Why am I starting this blog?

Total transparency. That is what they tell addicts and adulterers, isn't it? I am embarking on a journey to eliminate our debt and build our savings in the next year. The thing is, I know me. I have to be kept motivated and accountable, or this will be a forgotten resolution in two months time. Like the snuck cookie, I will buy things I don't need and not tell. Sometimes I spend money without even realizing it until the bill comes and I have to face what I bought. I have struggled with finances my whole life, my husband and I are both bad about managing our money and are instant gratification buyers. A lot of our debt is from unfortunate circumstances. A lot of it is our own fault. I will go into more detail in following posts.

I have started watching Suze Orman. I bought some of her books (on half.com for .75 cents+ shipping). I also watch the following program called "til Debt do us part". I have tried to make budgets in the past - I didn't know what I was doing, I have tried to pay down debt in the past, and there have been times when I have just told myself to "close my eyes and hand over the credit card". I have been very very poor, and I have been quite well off. I realized that now I have the tools to take an honest look at our money and our goals and develop plans and turn things around. It's the sticking to them that will be hard.

I plan to document our successes and failures here. I am going to lay it all out - how much we make, how much we spend, and how much we owe. I hope to celebrate the milestones and come here with my tail between my legs when I mess up, and resolve to get back on track. My mother would have a heart attack if she knew what I was planing to put out here in the cybernets for anyone to read. But, in doing research to convince myself to keep this blog, I have found that all kinds of people are doing the same thing. Some tell more details than others, and most owe a lot more than I do. Will anyone else read this than me? I don't know, and I don't really care. Maybe I will inspire someone. Maybe someone will inspire or encourage me. Ultimately, this is by me for me and I hope in a year I will read this and celebrate being on a new path.