Menu for Jan 18-24

I forgot to post last week's menus, so I'm recycling some of them and adding a few new ones

navy beans, cornbread

lemon pasta with chicken (Thanks, MoneyFunk, for the idea)

Pepperoni roll log

Taco style lentils and brown rice

scrambled eggs, bacon

cheese burgers

pizza

I start teaching two nights this week, so I need fast meals or ones that I can prepare in advance.

Goals for 2010, Part 3

I'm keeping my goals for 2010 simple. I will make small goals each month in each category to keep myself on track.
Financial

1. Pay off credit card ($1125) by March 31.

2. Pay off car by Oct. 31.

3. Save a one-month buffer.($2500)

4. Get a part-time summer job.



Personal

1. Establish a daily exercise routine.

2. Lose 15 pounds by June 1 (3 pounds/month)

3. Volunteer 30 hours with Master Gardeners by June 1

4. Find a place to serve in church

Menu Plan for Jan 4-10

Since we didn't eat many meals at home last week, I am repeating several meals.



Steak, roasted potatoes



BBQ's


Italian Chicken


Frozen Pizza


Quesidillas


Roast beef sandwiches



Spaghetti

Goals for 2010, Part 2

Yesterday's review of my 2009 goals was a little discouraging for me, but I'm looking ahead with optimism. I can learn from my past missteps and keep moving in the right direction, enjoying the journey along the way. This journey is my life, so I'd better be enjoying it!

Lessons I'm learning:

1. I have put several financial right steps in place--a spending plan and tracking, but I still have to pay attention to them. Finances shouldn't take as much energy as in the past; I just need to keep to my routines (eg. menu planning, sinking funds)

2. I should plan to reward myself for met goals.

3. I should evaluate my progress more frequently. (Monthly mini-goals?)

4. Blogging helps keep me accountable.

5. Making separate personal and financial goals is a good idea for me, but I need to limit the number of goals.



I feel better. Now on to 2010!

2010 Goals, Part I

Before I can look ahead to 2010, I must look back and evaluate my 2009 goals. I've really been dreading doing this. I really dropped the ball on the financial goals. Here goes:

Financial goals

1.Track spending with YNAB weekly (Grade: B+. I really liked keeping track of my income and expenses. I now have realistic numbers for my budget. I lost track one time in the spring, though and couldn't figure out my mistake)
2. Begin sinking fund account. Keep in checking account. (Grade B-. Got off track with my summer pay. I hopefully have corrected this for 2010. )
3. Pay off $6000 in credit cards by Dec 1 (Grade: C-. I owe $1125 on the CC, but $2725 on the car. Since the total $3850 is less than $6000, I'm giving myself a barely passing grade)
4. Save emergency fund of $1600 by Dec 31 (Grade D-. I have $550 in the EF, so I'm less than half way to my goal, and I have less than last year,)

Personal Goals
1. Work out or walk (1 mile) 2x week (Grade: C-) I did really well on this during the spring and summer, but since school started in Sept., I have been a couch potato!

2.

Walk Gretsky every day (Grade: B. Some "walks" were too short)

3. Do Flylady routines (Grade: D. Forgot about these during the summer.)
4. Bible study (Grade: B. I joined two small groups, which I really like. )
5. Learn something new (Grade: B+. I became a Master Gardener this year and have volunteered with them a few times)
6. Compost bin/garden (Grade: C. I started the compost bin and garden, but didn't protect the tomatoes from the deer, so the yield was poor)
7. Monthly house project (Grade: B. Projects completed: paint touch-up in DR and LR, DR curtains and mirror, bathroom repaired and painted, flowers for deck and front porch, landscaping started (1/4 done), refrigerator and range replaced, kitchen cabinet pulls replaced. I didn't complete as many projects as I wanted, but I am very pleased with what's been done.)

Yep, it's as bad as I thought. Overall grade: C-. I'll have to ponder this a little more before I commit to goals for 2010.

Menu Plan

Leftover turkey, dressing

Roast beef sandwiches

Quesidillas

Mannicoti

Vegetarian chili (Heather's recipe)

Italian chicken (Spark people)




Need moz cheese, chicken breasts, noodles

New Debt

I haven't posted in three months and my finances reflect my lack of focus. I've been on this debt-free quest for two and a half years and I really lost focus. I think several factors contributed to my relapse into spending, including the long-time in this step of debt repayment. Dave Ramsey recommends trying to finish Baby Step 2 in 18-24 months. I can see the wisdom in that.
My new debt is a car loan. I bought a 2004 Dodge Stratus, mainly for my son to use. Sharing a car was proving difficult once school and cross country were in full swing, so after much deliberation and car shopping I found a car that should last him through college. He is thrilled and I am able to make plans more freely.
My total debt is now just under $4000. Not where I wanted to be, but on the bright side, it is less than this time last year!
Time to refocus--plan meals, apply for a summer job.