I reworked the budget taking out the $1,000 credit card payment. I dropped it to $500 and then prioritized the list of things to take care of. Starting in January my goal is a $750 credit card payment with all extra funds going toward snowballs. There is also a small windfall coming in at the end of the month which I'm using to fund the under-represented budget categories (which are draining me this time of year).

I analyzed the past six months and see that the real feeling of being out-of-control was brought about by the unexpected new roof ($6,200) and the last installment of the real estate taxes ($2,200). I was able to take care of both of those in cash. I still have $9,000 in the bank. I haven't been completely irresponsible and I am my own worst enemy and obstacle to success.

The liberating moment came when DH told me how much he will be billing my biological father for October work done. I told him that I'll only need from that the money that we've spent on supplies which is about $95 at this point.

I then told him that whatever money he had I would put in the "other" account for his upcoming Corvette repairs which will happen of Spring 2010.

Until this point he has always maintained that the income from the side job is critical to our budget. I have wanted to move to a point where we aren't relying on that money because I hate the fact that he does this work in the first place.

I have finally crossed the bridge where that I'm not counting on or relying on that money. This is no longer a battle in the house of Mr. and Mrs. - as to whether or not this job is *needed*. If I hate the job that much, I shouldn't be complaining and taking the money.

The moment of liberation has happened.