One of the goals that I've been plodding away at is $15,000 in the EF by year end.

We're presently at $14,637.50. (Emergency savings of that is $10K, remaining is Car Fund Balance).

I reworked the budget about a month ago to reflect the money that we've been able to save due to diligence, cash only, and Sam's Club shopping. The benefit of this spending crack-down has been: more funds for entertaining/socializing (as in DH joining guys for a beer, or me going out to lunch with girlfriends). We've also been able to aside more money for "Extraneous" (drivers license renewals and DH's exercise class were those items this 2-week pay period).

I've been able to set aside $300 for savings per two week period, and have increased DH's 401K contribution to 10%. I'm still chipping away at medical bills, and should have those done by month end Jan 2011.

I feel that I've fallen off the coupon bandwagon but hope to get back on with the 12/10 payday.

Life is a bit quiet after all the dance classes, but basketball has started up for both girls. Boy Scout activities are increasing, too. We decorated yesterday (our old Charlie Brown tree appeared to be in serious need of replacing, UNTIL the kids put all the fun ornaments on it). LOVE THIS TREE. We have one in our living room which more formal and boring.

We spent $31 on a 7' blow-up for outdoor ($5 rebate in form of gift card back to the store purchased from). I was pleased about that. I purchased DD's I-Pod Touch for her yesterday at Walmart (with her birthday money), and she is quite pleased about this. Poor thing comes from technically-challenged parents and needs to head over to grandparents' house or uncle's house later today for programming!

Anyhow, it appears that despite the holidays and more planned spending, the goal of $15K in the EF will be surpassed by $250 (pre-monetary Holiday gift deposit).
Also, I'm still punching the pig daily, adding $1.50 to the savings account (taken from checking).


I'm feeling responsible, and see that benefit of judicious spending.