So, I found this ad:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/1450409108.html

I actually think this would be a great room to have around my home. I have a spot for it. I could re-decorate it and put the PS2, Guitar Hero and other games in it, along with snacks and have a great place for my kids to hang out. My home is kind of small 1600 square feet, so it needs to be kept cleaned up so it doesn't look clustered. I mean it is only $700. This would be a great family Christmas gift. I already have a trailer plate for it. In my state, if it doesn't drive, you don't need to insure it, just put a trailer plate on it.

Just think, with a little landscaping, like evergreens in pots, strategically placed, it would be kind of cool. Am I crazy or what.

Before the end of the year, there are just stuff that needs to be done before I loose half my income.

*My husband needs a suit because he is best man in his brother's wedding. I did find a good deal at Target, if I can find the right size jacket.
*We really need new mattresses. Ours are so worn down that we wake up feeling like we have been run over.
*I would like a new comforter. Ours got tattered and worn, so I put a duvet cover over it, but now it is very tattered and worn.
*Christmas shopping. Need I say more.
*Two of my children's birthdays are in December.
*Finish some painting on the exterior of my home - basically doors, before the snow flies.
*Of course, keep paying down my debt as much as possible. I would like to start the new year with as little debt as possible.
*My main bathroom needs to be re-done. It has some mold. Needs new drywall, a better bathroom vent for taking out the moisture, a new sink and repainted. I will probably have to work on this come the new year.

I did re-write a budget for the new year. It is going to be tight, but if I remain aware of our spending and watch for deals, I think we can manage. My new budget will be posted the end of December.

I love to look at fashion/clothing catalogs like Newport News. You can also look at them online, but if you get the catalog, you can rip out the look you like and take it with you when shopping.

It also helps me when I go into my closet and make something out of what I have without buying. Or, I can go to a Salvation Army type store and look for fill ins. This is a great way to save money on clothes.

It helps keep me trendy. For example, I bought a really nice black sweater dress about 16/17 years ago. Well, wouldn't you know, they are back in style; and you can bet, no-one has one like mine.

Also, if you buy quality and take good care of your clothes, they will last so you can use them 100 years later.

Here is a link for the 10 items, 10 ways look. Every time a catalog comes out, there is a new 10 items, 10 ways look.

http://www.newport-news.com/shop/category_splash.aspx?gp_coll_id=9&gp_cat_id=1649&nav_cat_id=9782&category_id=10121

Love it.

Well, there will be no raise for me due to the deflation of our economy from COLA (cost of living adjustment), so the new base income I will be living off of in the year 2010 will be $18,900.

Thank goodness my husband has been working steadily and I have my summer job.

We used to just live on my income and try to use whatever my husband gave me for savings, paying down our debt and restoring our cottage.

We have made changes to our lifestyle over the past year to accommodate the loss of half my income, but I will be sitting down very soon to work on a new budget for the New Year, making goals and priorities.

I used my summer beach job to pay for my property taxes. This past year, I made enough at my beach job to pay the taxes, take two mini vacations (one to Mackinaw Island and one to Chicago) and buy all the paint and landscaping needs for my cottage. Next years beach money will be allocated for taxes and Christmas.

Just a note to fill you all in on my happenings this summer and revelations throughout the year.

I have been working on elimating my debt and now have it down to just over $9,150. My debt was around $23,596 in September 2008. I have paid off $14,446 in a year.

My summer job at beach is now over. I made enough money from running the club to pay my property taxes, buy most of what I needed for repainting my home and needed items for my gardens/landscaping, took a vacation; and still have a couple hundred dollars left to take my kids to Chicago this month. It always leaves a little sadness in my heart to close the beach.

This summer, I completely repainted my cottage to color match the new section and added cedar shake to the outside of the new foyer, along with laying the wood floor in the family room, adding a deck, worked on landscaping, added some raised gardens and grew our own food, all with cash.

This was the year to work on simplifying my life and living a sustainable and self-sufficient life. We chose to reduce our waste, reuse or recycle what we could, started a compost pile and stopped buying pop and bottled water. I set out to teach my children that our food doesn't come from the grocery store. We grew potatoes (red and white), tomatoes, corn, raspberries, grapes, apples, herbs, asparagus. We use local providers for our strawberries to make jam, went apple picking and put up apple pie filling in the freezer. We baked delicious and wholesome food from scratch and made extra for the freezer or canned for the pantry. Just yesterday, we made three large batches of stuffed cabbage using local cabbage, organic hamburger and rice and made our own stewed tomatoes to pour over the top.

We will be adding chickens for eggs and will sit down and make a plan on what else we would like to do to become more green and self-sufficient. This has been an awesome adventure for all of us.

I started a Farmgirl Chapter from Mary Janes Farm http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/ and am looking forward to learning new skills from my new found, like-minded friends.

In keeping with the Farmgirl theme, I started a new blog to document mine and my family's simple, self-sufficient and sustainable life. You can find me at http://www.urbancottagefarmgirl.blogspot.com/

I do come back to read others entries every so often here at saving advice, but realized over the summer that my heart is not into making sure I have enough money to retire on, but instead to retire living a rich and full life and teaching my children how to supply their own needs, remain debt free and be happy and healthy.

Here's to being green, self-sufficient, self-sustaining and debt free (in the very near future).

Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps:

*Step One: $1,000 Emergency Fund
*Step Two: Pay off all Debt
*Step Three: Three to Six Months worth of expenses saved
*Step Four: Retirement Allocation Plans
*Step Five: College Funding
*Step Six: Completely Mortgage/Debt Free
*Step Seven: Build Wealth, make my money work for me.

Mine:

*Step One: Freedom Account Fund. This is the place where I add money to every month to pay for things like taxes, insurance, doctors/dentists visits and have my emergency money. I also keep cash stashed at home.

*Step Two: Pay off Debt: Oh, I have been working on this diligently. I started last September with $23,596.64 and am now down to $9,292.54 one year later. I have paid off $14,304.10. Wow, that is almost half of my income that went to debt. I really haven't done the snowball method. I have just paid what I could each month and used my income tax return and any extra amount of money I received from selling stuff, rebates, etc. to pay those debts down.

*Step Three: 3-6 Months Savings: Well, if I could pay off over $14,000 in debt in a year. I should be able to accomplish some savings once my debt is gone. I do have an ING account that automatically gets a deposit every month.

*Step Four: Retirement: This is a hard one for me. I don't trust other people with my money; and the more money you have saved making interest, the more taxes one has to pay. Of course, I can't predict the future, but I would like to work as long as possible making a living, instead of living off what I have saved or should be coming to me from social security. If I have no debts, I shouldn't need a lot. I will have to re-visit this one in the near future.

*Step Five: College: This has been accomplished. Each child has/had $20,000 in a savings account for college. One has graduated, one is just starting and my youngest will get his money in three years.

*Step Six: No Mortgage: This is in the works. I re-financed my mortgage from a 30 year fixed at 6.75% interest rate to a 15 year fixed at 4.5% interest rate, saving me a ton of interest, which I have been adding extra money to. My goal is to have it paid off in 10 to 12 years, when I am somewhere between 58-60 years old.

*Step Seven: Build Wealth: I think this is along the lines of Retirement. One should be able to live off their retirement, which means I should have built wealth over the years to make my money work for me. But this is something that I think I could get creative in -in different areas. Any suggestions.

So that is my plan in relation to Dave's Plan.

When my mom was growing up, my grandma and grandpa knew they only had somewhere between $1500 to $2000 to live on for the year. They lived in Kentucky, did tobacco farming and a had a blacksmith shop, along with 10 people living in a small house. They gardened, cooked from scratch, wore hand-me-downs, didn't incur debt, etc. to make ends meet. This is how I am looking at my budget come January 2010. I am calling it "The Hannah Project".

There are four months left before I loose half of my income. I am looking at going from $37,800/year to around $19,500/year.

But, there are a few things I have been doing to prepare for the difference.

1. Paying down all of my debt. As of September of 2008, I owed $23,596.54. I now owe a little over $10,000, which consists of 2 credit cards left to pay off. I cannot wait to be DEBT FREE.

2. I have made a list of wants/needs and have been saving for them or working on them tirelessly.

*New Mattress/Box Spring set
*2010 Graduation Party for my daughter
*Finish siding/painting the exterior of my home, along with finishing the landscaping.
*Finish small projects inside home.
*Re-do family bathroom.
*Blacktop or poured cement driveway
*Savings for a new vehicle. Mine is a 2001 Jeep that I am going to drive for as long as possible.
*New larger shed
*Hot Water on Demand tank (this is definately just a want, want want).

3. I have been canning, freezing, working my garden, cooking from scratch and trying to stockpile certain items to help with the grocery budget.

4. I have been keeping track of certain personal and household items so I can fit them into my budget in a certain category. (i.e., water softener salt, toilet paper, laundry soap, shampoo and conditioners, school supplies, clothing allowance, etc.) and learning to make my own, hitting garage sales and sewing.

Also, when a lightbulb burns out or battery dies, I have been replacing them with CFL's and rechargeable batteries. The chargers and the batteries have been the best investment. I had a coupon for them.

5. I have done a "preliminary" budget on the $19,500. This way, I can cut back in certain areas and start living on that "preliminary" budget for the next four months, so that I know I can live within my means when the time comes.

6. I have cut services and items from the budget this year and we haven't missed them.
*Garbage pickup. Since we have been composting and recycling, I don't have very much garbage, so I just take the bag I have to work with me.
*Bottled water. We changed over to a Brita and bought water bottles. We have not missed buying bottled water.
*Buying Pop. It took a couple weeks to get over the urge, but now we don't miss it and I have lost some weight.

I do have two other areas of income, but I am hoping to not tap into those, so that I can use them for other savings categories.

I transferred money from my ING account to pay off a credit card, but don't ya know that my Jeep broke down instead. It is such a long story, that I just don't want to go over it again. But, I did end up with a rental car. I was going to keep it for 4 days, but it was so totally filled with marijuana smoke that I returned it the next day and made them give me my money back.

Went with my 17 year old daughter to take her Road Skills test for her driver's license. I have never been able to ride with her because the lack of control makes me ill, but had to be the one with her for her driver's test. Yes, she passed, but I failed. I was sick and at one point almost passed out. I think the instructors should give parents a sticker that says "I survived my teens road skills test". Oh, yes, I would have worn it all day.

During the vehicle breakdown, one of our cats needed to be groomed due to her long hair being so matted. I bummed a ride from a neighbor to get her there, then walked home. I have had to walk quite a few times in the past week, which I don't mind, cause it is good exercise. And, thankfully, our weather was good.

I also had my husband's birthday to celebrate on Sunday, so we went out to dinner and made it a dinner to celebrate my daughter passing her test my husband's birthday and the fact that I am not in the hospital with a nervous breakdown.

After the dust settled, I sat down yesterday to pay all of my bills and tally up the damage from the past week. To my surprise, I was still able to pay all of the bills and pay off a credit card.

Whew, thank goodness. I really thought the past week would put my goals a couple months behind, but I am still on track.

Sorry for the mix-up, here is another link. I hope this one works.

http://www.pineconeresearch.com/signup/ds552Referral1.asp

PineCone Research is growing. They are offering select members the opportunity to recommend membership to a friend or relative who is NOT a member of their household, so I thought I would see if anyone is interested here.

Below is a link to signing up.

https://www.pineconeresearch.com/Signup/Signup_Form.asp

A month or so ago, I refinanced my home from a 30 year to a 15 year. Well, I just did some calculating and if I make $1200 a month payment, I will have it paid off in 10 years, which is my goal.

Now, I need to figure out how to live off the remaining amount. Of course, when I am totally debt free from CC debt (which will be within 6 months to a year), it will be a lot easier.

So, here is off to figure out how much to make per month/year to cover my other expenses and save a little. Of course, this amount will change throughout the years as things in my life change, like kids growing up, moving out, technology changes, and cutting/adding other costs, etc.

Sorry, I haven't been here in awhile. Summers get really busy for me with running a beach club - ya know, its seasonal.

But, there is a lot going on. Lots of things I need to get done, but come with a price.

For Example:
*Get tires rotated and front rotor/brakes fixed so they are not squeaking.
*Clean carpet in bedroom.
*Finish flooring in all bedrooms.
*Finish living room flooring.
*Youngest son needs new shoes, shirts and socks.
*New mattresses and bedding for my bedroom.
*Piano needs tuning
*Need new computer monitor. The one I have now only works once in a while.
*Rent a car so daughter can take driving test to get her actual driver's license.
*Buy cedar shake siding for new addition and get it put on.
*Finish patio outside new addition.
*Need gravel poured in driveway.
*Replace front entry door.
*Get gutters back up.
*Go through youngest son's room, re-arrange and pack out stuff not being used, outgrown clothes and toys, etc.
*Cat needs to see the groomer.

At that is just off the top of my head. Now, that some of it is down on paper, I can get started tomorrow.

So my question is:

When you pay off a credit card, do you close your account or keep it open:

Dave Ramsey says "close your account"

Other financial gurus say "keep them open, cause it will affect my FICO"

But, how much will if affect my FICO if I close them, seeings how I am not planning on getting anymore loans or credit cards. I am not closing all my credit cards, just the three Visas. I have credit cards through two other companies that could cover emergencies, if need be.

I also have a savings plan in place for my next vehicle and my mortgage is right where I want it to be.

So, what is everyone's opinion?

Gosh, it is crazy how often my plans change. I haven't been able to blog much due to all the projects I have been working on. Between becoming greener and re-evaluating my financial house to do what works for me.

The Greener Side:

Most all of the projects we have been working on has not cost us a thing. We used up extra wood, logs, nails, dirt, rocks or coupons to buy some items.

With my daughter becoming an Environmental Engineer and me, being a Home Economist, We have become our own project. We have cancelled garbage pickup and instead we recycle our own. I still have about a bag of garbage per week, but I do have a place where I take that without having a garbage bill.

We started a compost pile, which let me tell you, I have never had such awesome dirt, with so many worms.

We bought a Brita and safe drinking bottles, so we don't buy bottled water anymore (we do keep a case on hand for emergencies. We have a well, which is good spring water anyway, but the Brita makes it that more yummier. This project cost less than $20.00 by using coupons and combining with a sale and with cost comparison, this has already saved me money, due to not buying a case of water every week or so and filling our landfills with plastic.

We recycle all of our paper products, including junk mail, newspapers, food boxes, etc. and drop it in the Church paper recycler.

We are in the process of buying a rain catch barrel that attaches to our gutter down spout which we will use to water the gardens with. The rain barrel will cost some money, but saves me from turning on the water hose and using electricity. Rain water is much better for gardening anyways.

And, we have been planting our own food (potatoes, corn, green beans, tomatoes, lettuce, pumpkins, acorn squash, onions, mushrooms and many different herbs). We also have raspberries, grapes, apples, rhubarb and some strawberries. We will be doing a lot of canning, freezing and root cellaring this year. There ain't nothing like homemade pasta sauce. Yum. We cook most all of our meals from scratch and bake bread about every other day. We are learning about making our own yogurt, apple butter, regular butter and anything else that we would eat and buy on a regular basis. So far, I have spent around $40.00 and the bulk of that amount was for the organic mushroom pod.

Those areas above have saved us a great deal of money and I find that I am not in the grocery store as much.

The Financial Side:

In the past, usually January, I go through all of my expenses and make many phone calls to either cut out some expenses, to get different pricing from different companies and, lately, refinancing. But, due to refinancing and needing to live within the income I will be making come January, there are still areas that could be tweaked.

I am refinancing my mortgage down from a 30 year loan with 25 years left to pay at a 6.75% interest to a 15 year loan at 4.5% interest. This saves me a hugh amount of money in interest.

Next, I called both my gas and electric companies and had them switch me over to the budget plan, which allows me to pay the same amount every month, instead of fluctuating amounts each month. I mean, when it gets really cold around here in the winter, my gas bill can be almost $400. That is just too much to pay all at one time when trying to budget.

Now, what order to pay off debt, that is what I have been pondering. This is what I came up with: Due to the credit card companies trying to crack down on debt and raising interest rates, I have had two credit card's rates go up.

1. M.K. Visa. The interest rate on this card went from 13.24% to 18.24%. I owe $2,326.16 on this card. I think I should transfer money from my ING account along with next month's mortgage payment to pay this off. I won't have a mortgage payment in May, due to refinancing and then it is one more debt paid off.

2. I think after that, I should put everything extra on my Jeep to get it paid off next. Even though it's interest is 7.99%, it would free up $305.15 per month to go towards debt. It is actually not due to be paid off until July 2010, but it would help me not struggle with a mortgage payment and car payment after the end of the year.

3. Chase Visa: The interest here is at 19.99%. I will keep paying the minimum plus the extra that brings me up to the next rounded number.

4. Wamu Visa: The interest on this card went up from 12.99% to $15.60%. I will keep paying the minimum plus the extra that brings me up to the next rounded number.

I will have to re-evaluate these two cards after the others debts I have talked about have been paid off.

5. My son's debt. This card was the purchase of a computer to record bands on for his business. This is actually in both of our names, with his name being the primary. We will keep paying the minimum plus the extra to the next rounded number, even though the interest rate is high, just for a little while longer to build his credit. He actually makes the payment on this card, so I am not worried about it. We also did a school loan from the credit union in both of our names to help build his credit. That debt was paid off in March. All of his college has been paid for. He now has a "Digital Engineering Degree" and an "Associates in Music Theory and Composition".

So, as you can see, we have been taking steps to become greener and more financially stable.

I have so much small stuff going on; and well, maybe some large stuff to tend to. I keep putting things off because I am so focused on getting rid of my debt. But, I am going to have to break down and start fixing some things.

I have a stove with self-lighting burners. One of the burners on my stove has a crack in the ingnitor, so I always have to light a match to use that burner. Of course, it is the one I use all the time. Looked for a part, but need to take the one off that is on there to take it with me to get the right one.

My dryer has been going through something. Sometimes it heats, sometimes it doesn't. I took off the part that monitors this, took it in, they put a tester on it and said it was just fine. Well, it has been heating, lately, but now the belt broke that turns the drum, so it won't even start. I washed two loads of clothes yesterday, then took them to the laundry mat to dry.

Our portable dvd player just decided to stop reading discs. Okay, it has never been dropped, so now what. Can you replace the eyes or have them fixed, or do you just buy a new one.

We have pretty much all wood, tile or lineoleum floors with large area rugs. My bedroom rug is a cream color and seriously needs to be cleaned. Do I rent a machine somewhere or have someone come in a clean it.

The ouside grill is trashed. The inside burners have disinigrated. I mean, what can I say about this. I just need a new one.

My husband's watch band broke, so he taped it back together with duct tape. This I think is funny. Watches are fairly inexpensive at K-Mart or Wallmart. Just go buy a new one, or just buy a new band. They probably only cost $5.00.

My Jeep is doing something funny. When I turn left, it stops moving until I straighten out the wheels, like the transmission slipping, but a mechanic said if it was the transmission, it would always hesitate, not just when I turn left. I am really trying to hang onto this vehicle instead of incurring a newer one with another 4 to 6 years of payments. I want out of debt.

Need to get my taxes done. I usually go to H&R Block, but I think I am going to give Turbo Tax a try. Block charges me somewhere around $250.00 to have them done. We have nothing major/significant that would make it difficult, so I believe I can do it.

My refrigerator drawers have all broken off the plastic they ride on. My fridge is 10 years old, but looks new, just the drawers are annoying. I wonder if I can buy new hangers for them somewhere.

My daughter's computer has a virus. Did find someone to fix this, just need to get it to him.

My daughter needs a car. My son needs more clothes and shoes (stop growing already). I need clothes and shoes (seriously). It has been so long that I have really purchased clothes for myself that everything is wearing out, ripping apart, serioulsy faded and stained.

And, not to mention what needs to be done to my cottage.
*Finish laying flooring
*Purchase and finish outside siding
*Purchase and put gutters back on
*Build decks
*Finish trim
*Work on foundation in front of house
*Replace front door
*and so on, and so on.

That is just off the top of my head. Sorry for the rant. Just thought if I got it down, I could assess the damage and get'er done.

So, I got a letter from one of my credit cards. It, however, has been picked up by another bank. Not surprising.

But, in the letter it stated that after March 1, I would no longer be able to check my FICO score.

Wow, I never even knew they offer this. So I went into that account online; and sure enough, there it was to access.

It is 662, which is down from 697 in July of last year. I really don't get it. I haven't inquired about any loans. I haven't been late on any payments. In fact, I always pay more than the minimum amount on all of my cards and loans. And, I always pay them early. They are not due until the middle or a little later in the month; and they are always paid, electronically, on the 3rd of the month.

It must be the economy, not sure. I guess it is a good thing that I am not looking into refinancing, buying a car or getting any more credit; in any way, shape or form.

It is totally fine with me.

So, one of the Yahoo groups I am on is for the upcoming vacation me and my kids are taking the beginning of February. This just came across the group.


"My husband and I are going thru bankruptcy. It's a long story, but to make it short, our lawyer hasn't yet filed for us, and that gave our bank the ability to take out the money we had allotted in our checking account for our mortgage, 2 of our bills, our groceries for the next week, and our 2nd and 3rd nights at Kalahari. I am hoping to use the money we already paid Kalahari for a one night stay in a suite for 8 people (my husband and I have 6 children), and use it for 2 nights in a 4 person room. Provided we can get 4 wristbands for Wednesday, the 4th of February... anybody have any? We would love to have them donated, but will try to find a way to buy them should someone need the money. Thanks in advance."

Now, why would you just not cancel this trip and use the money say for (food, bills, mortgage, etc.). This is really bothersome and is putting their family at risk for being out on the streets, having no heat or going hungry. Come on people, make responsible decisions. Do you really need to be taking a vacation now; or should you be sitting down with your family and deciding what is a priority.

There is a family that actually has extra wrist bands for this family, but I still feel very sad for them. I am trying not to judge, but I just really think this was a bad decision.

I not sure what we are doing, but we will make some appetizers and try to stay up until midnight to watch the ball drop with my two teenagers. My oldest son's band is playing at an event that night, but I don't like to leave my two other children at home, so I will stay with them and think about my oldest when the New Year rings in.

Happy 2009 to everyone. And, next year, I don't know how they are going to make the 2010 glasses, but we will see. We will just have to keep one eye closed.

We have some scheduled vacations for 2009.

*Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio in February, already paid for.

*Chicago. We have a good friend that moved their, so we are going to visit. We are wanting to do the Aquarium and a couple museums. I have been online and see that Chicago offers a Citypass which will save us a great deal on costs. If anyone has been to Chicago or lives in Chicago and can give us some great ways to save money there or any other great tips, it would be greatly appreciated.

*Washington D.C.: Hoping to make it to Washington D.C. to visit all the museums in the Spring. I know motels are expensive. We would like a motel that has an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast for a decent nightly rate and somewhere convenient to the Metro for transportation. Or maybe, it would be worth staying at a campground, just not sure which one is closest. Any suggestions from anyone that visits or lives in this City is also greatly appreciated.

*Michigan: Renting a cottage with a friend this year on Lake Huron this summer. Our kids grew up together and we thought we would get-a-way for some fun. Swimming, riding bikes, walks, nightly bonfires with s-mores. Michigan summers are beautiful.

*Colorado: My BIL wants us to come and visit this coming year; and if the gas prices stay affordable, we may just drive that way. It would only cost me in gas money and some food. He never lets us pay for anything.

*Florida: Either at Easter or Christmas 2009. We have lots of family their, who keep asking us to come on down. We want to swim with the Manatees and go to Disney World. Any great tips for saving at Disney? I found a great place to swim with the Manatees. You can rent Kayaks for $10.00 each.

If those all work out, then we will move onto Maine to see the Whales; Hannibal, MO for the Mark Twain festival; The Grand Canyon or Yellowstone; and Mt. Rushmore.

My son made it across the Canadian/U.S. border with no problems, due to us setting everything up before he got there, by calling customs and border control, the U.S. Embassy and getting a police report for the stolen wallet.

Then, last night, got a call from someone in Canada, they found my son's wallet. Yeah. All the cash was gone, but everything else was intact. They said they would mail it to us.

We are very grateful.

My oldest Son went to Toronto with 3 other friends. They are all in their early 20's for a Christmas get-away.

Anyway, the night before last, my son's wallet got stolen. He called home upset. In his wallet was $150 U.S. cash, $40 Canadian, his driver's license, debit card and another credit card.

I told him that we would handle the debit and credit card from here in Michigan so no-one could use them; and call Customs and Border Control; and he called the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy said they would fax over documentation that he was a U.S. Citizen. We told my son to get a police report for his stolen wallet. The good thing was his birth certificate was in his luggage.

But, it took us all day from both ends, putting holds on debit cards, cancelling credit cards, calling Customs and Border Control, the U.S. Embassy and the Toronto Police Department to get my son back over the border.

They finally came across the border at 12:30 this morning. What a stressful situation. I still haven't seen my son yet, he stayed at one of the friend's house he went with.

So, today, we have to go get a new license and we are getting a snowstorm, but thank God, they made it back before the storm hit here really bad.

And, good thing I am giving him some cash for Christmas, cause he is gonna need it.

I hope he had a good time though and that this doesn't deter him from visiting Canada again. We will also go get him a passport.

Hmm, how do you do that.

Here is the story. On my husband's side, his brother and SIL, or my BIL and SIL and his Mother make Christmas so complicated. His BIL and SIL make far more money than we do and always complain about it; and his Mother is always complaining she doesn't have any. You know the ones.

Well, we have been trying to set something up with them for Christmas, along with my husband's mother, the MIL, but then the MIL threw a fit. I mean, like a two year old, crying fit that she wanted to have it at her house on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Well, I asked everyone over on the 23rd, which is neither, for a get-together, to do some celebrating; and it turned into mass chaos.

So, my husband, said fine, throw a fit and act like a two year old. Just because we invite someone over on the 23rd doesn't mean you couldn't do something on the 24th or 25th, but instead, you throw a fit and get in a fight with my wife and SIL over it, so now we are not getting together on the 23rd. I mean a simple "yes, I'm available" or "No, I can't make it" would have been fine.

So, after a week of the MIL trying to backtrack and fix things, she convinces the BIL and SIL to come over for desserts on the 24th before our Church services. So, I say to my husband, maybe we can all get-together then and do Christmas and exchange gifts. I mean afterall, let's reward the two year old her tantrum and all be together at her house for Christmas. Oh, no, now my BIL and SIL say, I didn't know you were coming, Oh, it is going to be so crowded, BIL is not going to be happy.

My husband mentions that we could come over on the 24th to my MIL (his mother) and she says, well let me call Brother and SIL and see if that works for them, cause they thought it was just going to be us.

HELLO, it is Christmas and you pitched a fit wanting everyone together at your place on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Here is your chance and it doesn't work with BIL and SIL. My husband hung up. He told me what was said. So, I called MIL back and told her, nicely, to have her Christmas with BIL and SIL and we would let her know when we could get-together with her. Seeing how I tried to do that twice already.

But, the main reason for my rant, is that my BIL and SIL just wine about having to buy gifts and get-together that I just need to cut those ties. Maybe in a nice way say "that financially it would help us out a great deal if we didn't exchange gifts next year" and then I could just have a wreath sent to their house next year for their front door.

On my side of the family, how easy it gets. "Hey want to get-together before Christmas, hell yeah." We decided the 20th at my brothers, all bring a dish or two to pass. We don't care about gifts. We will probably play Texas Hold'em, play the guitars and sing. I have three brothers with families, a total of 26 people and it took us 5 minutes to figure out when, what time and who is bringing what.

Oh, btw, we have decided to go away next year for Christmas, someplace warm and less snowy.

Any suggestions?

Me and my kids decided to become even more green. We chose to do a three cycle recycling project: Bottled water, recycle our own recycables and composting.

First, the bottled water project. I was spending around $85-$100/year on bottled water, plus all the waste of all those plastic bottles that you can't reuse because of harmful chemical leakage. Even though we have recycling through our garbage pickup, they are a pain.

Anyways, we bought a Brita, which I have previously talked about. It costs me $15.50 out of pocket, after in-store credit, a mail-in-rebate and coupons. I also bought three reusable plastic water bottles, on sale, for .99 cents each. We love the water and it has worked out quite well. I am glad we did this.

Part Two, Recycling: We decided to take our own newspapers, magazines, plastic, cans and other recyclables into the recycling center. We wanted to see if it was worth the effort to do it ourselves. So, yesterday, we loaded up the Jeep with all of the recyclables. I mean, all of this stuff took up half of my foyer. We went to the recycle center which is about 1/2 hour away. It is next to a bread outlet, so I was going to "kill two birds with one stone" so they say.

After driving on the scale, unloading and driving back on the scale, our process only netted us $1.50. Ha Ha Ha Ha. So, doing it ourselves is not viable. I will just continue to drop off my paper type products (newspapers, magazines and paper)in the church recycle bin for them to reap the rewards; and let my garbage recycle pickup take the cans and glass.

I mean, it is good to get my bread at a discount, but not to do the recycling. I probably spent two dollars in gas. I will just stock up on bread when I am out that way in the future. Plus, it took up too much room in my beautiful new foyer.

Part three - Composting: We had some top soil left over from last years taking down the dead elm tree project. We built a compost area out of three smaller pallets and dumped all of that extra dirt in there, then we added grass clippings and leaves. I also add things like egg shells, coffee grounds and veggie/fruit peelings. This project has been working out real well and I should not have to buy new dirt for all my potted plants and garden next year.

So, two out of three aint bad and it has been a great learning experience for my kids.

Here is a great website of a family who takes the green thing very seriously. I love this website.

http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2008/04/08/busy-7/

Enjoy.

I have been restoring my home for 9 years. This is one area where I think going into debt would be an easy one. But, because I don't want anymore debt, or at least any debt owed on my home (besides mortgage), I have been paying cash for everthing.

Needed yet to be done: In Jan., Feb. and March 2009:

Livingroom: Put floor leveler, finish laying wood and some trim.

Foyer: One more coat of paint and baseboard trim

Kitchen: Find ceiling tin panels to use for backsplash.

Small Bathroom: Repaint.

Throughout house: Finish trim and paint.

Daughters Room: Finish minimal floor laying needed around built-in bookshelf.

Outside: This is my main goal for 2009.
*Deck between French Doors.
*Lay patio outside entry door and finish gardens.
*Work on siding
*Gutters
*New front entryway and foundation.
*Someone to paint all doors. I need to figure a color. Pewter, Green or Red.

Then I'm getting a hot tub.

So, I ventured into looking into a new Jeep. Actually a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, never driven. This is what the dealership quoted me.

"Your price would be 20,381.00 plus tax title and plate."

The original price of the Jeep is $32,310. I am thinking that is a good deal, probably not the best deal, seeing how if you are with AARP, or an employee with Sam's Club or Walmart, the price would be $15,995 plus tax, title and plate.

So, what does everyone think. Any car people on this blog that know a little bit about pricing? Should I take the deal or not.

Of course, if GM, Chrysler and Ford do not get a bailout but are forced into bankruptcy, the price of cars (so CNN says) will go up 5 to 7 percent.

I am wondering if I shouldn't go to the Chrysler dealership and look at newer used Jeeps.

The reason being, I live in Michigan and the Big 3 are in jeopardy. If they don't get a bailout, they will go under. I don't know if I am for or against a bailout, but I do know that I will eventually need a vehicle.

And, where does that leave those of us needing a car in a year or two or five. I don't know that either. I know there are a lot of vehicles out there right now, and it is a good time to make deals, but if no-one is making them in the future. Hmmm.

I might go look at prices again and see what is on the lot. I am feeling a Red one.

My birthday was way back in May and my kids bought me a Margarita Machine. It also does fresh fruit smoothies, which is what we are most interested in.

Well, we finally pulled it out to try it out. It worked for about 30 seconds, then the blade stopped shaving the ice. So after messing around with it for a while, we decided to clean it and return it to the store. While I was cleaning it, my finger hit the blade and yep, I got a pretty good cut. Well, we did return it and now I have some store credit to go buy something else. I have a list. I need sheets for my bed, a new comforter and different curtains for the living room. Hmm, what should I spend my money on. Whatever is on sale.

We also got the beautiful logs hung in the living room. They look awesome. We are done doing major work on the house until after the holidays. I have a Tastefully Simple party next Sunday, Thanksgiving, two birthdays, my Daughter's book club, Christmas and New Years in the next 7 weeks. A lot of baking, cooking and wrapping going on over here.

My kids are also baking/making a large gingerbread house for the foyer. They are decorating it and putting miniature lights in it. They have been planning on paper and are eager to get started. This will be a fun family project. I need to find a good Gingerbread recipe. Anyone have one?

Got some really cute wrapping paper at our local Dollar Store, so I am off to take stock of what I have, get wrapping and make a list of what I need to get. I am so close to being done, except for all the baking, cooking and entertaining.

I better go to the Salvation Army to find me some new Holiday outfits.

So lately our weather has really been cooperative and I have been taking a lot of needed walks to clear my head and do some thinking.

I have realized that I have come to a different and changing time in my life. I am 47 with a birthday in May. Not only are all of my children growing up, but they are all getting their own lives as well. Where does that leave me.

Needing to make some changes and goals.

Yesterday, I had a really beautiful walk (by myself) down our local trails and found that I really do like birch trees and nature. I was raised in the country. We now live in an older vacationy type area on a lake which I also love. You all know that I run a Beach Country Club in the summer months, but I am talking really making some changes in my life.

I am sure some of you are with me here in my thoughts. Of course, paying down my debt is a priority.

So, I tried to explain this to my husband. I believe he is also in his mid-life. We know that there is no-one else for either one of us, so that is not a factor, nor something either one of us needs to worry about, but I am not sure if how women view making changes in their lives is the same for men. I mean he certainly can't afford; or have the FICO score to bring home a corvette. Thank goodness.

I do love walking and am going to try to do that every day. I think health is an important issue. There are some areas of my body that could use some help. I am not really overweight. I am 5'2" and weigh 133lbs, but I have always worked out in some way, shape or form and so I really do not look my age. That is what I have been told. I would like to up my workouts though. Maybe join a Gym. I told my husband I would like to loose some weight. I think 125lbs would be great. He thinks that I don't need to (which is nice to know; or he is actually afraid to say how he feels in this area). Also, not many people now this, but I do have a hernia that should probably be fixed and I am now using reading glasses, but I don't have insurance to cover these areas. Do you think that lasik is something for me? I should see my Gyno, have a mammogram and a colonoscopy (because my mom died of colon cancer)

But, before those areas can be tended to, I need to bring down my debt or find reduced or free tests.

So, here are the areas I have talked about so far, which seem obvious, But,
*Health (walking, doctor appt., mammogram, colonoscopy, hernia surgery, Lasik and joining a Gym)
*Eliminate Debt (so when my income is cut in half in a year, I can still live within my means)
*Keep my job in the summer (maybe); or find something different (part-time) year round.
*But, I need something more or different in my life; and I now some of you know what I am talking about.

Well, I will leave those thoughts with you'll, until I have more.

So, every time I try to really get my efforts directed in the right direction, something always comes up.

Yesterday, we tried to get the logs hung in the livingroom, which is like asking my husband to cut off his right arm. He knows that usually I will give up asking him and hire someone. So , yesterday, I was going to take my daughter to the library. We got in the car and my Jeep wouldnt' start. Did I mention I am trying not to buy a newer one. So, after careful inspection, it was noted that I needed a battery. Okay, how much can one battery cost. I usually take my car in to be fixed, but my husband said he would do it. I almost fell on the ground. Well, $82.33 later, my car is up and running again.

But, what crap. It is the end of the month, which means not much money left.

Which brings me to my biggest rant - my husband. He doesn't make much money and doesn't seem to ever try to make his life better. I am constantly paying for everything; and I am on a limited income. I hardly get any money from him. I pay all the bills, buy all the groceries and have paid for all of the home renovations. I am buying my home and had mortgaged it before I married him.

I am still raising two children, which are not his, but give me a break. You don't get to live somewhere for free. I don't care if you are the one fixing my car; or doing the construction on my home, when needed. You need to contribute finacially. I do your laundry and cook your dinner every night. I also handed you my other Jeep, when he totalled his, for Free.

Well, he also has some debt, which he has decided to file for bankruptcy. Okay, do what you want, but don't include me or any of my assets/belongings. What does he do with his money.

It is really hard to keep in a budget and stay sane with another adult making stupid decisions. He just doesn't seem to be on the same page as me, but when I try to talk to him about goals and tell him what I think, he always says, "those are good goals, I'm in".

Like, I am saving to take some vacations next year with my kids; and he is just expecting that I am paying for him. Not so fast mister, you need to contribute financially.

He learned all of this mooching from his mother. She will use people over and over. Not me, I won't even answer the phone when she calls. I am unavailable.

Sorry, it is frustrating and I wonder sometimes why I said "Yes".

Someone commented in a blog, can't remember which one, about what is/was a "Freedom Account". Well here is a link to explain it all.

http://www.mdmproofing.com/iym/freedom.html

Hope this helps in explaining it.