Hello SA Friends.

It's been a long minute since I've posted anything here.  Our financial situation is greatl improved as we are now mortgage-free,  only have one as opposed to three in college, I am employed full-time as a substitute teacher in special education through June, and the SO is still employed although still under the threat of layoffs at end of Q1-2022.

My goals for January are to be 1.5-2 months ahead on our bills and sinking funds starting January, have 15% of SO's salary going into 401K, and investing $2.5-$3K per month.  I'm not sure how long we'll be able to maintain that momentum and if it is reasonable, but it's a goal.

We also have $4,000 currently saved for our home improvement campaign which will involve redoing our fireplace ($1,500 estimate) and new flooring on our first floor (open concept).  I had grand and expensive plans and decided that there are things within reason that will give the place a whole new feel without breaking the bank.  I've decided to keep my repainted cabinets (painted professionally one year ago) and just install new hardware and counter tops.  I also am torn about my sectional which is too large for the space and what to replace it with.  Anyhow, it is good to have funds earmarked for the project and economic choice is easier when you actually have money to budget.

We did some Christmas shopping today and while I won't say I'm embracing minimalism, I will say that I no longer wish to surprise my children with gifts I think are awesome: its now what they would like (whether an item or money).  I did enjoy buying a nice winter coat and hat/gloves/scarf for a 6 year old girl in my high school son's adopt-a-family in his homeroom class.  I am thankful that my daughter is home after modeling in Capetown, South Africa, and my family is healthy and mostly happy.

Off to catch up on the blogs now.  Happy Holidays!