$*(£ yeah! Go you. I'm inspired. Especially because I just had to take out a bloody - yeah, that's the word - bank loan to pay for this £$(* surgery, and now have Debt again. And hearing about other people not having debt? That rocks.

Dzesika... Oh... I have debt. Yes I do. But I'm no longer throwing away my bills LOL.

Your timing couldn't have been more perfect. Figuring out where the *&$^ my money is going is exactly what I'm doing right now.

Good job, Laurie!

I still use the Excel spreadsheet you first posted...it's helping me get out the hole I fell in having to move to Atlanta for work after several months of unemployment. Yay!! Thank you!

I have to de-lurk here to tell you that I, following your advice from the first posts, am in COMPLETE control of my money now! Yay for us! Now, I still have a large amount debt (I'm working on it). But, it is getting smaller each and every month. I don't buy ANYTHING on credit anymore - I'm strictly cash and carry now. If it isn't in the checking account or in my pocket then it just ain't getting bought today, period.

I share this to tell you that I am about to purchase my dream living room furniture, and it will be paid for in cash! I have moved from "charge it" to "save for it", and this purchase will not wipe out my savings. I still have a long, long way to go, but at least it's getting better every day!

You rock! Keep writing - so many of us are inspired by ALL of your tales (both yarn and non-yarn related)! ;}

And I meant to add (stupid fingers!) that I too am using your pretty pink spreadsheet. The numbers aren't any better but they sure are prettier! And it'll help me next month when I sit in front of a judge and tell him exactly how little I can pay my soon-to-be-ex for our accumulated credit card debt. blech.

I have passed your budget on to many many people. I am fortunately without debt, but that is only because my parents paid for college and plastic cards FREAK ME OUT. I am so bothered by putting things on credit cards, I don't even have gas cards. which is not actually a good thing, because it actually hurts your credit history.

You go, girl! That's awesome! I need your discipline. Because instead of putting "extra" money towards the mortgage ... or the car ... or into savings .... apparently, I am investing in shoes. And ummm yarn. Sigh.

You go girl!!!! I should be doing the same, but... there's always a but isn't there? It is plain laziness on my part to be honest. Although I'm sticking pretty well to my yarn diet I still spend a LOT.

Anyways, I hope you will enjoy your trip to Paris, even if it will throw your budget off a bit!!!
Cheers Eva - you do know that the avian flu has reached France don't you?? First dead birdies found just before the weekend... so far not the deadly human version though.

I paid off my credit cards a couple years ago and told myself "no more!" Yeah, right. In a year I've racked up more debt than I had before! Time to start over. Thanks for the reminder.

You ROCK, Laurie! I'm sorry I can't hire you a band, but I'd have to use a credit card.

You should read Confessions of a Shopoholic. The main character had the same problem with credit card debt, and she threw away her statements too.

It's hilarious.

Um, I mean - Shopaholic.

Amen! I cannot emphasize how much this applies to you whether you are the only breadwinner in the house or not. Even if you are not the one who writes the checks, you need to know where your money is/is going. Thanks Laurie for a great post!

I have also de-joined the throw-away-the-statements-of-the-month club, and once I got over the shock of actually putting one big combined dollar amount to everything, it was actually really liberating to just PAY shit and have it be over with. Yeah, $150 a month for a student loan sucks, but it doesn't suck as much as letting it get backed up for 4 months and suddenly the people calling are demanding $600!! :P

Shelby -- if it's any consolation, I pay close to $700 a month towards my debt. OH MY GOD. But yes, it's true. And I still have at least two years to go before I pay off everything that my darline ex-husband left me with. On the plus side, I will be free! One day. Free of debt. Amen dig in.

But I'll bet Enrique from Discover misses talking to you! (I'll ask him when he calls me tonight...) I'm in the process of getting a handle on my finances too, but unfortunately for me kids need more stuff than cats, and ask for it louder.

I just did my sheet by personalizing yours (THANK YOU!), and realized that I'm living pretty darned close to the bone. However, I've stopped with the plastic use and in, oh, about a million years, I'll have that bill paid off....
Sobering.

Very nice post, Laurie. I'm trying to get my life in order, too, getting in bodyshape and financialshape and hoping not to become too OCD about it.

I walk the line...

I donwloaded that spreadsheet, love it!

Me and my husband are only in debt for the cars and the house, and one car will be payed off in June!

We need to manage our money better so we can know what we are spending on food and eating out every night. We are bad and need to be better! In particular if I want to be a stay at home mom.

amandamonkey... I walk the line too. I have become OCD-ish about the health food thing, which is good, in a way, but I could stand to be a little more aggressive in the money arena.

oh well.

I am so glad ya'll are using the spreadsheet!! that makes me so so so happy :)

Laurie, can I just say how much I love your Budget tool? I downloaded it when you shared it on your blog last year and immediately put it to use after a little bit of tweaking. (Love the pink -- my signature color -- and the line item for yarn!) It's hands down the best tool I've ever used for tracking my personal money. Not too complicated (Quicken sucks) but detailed enough so I know what the f*** is going on with my checking account.

Did I happen to mention that I am a CPA-candidate accountant? ;-)

Anyway, I just wrapped up a custody struggle which cost me well into the five-digit range. I ran through all my savings and am now one of the paycheck to paycheck people. Grrr. But, thanks to your Budget XL, I know exactly how long it will be before the lawyer and credit card is paid off and I'll have my emergency cash in the bank again.

You rock!

I am so glad you said something to remind me of that Oprah episode.

My friend just told me about it, and I should have it TiVoed...I just haven't watched TV in a few weeks (Drama.)

About a year ago Oprah had a debt show with...I think it was Dave Ramsey, and they talked about The Total Money Makeover. I have mad debt, for a lot of different reasons. Somethings were my own irresponsibility, and some things were just terrible luck. (IE breaking my ankle after I ran away from CA back to NY.) I love that book, and I have been working my arse off to follow along. I plan to be debt free in a year.

Debt sucks. I can't wait to see the show.
Good luck!

I just have to say that you are so awesome! I love your excel sheet budget, the way you write, and most of all, your courage. You're just awesome, awesome, awesome. [this comes out of several months of silently reading... the budget entry just pushed me over the lurker edge]

I think you have inspired me...even more than Becky Bloom in "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and sequels.
I too have been known to throw away the bills. And I've gone so far as to not answer the phone (love the lovely Caller ID). And tell a bill collector that I moved.
But it's time to grow up and face the music.
Thank you for your honesty. And budget sheets---as long as I can budget for my yarn, I'll be okay.

I can't get over how accurately your post reflects how I feel about getting out of credit card debt! I'm very grateful that I had my credit cards to "bridge" me over the lean years of grad school and a few between-jobs moves, but I have a good job now and about two years ago I decided it was time to get out of debt. I had my very own Excel spreadsheet that worked for me, a name for the plan (too embarassing to share), and a line graph that tracked my progress. I nearly wept with joy when I made that last payment!

Here's an important note -- when you get out of debt, KEEP USING THE SPREADSHEET. I check my CC statements online frequently and enter the ENTIRE current balance as an expense in my budget for next month. It reinforces the "don't ever carry a balance" rule, and it's helped me use credit cards responsibly for the first time ever. Keep up the good work -- next thing you know you'll be *saving* money!

I didn't watch the Oprah show on debt and debt dieting, but the Budget is essential for me.

This last marriage (yes, last one - as in my third and subsequently final, marriage) nailed me hard in the finances department & I knew most of what was going on with the money. (He pulled shady crap behind my back.)

I went to a consumer credit counseling nonprofit. We figured out how much, and to who, would be paid. It's a hell of a chunk out of my paychecks, and it will be 2008 before I make my last payment on my debts - but my credit rating is climbing back up, I have no new credit card debts and I'm eeking out a bit in the savings area while putting money away for (ha! snerk!) "retirement."

You go Laurie! I need to cut down my debts, too...but first I need to get a proper job. Love how you put 'yarn/wine' in the same bar! *LOL*

I know where my money goes, but it just seems to keep going. My biggest problem is not my credit card (not to say it's not a problem - just not the biggest one). It's student loans that are sapping my will to live. Other people have different experiences, but for me college was the biggest waste of money ever, and the biggest financial mistake I've ever made. I certainly did not get a return on my investment.

Ahem. Not that I'm bitter, or anything.

Great Job! Definitely something to be proud of.

I am home with the sickness today but I had to stop by and see what you were up to.

You are such the modern day superhero. Mild-mannered computer girl by day, Super fabulous Crazy Aunt Purl by night. :)

In my years as a HR director of several radio stations, I can tell you stories of people in debt that would knock your socks off. People, who would stand outside my door waiting for the paychecks and high-tail it to the bank. Financial freedom is the best gift you can give yourself!

REMEMBER...WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH...THE TOUGH HAVE CASH!!!!

Great post, CAP. You inspired me to get my debt under control when you first posted about it some time ago, and you inspired me to quit smoking back when you posted about that. By the time you're through with me I'm not going to have any vices....you're not going to quit the wine and yarn, are you?

more power to you!
I think finances are about being moderate and responsible. That doesnt mean starvation diets, it means facing things straight on and dealing with it.
Congratulations and good on you for it- you deserve to take a treat trip if you are facing the rest of things down responsibly!

Your blog makes me laugh outloud when I read it at work....worries my coworker somewhat but I don't care...I love your blog!

Have you ever read or listened to Dave Ramsey? He may be the ultimate no debt guy and I listen to him to keep me on budget and inspired to get out of debt. I'm convinced that credit cards will be the downfall of the American empire. Thanks for the link to your budget form. Gotta love a budget with a line item for yarn!

It is SO good that you are publicly talking about this. I think the worst part about debt is that it is still one of the big taboo things to talk about. I feel like part of the way to exorcise the debt, in addition to paying it down, is to TALK about it and make it not such a bad thing to discuss with people. Discussions about different ways to pay off one's debt can be useful to other people.

Now, off to make a miniscule drop in the big bucket o' debt.

I forgot to say that Bob is SUPA-CUTE in his basket... or is that a basket that he appropriated?

Thanks for the inspiration. I just broke up with my boyfriend. We were living together and when he left I incurred a TON of debt (everything was in my name). I've been sort of lost in the numbers and feeling like crap about it. Your post just gave me hope. Thank you for the excel sheet as well. :)

You go girl! I'm so proud of you!

Hi there. I always read and enjoy your blog so much. This is the first time I just had to comment. I just want to say how proud I am of you. Your life has not exactly been easy. We've all been there at one time or another, but few have dealt as well as you have. With good humor and your head held high. Good Going Girl :-)

Hi Laurie,

Geez. My friend looked at me yesterday and uttered these words, "So...are you savin' a little every month?" D'Oh! Not so much. I used to use a spreadsheet eons ago and keep track of everything and it works great. Why did I stop? I don't have a lot more to show for it. Unless you count that time my son had his wisdom teeth out....but it's hard to get him to stand still long enough to show my friend. "See? Right there...$500.00 big ones." Thank God for insurance.

Thanks for the 'minder and spreadsheet. I got no excuses now!

That's awesome, Purl! Congratulations!!! I, too, have long struggled with budgeting (in fact, I joined you in the "let's throw away our credit card statements" trend back in college...glad to know I wasn't alone!) and am *trying* to get a handle back on it all. It's slow going...but you serve as encouragement! Thanks!

I ohsoneeded that. I am trying the same thing! It worked well on the last two pay periods I had... I am still not rich, but at least I am monitoring!

I didn't know it was on Oprah. With the Torino games, my area doesn't get Oprah right now. I mean... what is this? We get Ellen, but not Oprah? PLEASE!

Thanks and good luck to you! Here's to bringing our lunches and drinking water from the fountain for free!

You go girl!!!!

I downloaded your budget a few weeks ago and using a Dave Ramsay budget, too, sort of Frankensteined 'em together. Whatever works! We're doing month one of Knowing Where Our Money Goes and damn, we eat a lot!

I also remember on that Oprah debt diet episode that the one lady was reprimanded for spending so much money on YARN (and beads, and scrapbooking...) ! I was all self-righteous about the other examples until they got to her. Then I was like, BITCH! Leave her alone!

You rock, Laurie. :)

Rachel... heheheh... me too! I was like, please! Let the lady have her cashmere! hah hah

Rachel, I was thinking the same thing! Do you know how much yarn she could buy with the money she's spending on those greedy daughters!?

Laurie, as always, I love your blog!

Good for you! I love those shows Oprah does on finances. Have you read Smart Women Finish Rich? It's a good one. I've actually gotten a lot better about money and budgets and things like that since I got married because my husband is one of those extremely responsible, perfect credit, if I can't afford it, I can't have it types. Even so, I just went through all of my credit and debit card statements for tax purposes and realized that if yarn were deductable, I'd be getting a much bigger refund.

Rachel, I was thinking the same thing! Do you know how much yarn she could buy with the money she's spending on those greedy daughters!?

Laurie, as always, I love your blog!

I added a link to the Oprah show's Debt Diet website, much thanks to Paloma for emailing it to me!!

I did the SAME thing -- in fact, I have a box (yes, a box!) of unopened statements that I keep as a memento of "those days." It felt so good to own up to the debt...to face head on that fear, shame, or whatever it was that was accumulating for years in that box!

When you last posted the 'Budget' I filled it out and it scared me *shitless*! I realized how stupid I was being and avoiding reality and my bills! My resolution was to clean up my act. So far, so better. It's going to take a long time but thank you for being a motivator.

I'm also a lurker that hasn't written a comment yet, but today I had to break that trend. What I love about your writing is that I know you are sharing with us your most earth shattering experiences. Those things that make us feel alone.

And I love that when you share these experiences that we'd rather forget, there are about a million people who are moved into action. All based on your actions. Because really, we all share so many experiences when we peel away the layers.

And I thought I would only have to envy your knitting skills!! *SIGH* This is just one more reason for me to use your blog as a worthy distraction from my budget-enabling work day humdrum. Keep on keepin' on sister!

P.S. As there was a considerable shortage of ghetto slang in this post...may I submit a resounding YOU GO GIRL!

And I thought I would only have to envy your knitting skills!! *SIGH* This is just one more reason for me to use your blog as a worthy distraction from my budget-enabling work day humdrum. Keep on keepin' on sister!

P.S. As there was a considerable shortage of ghetto slang in this post...may I submit a resounding YOU GO GIRL!

oh man! I just used that handy budget thing you posted and went through my bank account...I spent 534$ on going-out-to-eat in January. thats messed up and no wonder i gained 9 pounds last month. sheesh. thank you!

AAAAAACCKKK!! Here I was, coming to Crazy Aunt Purl today for some funny funny, not money money! Sorry, I'm still in a foggy, room-spinning-around whirlwind since my hubby's job was "downsized" this week (after 20 years with Huge Company) and we have just sunk over $100K into our home renovation. Too late, already spent. I HATE money. Ewww, yucky, bleeech. I just wanna read about Auntie Purl's crazy cats and pretty knits and trips to Paris and the like. Pleeeease. No more money talk. I beg you.

GREAT picture of Bob, though! :-)))))

Hi Laurie,

I think you are doing a great service here - because you're so right. We are raised as women to have a man take care of the money stuff and be totally oblivious - combine that with the consumer culture we live in and you get a real problem. I have been struggling with debt also for the last few months after being out of work for about 3 months between jobs. It will take my DH and I about 9 months to work that off - and I feel you when you talk about how great it feels to be closer to financial freedom.

P.S: I loooooove your blog. I recently started reading it and I think it's so well-written, witty, and thought-provoking

Just in case anyone says "That's not knitting!" let me just throw in that my Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, 1991, defines "yarn" as (among other things) a "narrative of adventures," and that's what you give us on a semi-daily basis!!

Thanks, Laurie!!

Reenie: I'm with you hon. If I have to give $ one more thought today...my head...it *will* explode.

Tell us a joke Crazy Aunt Purl!

I am also one of the de-lurkers. Very wise words, Laurie. You've reassured me that one day I will be debt free (and might actually be able to buy a property bigger than a shoebox in London!)

I'm not quite as far along in my debt reduction process. I'm just starting to see a faint light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for sharing your story. It gives me encouragement to keep going. (My car will be paid off as soon as I get my tax return. Can't wait! Can't wait! Can't wait!)

BRAVO!!! Forget the Olympics, you're my hero!!!

You are sooooo right when you said that women need to realize that Prince Charming ain't going to ride up on his white horse and offer to share his fat 401K with us. I think it's tremendous that you're spreading the good word about taking charge of all aspects of one's life, including finances. About 1/2 my take-home pay goes to mortgage (argh). Of course, that's also after pre-tax retirement (but before post-tax retirement) money is taken out. Ladies, don't count on Social Security for retirement, unless it'll be in the next few years, or you'll be one of the food/heat/medicine pick one people. Also, it's a good idea to have different types of retirement benefits; a 401k is taken out pre-tax, but you pay taxes on it when you start to draw on it. A plan such as a Roth IRA (which can have a small $ amt put in each month) comes out of your post-tax money and you DON"T pay tax on it when you start to draw on it. Sweet! Even $50 a month will add up over 20 or 30 (or 40) years...
Miz Purl, can't you get that weasel to re-assume his own g-d debt by showing his dubious transactions? Or is it too late now? Forensic accountant, anyone?

YOU GO GIRL! There are times when, after reading your blog, I've felt like crying for you, but not anymore. I don't even know you and I'm proud of you. Get down with your yarn-lovin' champagne-drinkin' Paris-headed bad self!

I look forward to using your lovely pink spreadsheet! Good luck with your budget and have a kick-ass time in Paris (o:

I look forward to using your lovely pink spreadsheet! Good luck with your budget and have a kick-ass time in Paris (o:

E-filed the taxes yesterday. My 17 year old no longer qualifies as a child. $1000.00 credit gone. Booooo Hoooooo!!!
The child is still here holding his hand out, waiting for muncho dinero. I think he needs your budget. Not the preapproved credit card applications he gets in the mail. Damn them, they go after them early.

Laurie, you are totally my hero. Statements? In the garbage? I have been there, avoiding the difficult reality. I'm at the point now where I'm ready to be an actual adult and get my shit together and I'm going to download your spreadsheet now.

You are amazing and strong for writing about this. Thank you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for a much needed reminder! xo

This is great! I use excel for my budgeting all the time. I keep a few spreadsheets. one for what my actual bills are and how much i'm allowed to spend on certain things per week (I'm a temp so i get paid weekly) and another for how much I'm actualy spending. Soon I promise I'll start bringing lunches! I'm just so lazy. but if I bring my lunch I can buy more Yarn! (Hmmm that's a good plan)
Starting my way to being debt free is one of my plans this year. Since it's barely over 10k I should also buy a lottery ticket for a $ once a week. It would be better than some things I spend money on and it might get me somewhere. (haha I know)

Your spreadsheet rocks, I started using it when you posted it the first time but got lazy. And bought a house. Stuff happened, hilarity ensued, and we're back on your bandwagon. Thank you.

Here, here! I watched that Oprah show, too, and patted myself on the back for just making the LAST payment on an ugly chunk of credit card debt that I accrued about 6 months ago! (let us not speak of student loan payments- I haven't even graduated yet) I applaud you and your efforts to educate the blogworld masses to take control of their finances- thank you!

I saw that episode of Oprah and believe it or not, thought of you, because I remember reading about The Budget. So glad you're now a fiscally-responsible divorcee', (that sounds so risque' somehow -- perhaps it's just the accent mark).

You know sometimes I watch Oprah and think, O -- was that really necessary? This, on the other hand, was a fantastic episode and she should be proud of herself for that.

As O would say, "you GO girl!".

:-)

On husband number 2. Making more money than he is. Discovered men are icing on the cake, not the cake itself. You can do anything, you don't need a man. If you find one that you enjoy hanging out with, great. If not that is okay too. You are in charge. You should be proud of yourself, you've discovered stuff that some women NEVER DO!

Well someone else won the POWERBALL so I guess I'll have to start saving....*sigh*....

I'm so desperate for money I had to take a job overseas....

Oh, one more thing, and forgive me if this seems too simplistic, (but it worked for me): For those who are still strugglin' with the credit card debt, here's a great way to stop accumulating more: use a debit card instead of a credit card. Throw away the credit cards. Cut them up. Burn them. Whatever it takes. (AND DON'T GET NEW ONES). If you have to use plastic, use the debit card, and since that money is coming straight out of your bank account, if you don't have the cash, you can't buy the stuff. But if you do have the cash in your account, you'll have the "plastic" if you find yourself in a situation where other forms of currency are not an option. (It's also great for use in foreign countries at ATM's - I hear you get the best exchange rate that way.)

I was working on my budget earlier today and just loved reading your entry. I made some huge changes back in December and am steadily working on cutting out the debt. It ain't easy, but you're right - it feels so good to know I'm making positive strides. I can't wait until I'm debt free and can start saving for important things, instead of putting them on credit and worrying about how to pay for them later. Thanks for the inspiration!

Laurie,
Do you still have your C.A.P. mailing address?
I want to send you something.

You are my hero. I'm not stalking you or anything but just wanted to let you know.

-Amanda from Baltimore

WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Laurie you so rock! You picked up your supposed broken self and marched on. What you were was seriously dented, not broken. You're much stronger girlfriend then you knew and you lived. Not only to survive, but share the path that you are on. This is helpful for those who are on the same path, lighting the way. Bless you and thanks!

Laurie,

Do you still have the Crazy Aunt Purl address?
Can you send it to me, I have something I want
to send you.

You're my blogheroine. I'm not stalking you or
anything, just wanted to let you know.

-Amanda from Baltimore

WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Laurie you so rock! You picked up your supposed broken self and marched on. What you were was seriously dented, not broken. You're much stronger girlfriend then you knew and you lived. Not only to survive, but share the path that you are on. This is helpful for those who are on the same path, lighting the way. Bless you and thanks!

Laurie, please please tell me that some of Mr. X's shady money maneuvering was rectified in the settlement. I am so angry at the thought of that!!! The whole premeditated nature of it is infuriating. Your karma pionts are skyrocketing. I envision a book deal for you in the near future (at least start submitting some articles to mags - please!)

And yes, you rock for doing this. :-)

Roy is just too darned cute for his own good.

When I was in college my best friend's mother caught his dad cheating on her. To get even she ran up all of the credit cards to the max. She charged an eye lift for herself and she gave one of the cards to my friend (who had the same name as his dad). They must have charged at least $10K, and that was 20 years ago. The funny thing was, the parents ended up staying married. I guess they were addicted to the drama.

You rock, Laurie - not only are you gaining control of your finances, but you are on YOUR TREADMILL! GOOD JOB, girl!! You inspire so many people - (jeez, whenever you feel down, read your comments, people LOVE YOU!), and you're really doing great after mr. x left. we hate him, but love you! Keep on doing that cardio (that way you can drink wine!), and your budget is great. I use it too...but can't get rid of my credit cards...after all, how can I buy all that yarn that I love but don't need???? More power to you - you are fabulous! XO

Hi Laurie

De-lurking just to say that I've been loving your blog.. I have been going through a lot of the same things you have (relationship-wise), and just when I was thinking you couldn't get any cooler or in sync, you start talking about debt.. and I'm focussing on the same thing right now!

It's an awesome spreadsheet, love the colour-scheme. I'm so close (well, in my MIND it's so much closer) to being debt-free. Stick with it, sister!

Good for you! I get much geeky pleasure out of tracking my finances in a spreadsheet I developed a while ago.

Laurie,

Thanks for the $$ spreadsheet. I've been over spending on yarn and other things and need to tighten up on the money. The less I spend now, the sooner and more comfortably I get to retire!

My momma did tell me, "A woman needs to be able to support herself." She didn't tell my sisters though, since she was more worried about the lazy daughter. I guess I listened though, since I do okay. Cards paid off every month, old car free and clear, just than nasty yarn buying habit and the mortgage...sigh.

Thanks for the encouragement and as your many internets friends say...you rock!

Good for you! I've got to get on the ball - watching my pennies has never been my strong suit. It's always more fun to spend until you run out (not!). Can I just say that I hate overdraft fees? They suck. That is all.

In other news, I'm switching back from TypePad to Blogger, because (drumroll, please!)...it's FREE. See? I'm managing my money better already!

Coming out of lurk. It's the old fart here.

I am so damn pround of you! And all the others that are trying and succeeding in getting control of their debt. Keep it up!

Being an old fart, there is one thing I learned, there is no certainty in this world. There will be job loss, illness, accidents. And there is one way for sure that you can keep it together, and that is to be debt free. When my husband and I got married, we bought a house and we needed new cars. Cars were paid off within 2 years and we busted our asses and paid off the house comepletely within 7. So if there is unemployment, we have our house and we can certainly flip hamburgers to pay for utilities, etc. And as you are finding out, it is pure freedom!

Your post was right on, except for the following:
"and in there somewhere I became a girl who is financially self-supporting, who knows how to handle her money." You need to change girl to Woman! You are Woman, let her roar.

I'm going to de-lurk myself too and thank you for reminding me the importance of getting out of debt.

It's so true--money is a very emotional thing and many of us have issues around it from childhood/college/etc.

You really do kick ass. And this post is helping to kick my ass into getting on top of my debt.

Thanks for the inspiration wrapped up in your great humor.

Oh, and here's on way to save money. I'll start using my stash yarn instead of buying new yarn for projects. Every little bit helps, yes?

I'm going to de-lurk myself too and thank you for reminding me the importance of getting out of debt.

It's so true--money is a very emotional thing and many of us have issues around it from childhood/college/etc.

You really do kick ass. And this post is helping to kick my ass into getting on top of my debt.

Thanks for the inspiration wrapped up in your great humor.

Oh, and here's on way to save money. I'll start using my stash yarn instead of buying new yarn for projects. Every little bit helps, yes?

You go girl! I'm a paycheck to paycheck gal myself, which keeps me up at night- and maybe now i'll get off my butt and do something about it... I tried a financial planning course that was supposed to be great- national plan touted by Oprah- but- the local teachers were Holy Rollers- and people in the class actually blamed Satan fortheir debt. Um, nope, I can get into trouble all by nyself, thanks! Buh-bye! Here's a link to a book i have heard good things about- Ikeep meaning to reserve it at the library- instead of buying it, see? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080507712X/qid=1140623215/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-4613341-1008810?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
Thanks for sharing, with humor, such a tricky topic.

You go girl! When I graduated high school (small, all-girls school), the guidance counselor gave us three bits of advice, which have stood me in good stead ever since (and we're pushing two decades here, so that's some pretty good advice): (1) Never say 'I told you so.' You know you did, they know you did; it only serves to create bad feelings [but, oh, does it feel good sometimes!]; (2) Get a file cabinet. You'll need it. Start small and add on; and finally (3) Have your own checking account. Without financial independence there can be no independence.

I'm not totally on top of #3 (yes, I have my own account, but there's diddly squat in it), but guess who does the finances in my family? Me.

Long winded way of saying what I started out by saying: You GO! You rock AND roll! Good on ya!

You're much more inspiring than those winners who were on Oprah. "I just thought we needed a piano so I got one" *shudder*

What a great post. You rule.

Please tell me where Mr. X lives...I want to TP his house. And throw rotten eggs at his door. I promise I won't do it until you are in Paris, so you can't be implicated in any way.

A bientot ma petite!

Hey, thanks for the public service announcement!:D

These links will really help me in my war against debt. I knew some of this stuff, but I had some of it all wrong.

I want to say THANKS for this post!!! Multiple exclamation points are the sign of a weak mind, but here they are necessary. What a wonderful thing you did for me, putting this info out there.

Gosh. I just love you! And your cats!

i'm very proud of you.

we have cut ours considerably. Yep, I have been known to throw away a few myself. can you say student visa? student visa BAD...

ok. forgive me if I'm repeating but I'm a day late and dollar short as they say and I'm not gonna read all the previous comments.

you might want to look at Pay it Down: From Debt to Wealth on $10 a Day, a book by Jean Chatzky, a financial wizard lady on the Today show. It talks about all the same stuff but is very easy to read and doesn't make you feel like the world's greatest loser if say, maybe, you are still paying off the revolving credit totals you started in college. and are now 37. she also continually reassures you that even if you don't get your debt paid off in 3 years, that's ok too. 4 years is ok. 5 years is ok. what is not ok is ignoring it like so many millions of us do. with her plan, in 10 years you can have your debt GONE, that "three months of salary for an emergency" emergency cushion, AND a sizeable chunk in secure retirement plans.

another good on is the 60% solution on MSN Money... according to them 60% of your net income should be for structured expenses like rent, utilities, car payment. 10% to retirement, 10% in savings for unexpected car repairs, new fridge etc, 10% for investments and 10% for VACATIONS! BONJOUR PARIS! because Paris is essential. c'est tout! (and I'm not even on the wine)

but you're right... even just knowing what's going on in your money world makes you feel a million times better than hiding under the bed with your head in the sand. or something like that. Good for you!

ok. it's me again. la retarda

the lady on the oprah debt diet IS the today show lady. YAY debt lady! so just do what she says and everything will be wonderful.

Also, about your trip... if you're worried about spending too much money, email me and I'll tell you all the secret tips I learned. parce que les femmes parisienne sont les milleux! or something like that but in French.

Have you ever heard of Dave Ramsey? He is a debt reducing/budget genius. He has his own radio show that is also available in podcast. He has also been featured on Oprah.

Hi Laurie, I'm joining the ranks of delurkers to tell you that I love your blog, your humour, and most of all your honesty. Oh and the cats of course! I love the budget spreadsheet that you made and I use it all the time but I've put the MSN Money 60% Solution (mentioned earlier by JustGrace) into play with your budget as well and everything just really fell into place for me (alright, I'll be honest, it makes me downright giddy!) so I thought I'd give you the link. I hope HTML works in your gbook. 60% Budget Solution. But if not: http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Savinganddebt/Learntobudget/P36153.asp

The bit about the treadmill just slipped right in there under the radar. 8:~) I believe I could knit (plain stuff-nothing fancy), if I stayed to just a fast walk. Have you tried? I wonder if the store would let me test it that way? Since buying yours are there features you don't use/wish you had chosen? Any info you could pass along to the still shopping would be appreciated.

Your baby's looking sweet these days, in spite of the pink medecine fights. When my puppy needed liquid stuff I could rub his throat while plunging the eye dropper thingy between 2 back teeth. He'd swallow every time, reflexively. Probably wouldn't work for a cat.

Thank yuo for your Budget Sheet, I pased it onto the Sheet I was already using for keeping track of my bank statements, and it has given me an added level of control.

Yep, I have debt as well, and have been working my way out of debt for the last 4 years. Will be "Officially Debt Free" around Feb 2008, hopefully a couple of months before if my "Snowballing" of Cards works out.

I also love Yarn, Wine and your 'blog. Not so crazy about Pink, but hey, each to their own.

Yes, you keep on keeping on. :-)

Great story of tapping into your own personal power! Right on ("you go, girl" was already taken! LOL)

OMG - I just figured out that I have 20k in credit card debt, $100 in savings and I can barely make ends meet one month to the next...I am old, old, old....50!! How do I fix this??

joining the ranks of the de-lurkers to say i am grateful for the post, the budget (the spreadsheet! pink! thank you!) and the good humor about all of this. what a nightmare we've gotten ourselves into.

now- are the rest of you single? because i'm ready to do this THING abou the budget and the debt diet and the No More Cards but am married to someone who basically thinks it is our god-given right to go on three or four big expensive trips (to see the far flung relations) every year, so as fast as i can slam a few thousand onto our $15,000 credit card debt, he racks it right back up. and in all fairness, they're my parents, too, and i keep letting him/us make these plans.

we paid off $25,000 about 15 yrs ago so i know we can do this, but now we've got kids, dog, cat, fish, medical bills, and some sort of attitude like "we deserve this, we're in our fifties." at this rate, we'll be living in a box when we retire.

so: i'm budgeting. now. tonight. THANK YOU for this blog!
(and did i mention i made my first successful hat from your easy roll brim hat recipe?)

I got married when I was 15--had my baby girl when I was a month from 17. I never finished high school, and my husband has worked shift work for 40 years.. We have never been out of debt, we haven't got the 3 month safety net....we have so little to show for the 1 million dollars he has made in this 40 years. I stayed home and raised our 2 kids, and my husband preferred I not work so I'd be here for them and for him as well. Sometimes I get so stressed out when it's time to pay the bills, I think about what it must be like to not be alive, but I rob Peter to pay Paul for this month. If I go out, I know I'll spend money on something I don't NEED. If I stay in, I have the Internet for my store..until I can't pay the credit card bill!! When I learned to knit last year, it didn't take long to rack up $500 in needles and yarn and knitting books.---Some of it I have no idea what I'll do with. It's my biggest failure I guess, not to have been smart enough to at least have been able to conquer this. It doesn't really make me feel a lot better seeing that I'm not alone in this money battle, but I really hope I've read enough of your blog and the comments to at least make me think of trying to try a budget. It's so depressing, knowing I need surgery, and he does, and we can't afford it...because neither of us ever learned how to manage money!! I'm sorry , Laurie, for such a long depressing post!!

On a better note, Honey--it's great --the progress you have made!!! That bastard Mr. X!!! The only thing I do KNOW--is that what goes around does finally come around. I just wonder if he'll manage to find HIS way out of the maze when it's his turn??

Hi. First time commenter, long time listener. :) Thanks for posting that spreadsheet. Ya know, I knew all the rules but once I plugged all my expenses into that sheet I realized that I'm coming up -$75 a month. Huh. Go figure.

Anyway, I looooooovvvve reading your blog. Have a great day!

I let my mother control my finances for about three years after I turned 18 (why? because I was dumb) and she was a member of the throw-the-bills-away club. I have since moved a few times, and have only found ONE of the companies I owe through credit checks. How do you find out how much you owe when you don't know WHO you owe?