http://debbi.savingadvice.com webmaster@savingadvice.com Debbi en-us http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/07/02/new-day-new-week_27858/ Hi everyone!<br /> Well, it's been a whirlwind week, as usual in my life. I really didn't even have time to write much this weekend, as lots of kid activities and family stuff going on.<br /> <br /> So, I had really strong goals for the week, and I just did kind of ok. I certainly didn't spend... Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:20:56 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/22/what-will-you-create-this-week_27530/ Because I'm really feeling extremely empowered this week, I want first to say thanks to everyone who is reading my posts, and supporting me in my efforts to really take control of my financial freedom. You are all the best.<br /> <br /> And to give back - what I haven't posted much of is how... Fri, 22 Jun 2007 19:01:59 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/22/end-of-the-work-week_27502/ I can't believe it's been an entire work week since I started my financial lock-down! <br /> <br /> I don't know where the week went - but I definitely do know where every dime of my money is! STILL IN MY BANK ACCOUNT!!<br /> <br /> Yes - at the beginning of the week, I gave Trevor $25, and told him... Fri, 22 Jun 2007 05:00:17 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/20/its-official-financial-lockdown-is-my-fr_27428/ Ruben came over to the house Monday evening. It was a great meeting, and we are all on a plan.<br /> <br /> It took me till now to just get a minute to get back on the computer, because I had plenty of homework after he left.<br /> <br /> First - he gave me a great spreadsheet that helped me calculate... Wed, 20 Jun 2007 04:13:12 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/19/5-days-no-starbucks_27407/ I decided today's entries needed to be focused on the positive things I've done, because I seem to be cranky and overly sensitive the last few days, and I need to "appreciate" my way up the sliding scale of emotional happiness.<br /> <br /> So -<br /> In 5 days - <br /> I have not gone to Starbucks once.<br /> Other... Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:15:19 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/18/20-challenge_27350/ I'm really trying to learn about this $20 challenge...Thanks to all who have replied to me so far...<br /> <br /> Question - where do you actually keep this $$?<br /> <br /> Do you keep separate actual bank accounts? Or do you have different envelopes/jars/piggy banks in your house?<br /> <br /> Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:00:54 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/18/debit-cards_27349/ Oh, this little bugger has been my greatest downfall, I am sure. But, with all of the great advice, and VERY wise, frugal people here, I am curious to hear your take on debit cards.<br /> <br /> Long before my life got so hectic, I used to just go to the ATM, and take out how ever much cash... Mon, 18 Jun 2007 03:55:42 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/17/count-down-to-tomorrow_27319/ Tomorrow I'm meeting with Ruben. I've told the majority of my family...Mom, Dad, Sisters, even the ex, that I'm meeting with a financial planner tomorrow, and it will be my first day on financial lock-down.<br /> <br /> I'm actually looking forward to it. Not being limited by what I can do,... Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:33:22 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/16/incomeexpenses_27288/ So, here's the fun part - How it comes in, and where it goes...<br /> <br /> Monthly net Income: <br /> Job salary (50k annually) $3,000<br /> Overrides 1,500<br /> Commission (not consistent) 1,000<br /> Child Support 1,000<br /> Side business 500<br /> Total ... Sat, 16 Jun 2007 07:12:25 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/16/starting-or-trying-to-at-least_27285/ Let's be honest - <br /> I haven't fully recovered from this debacle with my checking account, because I still haven't logged on to see just exactly how much damage I have done. <br /> <br /> Nor have I gotten the mail for 3 days.<br /> <br /> I'm trying to be understanding, but firm, with myself, and this... Sat, 16 Jun 2007 06:56:53 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/16/getting-on-track_27283/ One of those wonderful people I asked for help from was my friend Jodi. She is a beautiful person inside and out, and she heard my pain. Her husband is a financial planner, and she sent him over to meet me at 7am the next morning.<br /> <br /> Just talking to Ruben about what I do and how... Sat, 16 Jun 2007 06:32:37 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/16/how-to-stop-where-to-start_27281/ I would do anything for my children. I chose to leave my marriage, and I'm sure that even though I openly discuss how and why I chose to leave, I still have a lot of guilt about breaking up their family. I have a lot of guilt about my ex, and the fact that he really loved his family,... Sat, 16 Jun 2007 06:25:03 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/16/getting-clear-and-owning-up_27280/ So, As I said - there are a whole lot of stories about how I got here. But they don't matter, cuz they're just stories. The fact of the matter is, I'm a complete dichotomy.<br /> <br /> I'm the person friends and family look to for guidance, advice, leadership, stability, and more. On the... Sat, 16 Jun 2007 06:12:50 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi) http://debbi.savingadvice.com/2007/06/16/about-me_27279/ Here I am, 45 years old. Divorced 5 years ago from a really great man who just wasn't supposed to be my husband, and raising 2 amazing teenagers at 19 and 17. <br /> <br /> I make a great living, or at least many would agree. I didn't always, but I went back to school with 2 babies, got 2... Sat, 16 Jun 2007 05:59:09 PST djballard@myacc.net (Debbi)