get out of debt

I have a weakness when it comes to spending money I don’t have. I’m not really the kind of girl who buys a lot of clothes or shoes, and I’ve grown out of my different-handbag-for-every-day-of-the-week phase, and I don’t really do jewelry or a lot of makeup. But I do really, really like bath products—the stuff that smells like a bake shop or a candy store and makes you feel buttery soft. I am forcing myself to use all of the stuff I already have, including some fantastic philosophy products, yummy Tutti Dolci soufflés, and a perfect travel kit of very classy L’Occitane products I got for Christmas. It will all last me a while, but I am jonesing to browse drugstore.com, sephora.com, or lush.com anyway. I guess it’s like my version of window-shopping therapy after having such a hectic, busy week. But instead of doing that, and giving myself the chance to buy something I shouldn’t, I am writing this entry, hoping that by the time I end this sentence I will have lost interest in it altogether….

I forgot to cancel something during a free trial and now I’m stuck in a one-year contract. Just as I was really starting to pare down my expenses. I called them and begged but if I cancel I would have to pay for the whole year plus a $50 fee. If I keep it for the year they will give me 30 days free and reduce my monthly fee. So I’ve got a reminder on my calendar in August 2006 to cancel the blasted thing!! I’m so upset, especially since I won’t be using it. :(

So I’m doing something that seems so freakin’ simple - but I’ve never sat down and taken it seriously before now. I am working on my first budget - one where I actually account for every dollar I bring home and every dollar that goes out. I’m also unsubscribing from all the shopping and travel e-mail newsletters I get so I won’t be distracted and I don’t have to waste so much of my time (time is money!) deleting them from my inbox. I’m also making a list of all the stuff I can sell to make some extra cash. I’m ready to attack this debt with a vengeance.