Getting Straight in 2008

Every new year my hubby Etch-A-Sketch and I talk about what we are going to do differently to realize our dreams - whatever those are. Our (read as my) focus this year is our finances. As a Queen Bee, I try to do everything and do it brilliantly - this is definitely not as easy as it looks - and although we are doing what we are supposed to do: retirement, college funds for Danger Boy and Sprite, home ownership - we are still doing things we are NOT supposed to be doing: ARM, credit card usage, money down the drain. SO my solution? Since you asked so nicely I (read as we) are going cold turkey. No more restaurants, trips, Starbucks, magazines, shoes, sweaters, tights, nada - only the bare essentials. We are not going to spend any money on any of that. I think we will probably end up going to the movies a couple of times, or going out on a special occasion as those are obviously bare essentials, but we won't be buying any more gadgets or equipment or craft materials or ANYTHING. We (this is me again) keep a very tight accounting of our expenses to make sure our bills are always paid and always paid on time, but we are BLEEDING frivolities and I am really curious as to how well we could do without them. People have been suggesting that we go with a more "realistic" goal and not try to give up so much at one time, but what does a Queen Bee know about moderation? Absolutely nothing, but excessive saving sounds better than excessive spending in 08. Don't worry, I'll be sure to keep you updated!