Goal #5

It seems that every time I have the TIME to post, it's because I'm sitting at home watching it snow while the power is out.  Power outages are not conducive to blogging.  So today I have sneakily used the staff override code to post my blog from school.  (Because we are having yet another teacher work day.  I'm pretty sure I'll be able to celebrate the 4th of July with these kids.)

So now, to get on with it. 

My fifth and FINAL Goal for the year 2010 is...

Create and stay within a budget.

I have never been great with money.   I'm not terrible.  All my bills are paid and usually on time.  (That has less to do with money than time scheduling.)  I have ZERO credit card debt.  I've finally paid off my school loans.  I actually have zero debt other than my house and car...and I don't really mind paying on those big ticket items.  Unfortunately ZERO is about the size of my savings too.  I want to create a budget I can live with.  One that allows me to LIVE but to also live responsibly and prepare for the future. 

A few years ago I purchased this book:

 

I worked through part of this book and learned a lot...now I should probably apply more of it.  I'm in a good place with a relatively solid job even if the pay isn't fabulous.  I should be better with my money.  I feel very blessed to be where I am financially in this economy.  It certainly isn't time to take that for granted.  So this year, I want to learn to be a better steward and to handle my money more appropriately.

See you soon for some goal updates and other good times!