Why Blog?

I've been reading other blogs for quite some time now. Many have been very interesting and englightening, even educational, weird, or just plain funny. I like the idea of being able to share your thoughts with the world and get feedback on things that interest you. So I started this blog as a way to record my thoughts on spending, saving, investing, and my financial goals. The primary difference between my blog and what I have not been able to find in other "money related" blogs is that I am a single mom, so my money trials seem a little more challenging and my triumphs are fewer and far between but still very rewarding.

As I embark on this new journey, I hope to get more organized, learn new things, become financially savvy, and [hopefully] inspire and help others along the way.

My Goals for 2006

In B school, they teach you that goals should be SMART:

• S - simple
• M - measurable
• A - achievable
• R - realistic
• T - time sensitive

With that in mind, my goals for 2006 are:

• Build e-fund to $10,000 by June
• Continue 401k contribution up to employer match
• Open a Roth and fully fund by year end
• Close on new townhouse in February
• Create a budget for new home expenses by April
• Increase income from lower $60s to upper $70s by July
• Research long term investment options

If all goes well, I should be out of the red and into the black by year end. I didn't set the bar out of reach but my goals are high enough to keep me grounded. I'll reflect on them daily and record the details of my accomplishments when each one is achieved.
Note: Major 2006 expenses are moving, increased housing (mortgage vs. rent), increased utilities (1800 sq ft house vs. 900 sq ft apartment), furniture, and daughter's braces