It's a New Year

It's probably not news by now. It's a new year.

I'm ambivalent about reaching 2009. On the one hand, times are pretty hard right now. I know so many people who are either out of work or have a spouse out of work. I think most people fear their jobs will be lost tomorrow, or next month, or before the end of this fiscal year.

I have to say something though. I'm hopeful. I'm excited. Crazy? Musings of a Pollyanna whose lost touch with reality? We'll see.

Last year, I found a plan. This year is all about working the plan. And as I said, I began last year. See, the first part of the plan is paying off two debts I have. Or had, rather. Because on January 3rd, I made the last payment on my college student loan, paying off that debt a year early, and since I had set a goal to pay it off in mid-January, I came in ahead of my own goal. I still have one debt to retire. But I have one less debt holding me back.

It's an amazing feeling. And at the end of this month, I hope to have the equivalent of one paycheck in savings. I know, it doesn't sound like a lot. I know Suze and Dave recommend a lot more. But the point is, I haven't been able to save even a single paycheck because of the money I've been pouring into my debts. Having a single paycheck saved is an accomplishment.

Another amazing feeling.

And when I talk to my friends about my plans, you should hear us. They will make suggestions or share information and we will start talking at turbo speed, talking over each other but different; building one idea on top of another rapidly because we can't get the ideas out fast enough. Each day I discover new things to add to my list of things to do. Each day, I learn more about how to accomplish the things I want. Each day I have more drive to handle tomorrow. Far from coming unglued, I'm coming unstuck.

Another amazing feeling.

I hope that when you read this, you are employed. I hope that if you are unemployed or underemployed that you will soon find work. More than that, however, I hope that you will find something even more important. I hope you find an amazing feeling. It will fuel you.

And I'll keep you posted. Keep me posted about your successes and failures. I'd like to know about them.

--Laura