Thanks, Dave.

I love pay day. While my small paycheck isn't much and doesn't last a long time, I must say, I AM grateful to be receiving one during our country's economic crisis.

At the beginning of every month I tell myself, "this month is going to be different! I'm going to be really good with my money!" I know I'm not telling you something you don't already know, but IT'S.SO.HARD. I'm not a huge spender, and I've tried budgeting a little, but nothing really seems to work. I still normally struggle to make it to the next paycheck. Where does my money go?

We've all heard of Dave Ramsey. He's a financial genius who seems to have all of the answers. I've read a little about him before, but to be honest, I get annoyed when he (or anybody else for that matter) says something I don't want to hear. Like it or not, though, I've decided that this is the month I'm really going to listen to what he has to say (or read what he has to write). Claire, a fellow teacher and friend, and I were discussing this topic recently, and she found a fantastic tool on his website. It's pretty self-explanatory. He basically breaks down your finances and helps you create a budget that really seems do-able! I entered all of my numbers in the appropriate blanks and I was amazed by how much money I SHOULD be able to save each month, while still being able to use money for some fun things!

So, starting tomorrow, I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm going to use the "envelope system," and hopefully, by the end of this month, I will start seeing results!

If you're just getting by like so many of us, give it a try! I may be needing some accountability partners here!

(Emily, I know you and Reed are so proud of me for spreading the word! I'll let you know how it goes!).