My Things-To-Do list is growing out of control. When this happens, it’s good to take a look at what’s been accomplished so far. With the Financial Makeover in mind, here’s my TA-DA! list:

*Delta Savings account with money actually in it, as opposed to a maxed out Line-Of-Credit at
 our previous bank,
*School enrollment fees are paid, and not with a credit card this year,
*Children have savings accounts now and are making efforts to watch their spending,
*Will begin teaching piano students in the fall. I have 2 lined up already,
*One credit card balance is now under $1000 and will be paid off soon,
*Buying only necessary groceries to last the week, with a few exceptions.

I really doubt any of this would have come about without the coaching from our CommunityAmerica Credit Union Financial Makeover advisors. When life gets busy the juggling act goes haywire and Willie-Nillie makes regular appearances and wants me to take him out to lunch! However, Rachelle and Randy have brought our focus back to the financial side of life. Next thing to try is the on-line envelope system, with opening several accounts to transfer money for planned expenditures. Life insurance, Christmas and birthdays, clothing, school enrollment, and the wastewater bill all added up to the exact amount of our credit card payments each month. With Prudence Planner by my side, we can make it!

We had a very successful trip to Cincinnati, Candy visiting with high school friends and her sisters and especially Mom. The kids and I had fun swimming at Mom’s apartment, which was free, and making friends with Candy’s friends. Her high school friends Bret and Sandi invited us into their home for five nights and plenty of good conversation and movies and a fantastic tour of Cincinnati by the river.

Our first and last destination was my brother Chris’ home in Dayton. He and his wife Jan are so hospitable and have always made us feel at home. The boys went to the Air Force museum, with free admission, and the girls did light shopping and we all had plenty to eat and movies to watch and good conversation.

We didn’t spend any money on lodging, with special thanks to Chris and Jan and to Bret and Sandy. We passed up the popular IKEA store so that we could get some free heirloom furniture. A special thanks to Mom for that.

The only glitch in the trip came when I tried to use our Traveler's Cheques. The big stores like Kmart and Walmart took them, but not any of the smaller merchants. I have concluded that for a trip it’s better to take a little cash and use a debit card.

The real heroes of our trip are our three children, Natalie, Nicholas, and Georgiana. They played enthusiastically with cousins, enjoyed our tours and movies, and constantly reminded us not to spend money on expensive things. They came home with most of their trip money still in their pockets.

The open road beckoned and we obeyed. Before leaving town, we made sure to be safe and get Traveler's Cheques.

Well, hunh, most places we frequent don't take them. So, the debit card has been seeing more light of day than we planned. If that is the worst thing that happens, we'll be fine. I scheduled all bills to pay while away, as well as transfers in and out of accounts when needed. I seem to be getting more used to using @ccountLink/Bill Pay.

Our trip was primarily for the purpose of visiting my mother, who will be moving further away very soon. She is leaving the area she's lived in for over 50 years. These are changes not easily made. The emotions are running high. I am on the lookout for Willie-Nillie, who tends to show up at times like this. Instead of spending money, though, we are staying up way later than usual, and eating local favorite foods while away.

When we return, we'll weigh in on spending, and... the scale. But, that's another battle.

God bless all of our men and women and their families who have followed their convictions and given themselves in the service of our country.