Blogging Away Debt

At the end of each year, I like to reflect on the last 12 months. For years, I’ve blogged about the best things that happened month by month. This year, I decided to do something a little different. I’ve decided to pick my favorite day of the year.

My favorite day of 2011? Nope, not the day I got to write a nice check to my credit card. Nope, not the day I discovered we were less than three months from pay off.

It was the day we met this little guy.

Oddly enough, paying down debt helped me enjoy that day all the more. We had prepared ourselves financially and I didn’t have to worry about scary hospital bills or returning to work before I was ready. I enjoyed every single moment – even the painful ones – because I didn’t have Visa or Master Card sitting in the visitor’s chair beside me.

Some of the folks in my life had kids this year. They talk about not wanting more – or waiting years to have another because babies are hard. I wonder if everyone received a memo I missed because…

I want 10 more.

I’m exhausted. I’m sick. At times, I’m overwhelmed…

But there is nowhere and no one else I’d rather be.

I woke up this morning at 4:30 am and snuck a peek at my sleeping son before hopping in the shower for work. His beautiful face was peacefully relaxed, his pudgy cheeks soft and warm.

I have been so very blessed in 2011. Forget having a favorite day. This has been my favorite year.

Wishing you and your family a sweet 2012.

Eek! Healthcare!

by Beks

I’ve been hanging on budget wise by the hair on my chinny chin chin. Added healthcare and daycare eat up everything we were applying to debt. Add diapers, wipes, and therapeutic wine, and the budget is pretty tight.

I’d been holding on, waiting to hit my milestone year at work. Once past the milestone, healthcare costs are greatly reduced – we’re talking a couple hundred a month.

…Until they released the 2012 rates and took away milestone benefits for longtime employees. My benefit package is nearly $200 more than I budgeted each month.

Sure, I get it. Healthcare costs are skyrocketing and I can’t expect my employer to cover it, but I was oh so sad to hear about the rate adjustment.

Hubby and I have to sit down and take a hard look at what we can adjust. I’m just hoping for a raise to clear the difference so we won’t have to cut the food budget. I’m not ready for a season of Ramen… again.

Blogging Away Debt Blogging Away Debt follows real people on their journey to debt freedom — with tips on the debt snowball, budgeting, cutting expenses, and staying motivated.

Year End Musings…

Eek! Healthcare!