meals.  Although after a fun afternoon yesterday with friends at MickeyD's, I did manage to get me and all the kids to eat at home today and we had frozen pizza for dinner last night too.  I warmed up pizza for them to eat in the car between softball practices.  That saved me at least $20+.  Now all the kids and two friends are running around outside while I finish the online shopping and balance the checkbooks.  So nice they aren't being lazy all afternoon watching tv!  Love it! Been planning the last payoff of a computer loan.  L...

This has been a good week financially.  Checks from clients have come in, bills are paid, and spending is on budget! There was virtually no unplanned spending this week! Gas budget was extra low due to extra cash leftover from our Thanksgiving trip. Ran to the store to get DD#1 some longjohns and wool socks for camp, but otherwise everything else was in the budget. The Christmas spirit is kicking in and I'm ready to decorate the house and get the shopping done.  Our gift list is pretty small and I can get a lot online.  I have my list and budget including doing some fun charity things with the kids and the business.  Just have to get going on it!  The money is all saved and sitting in the savings account.  New Year's resolution review for 2010 coming soon along with new goals for 2012.