I'm keeping my fingers crossed too, teaching in a Title I school should be rewarded.

Good for you for taking control! I sympathize with your debt as I have been there. I was young and naive about credit cards and was taking cash advances and spending for a total debt of ~$9K. Years later, and I almost got myself into the same position - maxing out my cards, but no cash advances this time. But all that is getting taken care of now.

I just wanted to let you know that there are indeed others out there in similar situations as you. I am impressed at how you are keeping such a close inspection on your budget. That is really fantastic! And motivating!

Keep it up!

Sounds like a fun day.
I'm sure son #2 will like the gifts that you already got him. Sometimes I think that there are more gifts I can buy once I finish my list, but then I have to remember that I'm done shopping for that person, and I can put that money in the bank or towards a bill or something, and the urge to buy passes me by.

That's too bad about the loan forgiveness. I give you a huge gold star for looking it up and trying to get it. You never would have known if you didn't try. It was definitely worth a shot.

That $400 of insulation will probably be paid back this winter though. So not a bad buy. And it will continue to pay you back for years.

You're doing great! I love how to the point and honest you are about your situation. Getting out of debt is hard work, but it can also be fun...if you know how to experience a few frugal luxuries or take the time to nurture yourself frugally. Just make a list of all the things that make you smile and feel better, that don't cost any money...or very little money. Things like trips to the library to read current mags/newspapers, see films, wander the art gallery (for that matter, wander the art galleries in your area in general!), check out the free Christmas concerts in schools and churches this time of year, go skating outdoors (if you can), enjoy a cool movie from the library, with hot chocolate (or wine and snacks), maybe make your favourite dessert/meal, etc. Lots of things to do to nurture us and make us feel better about working to pay off that debt. No need to feel deprived! Check out Tracey McBride's "Frugal Luxuries" or "Frugal Luxuries by the Season" from the library and enjoy getting some ideas.

Meg

I'm actually a huge fan of parking stuff in on-line carts. I love to shop online but don't want to spend too much money, live by the $100/$300 rule (for every $100 of a purchase I have to wait a day, $300 purchase = 3 day wait, $300 rule = any purchase over $300 [yes several small purchases at one store that add up to $300 count] has to be discussed with Mr. Sam and we have to agree to it, works both ways).

So when I start getting the itch for something new I jump online, "shop", park stuff in my cart and then come back (if I come back, most of the time I forget) days later. I've had stuff in my amazon.com cart that dates back a year.

Some people would tell you to stay off-line or away from the malls, but for me this behavior helps me get the shopping bug out of my system without spending money.

I know you're feeling down, but what kind of tv did you buy to have a 48 month loan? YIKES!

Maybe you should refocus your energies so that every time you get online to shop, you should go watch tv, or take a walk. Something to get you out of the buying or wanting to buy habit. I think watching tv is perfect since you just bought a new one. Might as well get your money's worth.

Ferbruary is right around the corner. Try to stick to your plans.