Is that February right around the corner???

What do you think is one of the largest causes of stress today? I think it's money. How many times have we heard the statistics about money and divorce? We worry that we don't have enough. We worry that we're going to lose our jobs and lose our homes and be destitute. And in today's economy that really doesn't seem like we're overreacting.

Money for me is a constant source of frustration. I have a bad case of bad luck. A year and a half ago, I started doing Dave Ramsey's program. I had money in the bank and I had started a debt snowball. I paid off my car a year early. Then I bought a house. I don't regret buying a house at all. I love my home and I could not have gotten a better deal. However, that was when the bad luck hit. My offer was accepted on the house. Then my cat got hit by a car and I sunk about $3000 into fixing her. (I know that sounds crazy but she is worth every penny. We've been through a lot together and she is MY responsibility.) Then I sunk $1700 into my car. As soon as I moved in, I sunk another $600 into my car. I had just started to get back into financial shape last spring when I discovered I needed a new roof. When that was done, I was in a car accident and had to, you guessed it, fix my car. But it's not just the big things. It is my near consistent inability to stick to my budget every week.

This month, I am going to focus on getting my finances back together. I've read another Ramsey book and am feeling inspired. My taxes are filed and I'm just waiting for my refund, which will give me a jump start.

This month I will:
1. Focus on living within my budget by being frugal and cutting back on some of the things I think I need. Such as fancy meals out. Also, find some small ways to save money. Clip some coupons and finally put that extra weather stripping around the front door.
2. Get started on Ramsey's plan. Finish out my started emergency fund (Half way there!) and start a debt snowball.
3. Enjoy and appreciate what I have. Remember, focusing on what you don't have is a great way to forget about all of the wonderful things you do have. By taking time to enjoy the wonderful things in your life, your cats or your car, your home and your love, you realize the wealth you've already acquired. I am so lucky but it's easy to forget that.

P.S. A note on Health: I am closing out my January on the couch with a cold, feeling frustrated that I can't work out.