Alright girls. I know, I know...how do I have the nerve to post something only every few months when I get to reap the rewards of you all posting regularly!!! But I just couldn't help myself on this one. Now I realize that this blog is for "Health and Happiness", insinuating that it's mostly about healthful eating, active lifestyle, etc. But I'm going to venture out on this one...I'm going to post about MENTAL (which translates also into EMOTIONAL) health!!! Namely money.

Now, we all know that Rachel's strong point has never been managing her funds well. I've come to the conclusion that this is a combination of forgetfulness, spontaneity, generosity, adventurous-ness, and just plain old lack of skill in doing it. I have a regular job now, and a real car, and I managed to get rid of all my bad debt...and in only a year my credit score increased 60 points! While that alone helped my mental well-being immensely, I know there is something more. The next step is (GASP!!!) making a budget, sticking to it, and saving extra money.

So Brandie (who is uncannily good at money matters such as budgets, investing, and saving) sat down with me last night and we hashed out my money situation. We listed all my income, bills, taxes, goals, wants, needs, and unnecessary spending. We plugged all the leaks with the little things that I spend cash on, made saving goals, and wrote a detailed plan down of what I would do with every penny every month. I actually had way more money to work with than I expected. And it also became painfully obvious how much I was spending on meaningless, needless things...eating out, clothes, treats, etc.

It turns out I can pay ALL my bills, have plenty of money to eat and enjoy things and still save 550 bucks a month straight to my savings!!

So even though I don't weigh less or run faster than I did yesterday, I feel heaps healthier and way more responsible! And the best part is that the "budget police" (Brandie, who by the way could get me in a choke-hold in 2.5 seconds) lives right down the hall and if I deviate from my plan...well let's just say I'd rather just pass up that new pair of boots than have a UFC match in my own living room!!

Love you all and wish me luck!!

Rach