Wow the summer is flying by quickly, as is the financial makeover competition! It is hard to believe we are already two thirds through this makeover.

I have fallen somewhat behind this week on the goals that I set for myself. This month was THE month for all the extra bills … water, sewer, car insurance. School tuition has started also, so that added to the "bills gone wild" this month.

I am not sure if I am the only one in the makeover that this happens to... I’ll feel like all is getting better and then the mailman arrives with those bills. Sometimes I want to hide in the bushes and cast stones at him so that he avoids my mailbox. Darned bills!

However, last week I got great news from Erin and Tim; my credit score has seen a handsome increase since the CommunityAmerica Makeover began! I'm so excited. The fruits of my labor are beginning to show! They also recommended that I obtain a CommunityAmerica credit card with a 9.99% interest rate and use it for gas only to build my score even higher. Erin was kind enough to assist me greatly in obtaining the credit card, which I received in the mail yesterday. This card will be paid off monthly and will further assist to raise my credit score even higher. I am excited about this, but at the same time a bit nervous about putting anything on a charge card. I trust what Erin and Tim are telling me, so I'm happy to use this financial tool. But having a zero balance on my credit cards is a great feeling.

Last week I told you all that I was going to look at my weekly spending at the grocery store and Walmart and price match to see how much I really spend on food. OMW, I really don't spend as much as I thought on food at all. At Walmart, I do one stop shopping and buy most everything at the trusty supercenter. When I took all my receipts and tallied them up, 60% was actually spent on food and the remaining on toiletries, cleaning supplies and pet supplies. That is great news for me, because I always felt I was spending too much on food.

This week is exciting for Mary as we are moving her savings account to CommunityAmerica. She is doing great building her account up and watching her money. Babysitting throughout the summer is providing her a nice income. She is VERY conservative, so her savings account does grow quickly!

Until next week ...

Lot's going on this week with the old homestead to report!

Recently I set some goals for myself and although I am sticking to them, at times I have to look at creative ways to make ends meet toward the end of each week. I continue to weigh my options on what needs to be completed right now and what can wait. I always have a list of things that need to be repaired and/or current repairs that need to be completed around the house. It’s really tough to make a decision on what is priority when one wants to keep the house up. Staying within a budget and trying to save at the same time can be trying at times. I have a great friend who is helping me with some of the repairs, and I do reach out to family when I can. One thing my Dad always said was “your house is your greatest investment. Take care of it.”

Mary is in Springfield this week visiting her brother, leaving me home for a little R & R from the normal teen requests. The extra gas and spending money she needed somewhat depleted my budget this week, but it is a much deserved vacation and her only vacation this summer. She was more than happy to take some of her own money for anything above what I gave her.

I reflected this week about the financial makeover and continue to ask myself the same few questions. Would I do it all over again, and has it been worth it so far? I am certain of one thing; I would not be where I am today if it weren't for CommunityAmerica and my advisors. With their help and my work, I am so much better off now than I have been for years, and I'm finally feeling more secure about my future. The makeover has been a lot of work but it also has been rewarding, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

So the big question I ask myself is am I doing enough? Some days yes, and some days I worry that I could do more. Maybe I’m being too tough on myself. I know that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I suppose I should not expect my savings account to be “full” in a day either. This all takes time. I am looking forward to my meeting this week on Thursday with Tim and Erin, so they can motivate me in the areas where I need help the most.   

You all have a good week! I’m kind of excited about having some alone time, (although I will miss Mary), and spending some time exercising and seeing friends. I’ll tell you all how it goes in my next blog.

You all know the story of Thomas the Tank Engine...

To put it mildly, my June was much like a train wreck due to a few obstacles I mentioned last week in my blog. I am happy to say, after sitting down this weekend and being able to focus on my expenditures, I am back on track again.

The neighbor reimbursed the vet bills due to me yesterday from  the dog attack. I was able to put that back into my savings, alleviating some of the stress I was feeling. Little James is back in good health after his attack, thank goodness. July is going to be a great month, and I am whispering under my breath, "I think I can..."  In fact I KNOW I can!

The holiday weekend was wonderful and relaxing and I spent it with family and friends, eating all the traditional summer foods and drink. Mary and I both managed to have fun with very little spending.

Mary is heading to Springfield this week to visit her favorite (and only) brother. She is planning on taking advantage of the big July sales for some shopping for a few much needed clothing items for the upcoming school year.

I will be seeing Erin and Tim soon and hopefully they will be proud of the recent progress I have made in my saving and will assist to further keep me on track with their financial wisdom!

Everyone have a great week.