I paid off the vacation Loan and the clinic visit. I am going to pay off the Lowes Credit Card on January 3rd, 2008 and work my way down the line.

I have been accepted at Pinecone, so any monies from there will go into my $20.00 challenge.

Also, my computer got a virus, so I am at the Library checking my e-mail and updating my blog. I did do most of my year-end totals and will post them to the blog as soon as my computer is home from the doctor.

It was a pretty good 2007. A lot of my expenses went down. Can't wait to share.

I believe I have sold my vacation package. I am going to be paying off Loan No. 1, along with paying my SIL for the rug and the Lowes cc. I am going to pay off the attorney, clinic visit and all of my property taxes by February.

I am on my way to being debt free while adding to my $20 challenge.

Well, I got my first monies to start my $20.00 Challenge. Yeh, I know, I said I would start January 1st, 2008, but I can actually start on December 15, 2007. I am going to keep track on my sidebar. So here it is.

Ameriquest Settlement Refund: $750.00

Yee Haw.

I broke down and bought new furniture yesterday. It will be delivered today. I am really excited. We have been living without livingroom furniture for so long. I have been looking at used, but I just decided that I didn't need anyone else's beat up old pieces. I have a fairly small livingroom (I live in a cottage), so just a loveseat and matching oversized chair is what I bought. I did have the fabric treated. The total came to around $1150.00. I have a year to pay it off. I already have the t.v. armoire and end tables, so today I will have a livingroom.

I do have a house that I am helping a friend sell and she is giving me $1000, so that money will be added to my $20 Challenge and then I will pay off the furniture.

Yes I did. I got a $66.00 a month raise, so I added that to my ING account direct deposit. I figured I can live off my old salary, so why not just let that extra $66.00 go to my high yield savings account. Yee Haw.

Plus, I opened an E-Trade account for $1.00 and in 30 days, I will get a $25.00 bonus. Yee Haw. Of course that will go towards my $20 Challenge.

I have a lot of extra cash coming in January to start off my $20.00 Challenge, while paying down my debt. Can't wait to see what the total is from all my rebates. Yee Haw.

To most of you, when you look at my side bar and see my debts, you must go Wow, that girl is in deep. But, let me assure you that I am not.

Just to put your minds at ease, I will tell you that I have three children. My oldest (22) has been in college for three years, and I only owe $3,831.49. Most all of his college I have paid for in cash. He now has a degree in Digital Engineering and an Associates in Music Theory and Composition.

Plus, my two other children, ages 16 and 13 have fully-funded accounts from me totalling around $20,000.00 each.

My house has 100 percent equity in it and I have done major renovations, including a master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen remodel and a brand new entry foyer, all while keeping the integrity of my 80 year old cottage and I have paid cash for all of its renovations.

And, just so you know, now that most all of that has been accomplished, I am tackling my debt area like a gazelle for the next two years to eliminate all but my mortgage. Then look out mortgage. Well, maybe after I get a hot tub.

I just don't want all of my friends here to panic and worry that I am in too deep. Know that I have never been late on any payment and I am looking forward to January to jump on the "Dump my Debt" bandwagon, and; watch out Julie in the "$20.00 Challenge". Although, I am not sure I can top her totals. You go girl.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, whichever pertains to you.

So, I am getting my 1/4 Cow the end of this month. I have to call the processor and let them know what cuts I would like. We try to eat mostly organic here in our home. I have a small garden and what I can't grow, I will purchase from local organic farmers to use and can myself.

The one item that cost me an arm and a leg is Milk. It can run up to $7.50/gallon. Eeek. I wonder if I could hide my own milking cow over by the swingset. Hmmm.

So, what is everyone's avenues of income for saving for the $20.00 challenge. I think mine will be:

*Rebates
*Change Jar
*Possibly the difference I save using coupons at the Grocery Store.

Any other ideas or suggestions from my friends here at the PF Blogs are always helpful and useful.

I am going to start doing the $20 challenge, starting January 1st, 2008 until December 31, 2008 and see how much I can save. Julie has inspired me with her $20 Challenge savings tactics. Count me in.