Learn about personal finances

All I can imput under this goal is that today when I do my paperwork I’ll spend time going through the coupons to do the monthly shopping. It may sound boring to many but I know that as I do this I’m earning an hourly wage. I’m very aware that I can make more than minimum wage by staying at home and it would be very interesting to calculate my value in hourly wages. It’s really cool and I get a sense of self worth from it.

I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t really understand our mutual funds. So I’ve begun to read the documentation that come with it. I’m embarrassed to say that most of what I got out of it was blah blah blah. I did however learn which companies we’re invested in which was very interesting. It wasn’t much but I learned something so it’s a start. Now back to clipping coupons.

I’m learning. It’s working and I like it alot. It’s not that confusing and it’s empowering. I’m gaining control.

and excited about doing it. My husband and I put a budget together this past weekend and I’m moving ahead. It’s nice to have the other members of the household committed. I’ve been scouting books, magazines and websites. What I’ve noticed most is that they all say about the same things. So I know what I have to do …. spend less money….which is another goal of mine.

I have realized there is no saving or going to CR until after the CC debts are paid off. I have been looking for ways to save money (that I’m not doing already). I’ve found some great tips. For one I’m lowering my life insurance because our needs have changed. Anything I save on this monthly payment will be put onto the highest rate card.

I’ve made an appointment with a tax person to figure this years taxes. Usually my husband does this. Usually I’m mad at him because he doesn’t get it done until October. So this year I’m doing it and I’m going to have it all explained to me. I’m looking forward to that. I’m looking forward to understanding how money works instead of having my head in the sand.

Have been reading and gathering information. I think what bothers me most personally is credit card debt. Of course I want to get rid of it like anyone else who has it. I haven’t learned anything new though. I know what it takes to get rid of it unless I’m hoping to win a lottery or something (and I’d have to play the lottery for that to happen). I’ll focus on these cards because before I can do much else with finance I have to have a plan. I own all the information I need to do this. Making the plan is the next most important thing I need to do. I procrastinate this because I know it will be a big job to put all the pieces together and see if we’re even living within our means. My guess is the answer would be no since I have the cc debt. That makes me want to procrastinate even more but this only leaves me standing still or falling backwards. This week I will finish tallying January expenses and take a good look at them. By the end of February I will put a plan together to help myself. The best advice I’ve ever heard was to save enough money in a savings account that’s to use in the emergencies we use our credit cards on. This would work great for my family because that’s usually what ups our debts – replacing large items.

I’ve learned Suze Orman is awesome. Love the straight forward advice that I (as in me or anyone) can use. I think she has a website so today I’ll check that out.

I want to learn “finances for dummies”. I want to be self taught.