About

I’ve never felt “untouchable” when it comes to money–growing up we had it hard, and I didn’t exactly marry rich, either.  However, I’ve generally been “comfortable” the last couple of years.  I’ve had enough money to pay my bills, I’ve been able to get financing for two (Certified Pre-Owned) new-to-me cars for my family.  I’ve been able to buy new clothes when I’ve needed them (but I hate shopping, so that hasn’t been often).  All in all, I’ve been okay.

As our country has slid into this deepening recession, I have felt relieved and grateful that my husband has a good, stable job.  Between his regular employment earnings and the associated monies that we get from his Military contract, we’ve been just fine.  I quit my job (which paid decently, covered 100% of my health insurance premium and matched $0.50/$1.00 up to 6% of my 401k contribution) last summer after having my second child, so for us to be okay has been a big deal.

Even though we have been okay, and we live within our means, we are far from debt-free.  We have those two auto loans, a student loan and a few credit cards that are bubbling up toward their limits.  We’ve recently gotten notices informing us that our interest rates have gone up or our credit limit has been decreased.

I am, admittedly, a worrier, but things are quite scary right now.  The government wants us to spend money to boost the economy, but we are a nation of people worried about layoffs or losing hours at work, the hit we took on our 401k when DOW blew up, feeding our families, paying for college, keeping our homes.  We are a nation in survival mode, and until we can move from survive to thrive, I don’t expect much of the middle class to be buying new LCD TVs, buying new wardrobes or taking many vacations.

So!  I am making a concerted effort to pinch every penny, save as much as I can and DEFINITELY pay down my debt.  That four-letter word has gone from being part of How Things Are to a huge weight on my mind, and with climbing interest, my bank account as well.

I decided to blog about my journey, my discoveries, my successes and failures as I learn to live more frugally.

My name is Sarah.  I am 27 years old.  Mother of two, wife of one.  A Utahn, born and raised.  And I’m doing my best.