Ugh. My stomach is in knots over this tax return thing. I've got some options this year, and I'm not sure which is the best one....
1. I could file my own taxes as married filing separately, claim the kids and my education information and such just for financial aid purposes.
2. I could file a joint return with Cliff again this year, claiming both kids and cross my fingers and have faith (that I don't have much of) in him that he will truly put my banking information in and split the return with me. We did this last year and it worked out just fine. He did the bulk of the filing through one of the online programs, and then emailed me the link and the id/password information so I was able to verify that he had indeed included my information and was giving me exactly 50% of the amount due back.
This year, he has mentioned some "amazing tax chick, who can find loopholes like no other" and expects that we could get more back than last year.... which, considering I've been a full time student and he spent 6 months on deployment is entirely possible. But... I just don't know if I should trust him and cooperate on this level. How do I know that he will do what we agree on or he says he will? And really, what incentive does he have to do that?
Through a text message conversation I told him that I would be happy if he wanted to split the return 60/40. I realize he has been the one working, and while it irritates me to think he could get back a few grand mostly based on the child credits, this is really the only option I have to get back a decent amount of money that can potentially help get my household out of additional debt.
OR option 3. Allow Ron to claim Ashlyn and cross my fingers that this year he and Jill won't have to pay the IRS, and that she can somehow be convinced not to file her injunction paperwork so that any return they may be entitled to is garnished for his back child support. This option seems the best for Ron & I, I would benefit financially from his return and his arrears balance would be significantly lowered. But again, there are risks to this option.
I guess its all about picking which option has less risks and the most potential benefits. This will be the last year I really have these options, and I know I shouldn't use a tax return as earned money, or something to rely on... but it would really help after the year that I've had.
With that all out on the table, here are the ideas I have for a return if I'm given a portion:
1) Replacement battery for my laptop (would like to extend the lifespan of this thing a few years!)
2) New sewing machine
3) California drivers license/vehicle registration
4) Savings: $100 for Ashlyn, $100 for Dannon, $500 for Emergency Fund
5) Pay off Kohls credit card: $150
6) Payment plan for Chase credit card
7) Pay off/settle past due Verizon account: ~$500
8) Look into new CA auto insurance policy listing Bob & I, pay full 6 month premium.
There is so much more I would like to do/buy/pay off... but without knowing if there will be any return coming to me, or how much it might be, I don't want to dream too big here. I just want to keep track of my intentions and wants, once that *free* money is in my pocket (or bank account) its WAAAAAY too easy for me to get that itch and impulse not to be responsible and just blow it on fun things to do and wants.
Although, I really should include on my list a mini-vacation of some sort... Reno/Lake Tahoe or maybe back to San Francisco!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Desperate Times
Desperate times call for desperate measures... or so they say (still not sure who "they" are.)
Today I faxed in paperwork to get my plan administrator's signature on my request to withdraw the funds from my 401k. Its not going to be much, I only paid into it for the last year or two I was working at Highline, but thankfully what I had lost with the bad market has recovered and after they tax the hell out of it I'm hoping to have enough to get caught up on my past due car payment so that some nice person doesn't come knocking on my door and asking for my car keys. In addition to getting my car payment current, I will try to pay off the small balance on my Kohls credit card. We've got a lot going on right now financially... we need to come up with the money to cover the filing fee for Bob's counter-petition pertaining to his divorce and find a way to get him to Pennsylvania to visit his mother who was hospitalized over this past weekend and is currently in a coma. He seems to think that his presence could have an affect on his mother, the question is whether it will be good or bad :) I'm sure she'll wake right up and yell at him for something, it will be good for him to do his duties as the only son... 45 years old and still making trouble for his mother. Hmm, maybe I should change my thoughts on wanting to have another boy with this man!
I hate that I've let my finances get to this point, but thats what I get for not working since moving to Florida on the dreams of a young(er) newlywed and the demands of the United States Navy.
On a good note, I spoke with an advisor from Kaplan University today about registering in one of their Associates degree programs in Health Sciences. Its about time I finish my degree, and I've made promises to myself and others that I will finish and not give up!
We need to continue to remind each other that these struggles we're going through now are temporary, its a matter of getting through these challenges and standing strong to face the next set of challenges.
Today I faxed in paperwork to get my plan administrator's signature on my request to withdraw the funds from my 401k. Its not going to be much, I only paid into it for the last year or two I was working at Highline, but thankfully what I had lost with the bad market has recovered and after they tax the hell out of it I'm hoping to have enough to get caught up on my past due car payment so that some nice person doesn't come knocking on my door and asking for my car keys. In addition to getting my car payment current, I will try to pay off the small balance on my Kohls credit card. We've got a lot going on right now financially... we need to come up with the money to cover the filing fee for Bob's counter-petition pertaining to his divorce and find a way to get him to Pennsylvania to visit his mother who was hospitalized over this past weekend and is currently in a coma. He seems to think that his presence could have an affect on his mother, the question is whether it will be good or bad :) I'm sure she'll wake right up and yell at him for something, it will be good for him to do his duties as the only son... 45 years old and still making trouble for his mother. Hmm, maybe I should change my thoughts on wanting to have another boy with this man!
I hate that I've let my finances get to this point, but thats what I get for not working since moving to Florida on the dreams of a young(er) newlywed and the demands of the United States Navy.
On a good note, I spoke with an advisor from Kaplan University today about registering in one of their Associates degree programs in Health Sciences. Its about time I finish my degree, and I've made promises to myself and others that I will finish and not give up!
We need to continue to remind each other that these struggles we're going through now are temporary, its a matter of getting through these challenges and standing strong to face the next set of challenges.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
You know you're a couponer when....
... You're excited for the mail to come on a Saturday and discover that the coupon binder pages you ordered from ebay (using money in your paypal account that you accumulated by doing online surveys) are finally here!
Then, you spend at least an hour or two tossing expired coupons and organizing the rest into coupon binder form.
Thats right... I've become a coupon binder person! I can't believe how many coupons I had in my little coupon organizer that expired on 12-31-10 though. My stash is looking a little pathetic right now. On the bright side, it makes organizing a bit easier.
I can't wait to do a big shopping trip and see how the new system works!
Then, you spend at least an hour or two tossing expired coupons and organizing the rest into coupon binder form.
Thats right... I've become a coupon binder person! I can't believe how many coupons I had in my little coupon organizer that expired on 12-31-10 though. My stash is looking a little pathetic right now. On the bright side, it makes organizing a bit easier.
I can't wait to do a big shopping trip and see how the new system works!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Apple Juice, really?
As I have now progressed to "Second Trimester" status I thought my morning issues with apple juice would probably be over. I woke up this morning with the pounding headache I had gone to sleep with last night (I hate when they hang on like that!) I popped a tylenol with a swallow or two of apple juice and continued on my way, getting the morning things taken care of when the darn apple juice reared its ugly head.
I'm slightly disturbed that this baby we have created doesn't react in the least to a cup of coffee on an empty stomach in the morning, but balks at apple juice. What are we in for!? :)
I'm slightly disturbed that this baby we have created doesn't react in the least to a cup of coffee on an empty stomach in the morning, but balks at apple juice. What are we in for!? :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
My Cheap Shopping Addiction
I am the type that starts to get a little stir crazy if I haven't left the house in a few days. Believe it or not, its actually improved dramatically since moving here to California! I think it makes a big difference that i'm not feeling stuck in a small upstairs apartment, I am happy with our house and now that we're also paying for satellite TV, it seems like there is always some kind of entertainment available.
The less i'm out shopping, the more money we save! I like that a lot! But every so often I still get that antsy feeling and "need" to get out and do some shoppin'.
If every "Escape-the-house-shopping-trip" can go as smoothly (and inexpensively) as yesterday I'll be a very happy camper!
I've had some of the kids clothes bagged up to go to a consignment store since we moved. I used to go to Once Upon a Child in Vancouver, WA pretty regularly. I loved that store. The people were always so friendly, the store was always stocked with tons of great quality items, they paid cash out and offered store credit as well. Imagine how bummed I was to find out that there isn't a OUAC location nearby... thats *nearly* as upsetting as no Goodwills or Value Villages, i'm really going through some thrift store withdrawals let me tell you....
Anyway. I found an ad for a consignment store on Craigslist. They are located in Redding, said they paid out cash and were looking for larger sizes. I took all of Ashlyn's items, grabbed my coupons for some drugstore shopping and buckled Dannon in the car and we were off. Now Dannon isn't the most enjoyable little guy to shop with, but we can manage an hour or two at a time and that was enough for me yesterday to snag 4 boxes of Special K cereal, 1 jar of green olives, 1 Kraft mac & cheese, 1 coloring book and 2 packages of stayfree liners at Rite Aid for just under $6 and received $8 back in UP rewards. Then we went and browsed the consignment store, That Baby Store, while the woman looked through our items. She offered me $20 in store credit or $15 cash. I would have liked more, but I was happy to find a brand new pair of Old Navy jeans still with tags on for Ashlyn, a pair of gap jeans, cute carter's PJs and a pair of Children's Place sweats for Dannon.
I love shopping for free!! It satisfies my shopping habit, fulfills my need to get out of the house and makes me smile knowing i'm saving my family money. Right now with trying to get caught up on my past due car payment and figure out Bob's financial situation for the divorce and pending child support we need all the funds we can save.
If only I could get a handle on this dang budgeting goal!!
The less i'm out shopping, the more money we save! I like that a lot! But every so often I still get that antsy feeling and "need" to get out and do some shoppin'.
If every "Escape-the-house-shopping-trip" can go as smoothly (and inexpensively) as yesterday I'll be a very happy camper!
I've had some of the kids clothes bagged up to go to a consignment store since we moved. I used to go to Once Upon a Child in Vancouver, WA pretty regularly. I loved that store. The people were always so friendly, the store was always stocked with tons of great quality items, they paid cash out and offered store credit as well. Imagine how bummed I was to find out that there isn't a OUAC location nearby... thats *nearly* as upsetting as no Goodwills or Value Villages, i'm really going through some thrift store withdrawals let me tell you....
Anyway. I found an ad for a consignment store on Craigslist. They are located in Redding, said they paid out cash and were looking for larger sizes. I took all of Ashlyn's items, grabbed my coupons for some drugstore shopping and buckled Dannon in the car and we were off. Now Dannon isn't the most enjoyable little guy to shop with, but we can manage an hour or two at a time and that was enough for me yesterday to snag 4 boxes of Special K cereal, 1 jar of green olives, 1 Kraft mac & cheese, 1 coloring book and 2 packages of stayfree liners at Rite Aid for just under $6 and received $8 back in UP rewards. Then we went and browsed the consignment store, That Baby Store, while the woman looked through our items. She offered me $20 in store credit or $15 cash. I would have liked more, but I was happy to find a brand new pair of Old Navy jeans still with tags on for Ashlyn, a pair of gap jeans, cute carter's PJs and a pair of Children's Place sweats for Dannon.
I love shopping for free!! It satisfies my shopping habit, fulfills my need to get out of the house and makes me smile knowing i'm saving my family money. Right now with trying to get caught up on my past due car payment and figure out Bob's financial situation for the divorce and pending child support we need all the funds we can save.
If only I could get a handle on this dang budgeting goal!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
How Coupon Shopping Doesn't Always Go As Planned...
We have a Walgreens and CVS in town. I haven't shopped Walgreens for ages it seems, Rite Aid is my go to drug store of choice for deals and I've been out of the CVS game for so long that I'm excited to be living near one again but haven't yet started shopping there regularily.
I was excited to print two coupons last night that would yield me free BIC Triumph Pens at Walgreens, and figured that would be an easy enough transaction and I would get my freebie couponing fix! I browsed the store before checking out (of course) and was happy to find a few other things to ad to my cart. In the toy aisle I found some Christmas remainders, mini Webkinz called Lil Kinz in holiday gift bags priced at 2/$5.00. I also noticed in the weekly ad as well as other online blogs that there was a good toothbrush/toothpaste deal to be found so I dug through my coupon file and found a B1G1 coupon that had not yet expired... In theory my oop total should have been around $6 + tax but its never quite that simple.
The cashier insisted that she couldn't take my BIC pen coupons because the item was sale priced at $1.99 and the coupons were for $2.00 off. I was polite but firm and said I thought the Walgreens coupon policy was to price adjust the coupon down to the sale price, apparently they're not "by the book" at this Walgreens because she said no, another cashier said no and when I asked to speak with a manager about it he also said no, that wasn't their policy but that he would do it for me "just this one time." I don't like inconveniencing people. Really, I don't. But from all my time invested in following coupon bloggers I know that when I get an item for free from a store, they're not loosing money. They are reimbursed by the coupon company and generally people end up spending additional money during their shopping trip, not just walking out with bagfuls of freebies!
Unfortunately, the cashier had a tough time figuring out my coupons, the sale prices and the "total" she came up with was over $10. I asked her if she could re-check to make sure everything calculated right, because I thought that was a little high and she ended up having to bring the manager back over, void the entire transaction, pull the coupons out of the drawer and re-ring everything up with the manager taking each item by item and explaining how to do the coupons. I think they still ended up over charging me by $1.00 but at that point, I was thankful to get some good deals.
The breakdown of my transaction ended up looking like this:
Lil Kinz $2.50
Lil Kinz $2.50
Triumph Pens $1.99
-$2.00 Q
Triumph Pens $1.99
-$1.99 Q (adjusted q price)
Reach Toothbrush $2.00 (this is where they messed up I think, the manager had her price adjust the price of one toothbrush from 2.99 to 2.00. The in-ad coupon I used was for $2.00 off, not changing the price to $2.00)
Reach Toothbrush $2.99
-$2.99 Q (B1G1 free)
Anyway... my total with tax was $8.14
I'm thrilled to have the opportunities to get items free or close to free, and the Lil Kinz will be great (inexpensive!) gifts repackaged into non-Christmas gift bags. I'm not quite as cuthroat as some couponers out there, but this is just one great example of how sometimes you've just gotta roll with the punches.... and I think I'm going to take the advice of many coupon bloggers out there and print off the store coupon policies to keep in my coupon binder that I'm going to create!
I was excited to print two coupons last night that would yield me free BIC Triumph Pens at Walgreens, and figured that would be an easy enough transaction and I would get my freebie couponing fix! I browsed the store before checking out (of course) and was happy to find a few other things to ad to my cart. In the toy aisle I found some Christmas remainders, mini Webkinz called Lil Kinz in holiday gift bags priced at 2/$5.00. I also noticed in the weekly ad as well as other online blogs that there was a good toothbrush/toothpaste deal to be found so I dug through my coupon file and found a B1G1 coupon that had not yet expired... In theory my oop total should have been around $6 + tax but its never quite that simple.
The cashier insisted that she couldn't take my BIC pen coupons because the item was sale priced at $1.99 and the coupons were for $2.00 off. I was polite but firm and said I thought the Walgreens coupon policy was to price adjust the coupon down to the sale price, apparently they're not "by the book" at this Walgreens because she said no, another cashier said no and when I asked to speak with a manager about it he also said no, that wasn't their policy but that he would do it for me "just this one time." I don't like inconveniencing people. Really, I don't. But from all my time invested in following coupon bloggers I know that when I get an item for free from a store, they're not loosing money. They are reimbursed by the coupon company and generally people end up spending additional money during their shopping trip, not just walking out with bagfuls of freebies!
Unfortunately, the cashier had a tough time figuring out my coupons, the sale prices and the "total" she came up with was over $10. I asked her if she could re-check to make sure everything calculated right, because I thought that was a little high and she ended up having to bring the manager back over, void the entire transaction, pull the coupons out of the drawer and re-ring everything up with the manager taking each item by item and explaining how to do the coupons. I think they still ended up over charging me by $1.00 but at that point, I was thankful to get some good deals.
The breakdown of my transaction ended up looking like this:
Lil Kinz $2.50
Lil Kinz $2.50
Triumph Pens $1.99
-$2.00 Q
Triumph Pens $1.99
-$1.99 Q (adjusted q price)
Reach Toothbrush $2.00 (this is where they messed up I think, the manager had her price adjust the price of one toothbrush from 2.99 to 2.00. The in-ad coupon I used was for $2.00 off, not changing the price to $2.00)
Reach Toothbrush $2.99
-$2.99 Q (B1G1 free)
Anyway... my total with tax was $8.14
I'm thrilled to have the opportunities to get items free or close to free, and the Lil Kinz will be great (inexpensive!) gifts repackaged into non-Christmas gift bags. I'm not quite as cuthroat as some couponers out there, but this is just one great example of how sometimes you've just gotta roll with the punches.... and I think I'm going to take the advice of many coupon bloggers out there and print off the store coupon policies to keep in my coupon binder that I'm going to create!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
RELIEF!
Aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....
If you can't tell, thats my gigantic sigh of relief.
There are times that I seem to forget that I'm a nearly 28 year old grown woman, an adult if you will. The last few months have been one of those times.
I don't particularly like keeping secrets, i've played that game before and its been detrimental to myself and those around me. I have been holding a secret close for 15 weeks now, not a bad secret, but a secret nonetheless. And now its FREE!!
This evening I got up the courage to tell my parents that Bob and I are expecting a baby. The path I have taken in my life has been less than ideal, I tend to find the hardest road possible and then plow full speed ahead. This is baby number three for me, and number six for him. Each of my three children will have different fathers and there are times that I'm ashamed of that fact. But the way I feel and believe is that each life is a blessing and we have definitely been blessed!
Preparing to tell my parents this evening made me feel like I was 19 again and telling them that I was pregnant with Ashlyn, my soon to be 8 year old daughter. I feel though, that my prayers were answered yet again when my mom congratulated us and sounded truly happy for me. Concerned of course, but happy. Such. A. Relief!
So, the news is out... it has yet to be announced on my facebook page, but I'm sure thats coming soon too now. In roughly six months, due on July 1st our anticipated blessing will join our family. We can't wait to meet him or her (and we're NOT going to find out the sex... we're going for the ultimate surprise!)
If you can't tell, thats my gigantic sigh of relief.
There are times that I seem to forget that I'm a nearly 28 year old grown woman, an adult if you will. The last few months have been one of those times.
I don't particularly like keeping secrets, i've played that game before and its been detrimental to myself and those around me. I have been holding a secret close for 15 weeks now, not a bad secret, but a secret nonetheless. And now its FREE!!
This evening I got up the courage to tell my parents that Bob and I are expecting a baby. The path I have taken in my life has been less than ideal, I tend to find the hardest road possible and then plow full speed ahead. This is baby number three for me, and number six for him. Each of my three children will have different fathers and there are times that I'm ashamed of that fact. But the way I feel and believe is that each life is a blessing and we have definitely been blessed!
Preparing to tell my parents this evening made me feel like I was 19 again and telling them that I was pregnant with Ashlyn, my soon to be 8 year old daughter. I feel though, that my prayers were answered yet again when my mom congratulated us and sounded truly happy for me. Concerned of course, but happy. Such. A. Relief!
So, the news is out... it has yet to be announced on my facebook page, but I'm sure thats coming soon too now. In roughly six months, due on July 1st our anticipated blessing will join our family. We can't wait to meet him or her (and we're NOT going to find out the sex... we're going for the ultimate surprise!)
New goal, "Semi-Lightbulb Moment here"
Ever since I've had a bank account with Bank of America I've been enrolled in the save the change program (or whatever its officially called.) Generally the cents add up in my savings account, then I notice how low my checking account balance has gotten and I transfer the available savings into the checking and the cycle continues...
Now I realize the purpose of a savings account is to SAVE for something, and I am finally going to use it for its purpose and do my best to refrain from using it as "bail-out" money!
Back in the summer of 2009, when Bob and I left Florida and drove across the country together, we stopped for one night in New Orleans. It was during that brief stay that I decided we were going to go back for my 30th birthday, giving us plenty of time to save up for the trip, plan for a babysitter and dream of the fun we will have!
We're going to set up a New Orleans savings account, with a small amount of Bob's check being direct deposited each pay period (he doesn't know this yet, but I'm sure he will be on board, lol) This dream/goal will be fully paid for in cash, and I'm very excited to start working on our first major cash savings goal.
Anyway... this is the long story behind the "aha moment!" I had this morning. I'm gonna save up those pennies, watch them grow and continue to dream of the trip we'll get to take in 2 years! Hopefully putting a purpose to the pennies will encourage positive change (pun completely intended, ha!) in my spending/saving behaviors.
Oh, and with all this talk of New Orleans I've got to throw in a "GO SEAHAWKS" for good measure as the Hawks & Saints are facing off today in the NFC Wild Card game today.... now to go put on some Seahawks gear!
Now I realize the purpose of a savings account is to SAVE for something, and I am finally going to use it for its purpose and do my best to refrain from using it as "bail-out" money!
Back in the summer of 2009, when Bob and I left Florida and drove across the country together, we stopped for one night in New Orleans. It was during that brief stay that I decided we were going to go back for my 30th birthday, giving us plenty of time to save up for the trip, plan for a babysitter and dream of the fun we will have!
We're going to set up a New Orleans savings account, with a small amount of Bob's check being direct deposited each pay period (he doesn't know this yet, but I'm sure he will be on board, lol) This dream/goal will be fully paid for in cash, and I'm very excited to start working on our first major cash savings goal.
Anyway... this is the long story behind the "aha moment!" I had this morning. I'm gonna save up those pennies, watch them grow and continue to dream of the trip we'll get to take in 2 years! Hopefully putting a purpose to the pennies will encourage positive change (pun completely intended, ha!) in my spending/saving behaviors.
Oh, and with all this talk of New Orleans I've got to throw in a "GO SEAHAWKS" for good measure as the Hawks & Saints are facing off today in the NFC Wild Card game today.... now to go put on some Seahawks gear!
Friday, January 7, 2011
First Post of 2011!
Well, here we go again!
I'm attempting to do this blog thing, as a tool for myself to publish my thoughts, my accomplishments and my goals. It always seems to help with accountability when you "put it all out there" and that is my intention.
I have been very inspired by my cousin, Lauren, who started in 2010 with health/diet goals for each month and has expended that for 2011. Its motivating to see how others can set goals and succeed! Maybe my goal setting can be motivation in some way for others as well!
I am participating in an online/blogging program called "3 in 30" for each month in 2011. See more info here (http://www.facebook.com/#!/3in30)
For January the goals I have selected to focus on are:
1) Eliminate Dannon's nap time bottle. The boy is getting closer and closer to being two (gasp!) its been my pure laziness and using the excuse of the big changes he has experienced with the move to California that has continued the use of his bottles at nap time and night time. Nap is the first to go, and so far its been a success!
2) Read each night with Ashlyn. This girl is a reader! I need to make it a priority to spend a few quiet minutes with her each night, minus all the other normal distractions. It gives us time to bond and be close, and gives me a chance to re-live some of my favorite books from my childhood. Right now we're working on the second book in The Boxcar Children series, I think we're going to need library cards in the very near future! We've been reading a chapter each night, and haven't missed a night yet!
3) Develop a working budget/cash system for the month of January. This is the one that is intimidating (and very well could end up being on my 3 in 30 list each month this year!) I've got the bones of the budget, but I'm struggling with committing to a cash system for the non-bill categories as well as calling to make arrangements with a credit card company and my car company. I am ashamed to be so far behind on these two debts... but, it is what it is and I need to take control and tell our money where to go instead of wondering where it went. One day we will be debt free. It has to start somewhere. But not without a budget. So far I've just avoided most spending (hey, that helps too!) but I can't imagine that working for long.... ugh. Ok. Must. Finish. Budget.
I'm attempting to do this blog thing, as a tool for myself to publish my thoughts, my accomplishments and my goals. It always seems to help with accountability when you "put it all out there" and that is my intention.
I have been very inspired by my cousin, Lauren, who started in 2010 with health/diet goals for each month and has expended that for 2011. Its motivating to see how others can set goals and succeed! Maybe my goal setting can be motivation in some way for others as well!
I am participating in an online/blogging program called "3 in 30" for each month in 2011. See more info here (http://www.facebook.com/#!/3in30)
For January the goals I have selected to focus on are:
1) Eliminate Dannon's nap time bottle. The boy is getting closer and closer to being two (gasp!) its been my pure laziness and using the excuse of the big changes he has experienced with the move to California that has continued the use of his bottles at nap time and night time. Nap is the first to go, and so far its been a success!
2) Read each night with Ashlyn. This girl is a reader! I need to make it a priority to spend a few quiet minutes with her each night, minus all the other normal distractions. It gives us time to bond and be close, and gives me a chance to re-live some of my favorite books from my childhood. Right now we're working on the second book in The Boxcar Children series, I think we're going to need library cards in the very near future! We've been reading a chapter each night, and haven't missed a night yet!
3) Develop a working budget/cash system for the month of January. This is the one that is intimidating (and very well could end up being on my 3 in 30 list each month this year!) I've got the bones of the budget, but I'm struggling with committing to a cash system for the non-bill categories as well as calling to make arrangements with a credit card company and my car company. I am ashamed to be so far behind on these two debts... but, it is what it is and I need to take control and tell our money where to go instead of wondering where it went. One day we will be debt free. It has to start somewhere. But not without a budget. So far I've just avoided most spending (hey, that helps too!) but I can't imagine that working for long.... ugh. Ok. Must. Finish. Budget.
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