Day 432 and almost over

Well, my incredible Spring Break is almost over! This has been one of the nicest, most relaxing weeks I've had in a long time. I also got to spend time with family and friends which was so nice. Now it's time to buckle down and get serious again. Tomorrow before our FPU class, I have to get the quickie budget ready (that's one of our homework assignments).

Day 431 and Happy First Day of Spring!

We are headed to see Serenity today. It won't be a frugal day because we are taking her out for lunch. Hope everyone has a fabulous Friday and a happy first day of Spring!

Day 430 and my bargain today

Today I went into Enid to copy my newsletter for the child care association (I can copy it for free at the Resource & Referral office). While I was in town, I went by Dollar General to get dog food and dishwasher detergent. As I walked in, I noticed a 90% off basket with bags of Ice Melt. I got two 25 pound bags for 40 cents each! Isn't that exciting? Another regular bargain we get at Dollar General-their store brand of dishwasher detergent is 72 cents cheaper than Wal-Mart's store brand for the same size. Our goofy dog only eats Alpo Come & Get it and Wal-Mart does not carry that so we regularly go to Dollar General anyway.

Tomorrow, we are going to Norman to see Serenity.

As for goals, here's a start:

1. After tomorrow, no eating out except for pre-designated times.
2. Do an April budget by the end of next week (March 27th)

Day 429 and last Sunday's FPU lesson

Sunday night, we watched the first Financial Peace University DVD. It was called Super Savers and was on the importance of making saving a priority and also had a brief overview of the baby steps, which are as follows:

1. $1000 in a baby emergency fund
2. Pay off debt using the snowball method
3. Get 3-6 months of expenses saved
4. Invest 15% of income for retirement
5. Fund college for your kids
6. Pay off your home early
7. Build wealth and give.

Now I've joked before about how we cannot seem to get off of Step 1. But when I look back over the last 428 days of our lives, we have made huge strides. However, in the last few weeks, we have been slipping. That's okay. We're human and we're allowed to slip up. In the past that would have meant it was time to throw up our hands and say "Eh, we can't do this anyway" and go on as we have in the past: like Gomer Pyle on Valium (that's a Dave Ramsey quote). So...here's to getting back on track. Tomorrow's post will be dedicated to a list of attainable goals for getting our finances back on track.

Days 427 and 428 and HOME SWEET HOME!

I am home and of course, totally wiped out. I had a nice visit with my parents, sister, grandparents, and a friend. Big news! My grandpa had a swallow test yesterday and while he still cannot swallow thin liquids, they are allowing him to start on applesauce and ice chips, etc. The speech therapist started with it yesterday. He looks much more like himself now, too. My dad looks much better too. He doesn't look gray and ashen anymore. Big praises all around there with them!

That's all I can think of for tonight. Hope everyone has been out enjoying this lovely spring weather! It's nice to have some decent weather on Spring Break!

Day 426 and we start our new FPU class tonight

I am so excited! We start our new FPU class tonight. We have a full class and I am super excited. I'll keep you posted as we go about the various lessons and how things are going.

Tomorrow, I may be going to Granite to visit my family. If I do, I'll try to post before I leave in the morning, but I probably won't be able to post while I'm there. They have dial-up internet and it is very slow.

I start two new classes tomorrow too: Sleep & Dreams and Cultural Diversity. Should be interesting!