Time to pull the Goalie

I'm getting an itch for baby number two. More so to get it rolling and be done with it. No sense in dragging it out. I was looking at the old finances yesterday and well... yikes! 

However, there is some good news. My car is paid off next November... OMGeee! Which free's up around $420 bucks a month. There is a good chunk of change. Then I was browsing over the finances to see what we can cut and what else we can lower in order to put another child in day care. ($1000 bucks a month is murder). 

I did some calculations and well, we need to pay off all credit cards but two. Well that shouldn't be too hard right. I picked the best two we have for rewards, interest rates, cash advances, and over limit. We can totally manage to live off of two credit cards. I think. 

The Goal: Pay off all credit cards, but two by the end of November. Then, I say it will be time to "pull the goalie." I have an IUD and it's been a great goalie of defending the goal for the last 2 1/2 years. 

I figured then when the credit cards (but, 2) and my car is paid off we will have freed up enough money to live comfortably and have two kids in day care. Sweet, yes, success! 

It sounds so easy, but paying off anything can be challenge. The geek in me, it was time to make an excel spreadsheet and craft up some formulas. 

I did some screen shots of the budget. These are my real numbers for credit card balances and minimum payments. I don't want to lie and I want it to be as real as it can be.


We have some serious things to accomplish. We have $320 bucks a month extra to put towards credit card debt. I have crafted this spreadsheet to plan each month, which credit card will get the bulk of the extra payment a month and start to watch this numbers disappear. The number's in RED that's what we owe on the card. The line below that is the minimum payment to that card and the next column is the extra payment amount.

Sticking to a budget and goal is hard. Life throws you curve balls and thing happen. The important thing is not to give up but start over the next month and keep to the goals you have set yourself.

My goal is get rid the debt and get pregnant again. What's you debt goals? How will you achieve them? How did you conquer debt. Please tell me!

Hello 2011, Goodbye 2010

Happy 2011, we made it through the holidaze coaster ride

I'm going to share with your my new years resolutions. I know they are late and it's corny and it's already the 5th day into the new year. I'm going to tell you anyway, so deal with it. I kid, I kid, I love you all, but seriously I'm still telling you anyway.

When sitting and thinking of what I really want to become, who I am, what I want, and what I want my future to hold, I really started to get a little depressed. Sappy moment to myself! This year is going to be the year that I focus on the things I want and make them happen for a change. So here is the list... don't hold your breath... they aren't that great. 

1. Go to yoga once a week

2. Continue to go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week (on my lunch)

     (Ideally, 5 days a week)

3. Commit to giving myself a little time to do the things I want to do. 

     (Knitting, Scrapbooking, Sewing, home projects)

4. Finish Mackenna's baby & Scrapbook.

5. Commit to a diet plan and stick with it

6. Finish craft room/office

7. Pay off 50% of Credit Card Debt

8. Be a better housewife

9. Spend even more time doing things with Mack.

    (Baking, art projects, coloring)

10. Keep car clean for more than 3 days in a row (don't laugh at me)

11. Start saving funds for family vacation

12. Open account for college savings for Mack

13. Stick to cleaning schedule so I have more time with family

14. Remember to send everyone's birthday cards this year

These are just to name a few things that I want to accomplish in the year 2011. I'm so excited for a new year and a new start. I have also printed this list and made it a new item on my mirror in my bathroom so I'm reminded of all of things I want to accomplish this year while I'm getting ready everyday. 

Bye Bye 2010. You were a good and a bad year.

Good -

1. Mack started Preschool

2. I started working 8-5 like normal people, so I can be the one that get's Mack ready in 

    the morning and take her to school. I get to see her smiley face every morning now.

3. We moved into a new house and love the new location.

4. My mom moved from L.A. back to Truckee

5. Family from New Zealand came to visit. 

6. We survived another year together as a young family

Not so Good -

1. My mom fought cancer with radidation and chemo most of 2010.

2. Tore my ACL

** not much on the list for "not so good"

What are your plans for the new year?