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.

Getting Out of the Red

I have an idea for getting us out of the red but I don't know if this is the best approach. I'm thinking of doing things in this order:

• Roll in closing cost with mortgage
• Get refund of my $6,000 earnest deposit
• Use $2,000 to complete e-fund
• Use $4,000 to fully fund Roth
• Pay off car faster using previous e-fund and Roth contributions
• After car is paid off, max out 401k and invest

So that means increase 1 asset (e-fund), add 2 appreciating assets (house and Roth), add 1 liability (mortgage) that is offset by an appreciating asset and eliminate 1 liability (car loan). Hmmm...not bad. This allows me to potentially satisfy four of my goals for the year while eliminating debt associated with a depreciating *cough* asset.

These are just my ideas for now. I haven't evaluated the possible cons, which I know there are some. I have a few weeks to think about it and come up with a plan.

+ + + + + Net Worth here I come!!