you’ve heard it before, the holidays are expensive. between gifts, postage, traveling, cards, eating out, and the like, one can really break the bank.

i’ve prided myself on being over-prepared financially and mentally for the holidays months in advance, but even i failed to stick to our budget this year. i’m a little disappointing in myself, but i refuse to beat myself up about it. because we’ve been extremely blessed and we’re doing just fine.

in the midst of overspending, we ended up borrowing a small amount from our savings.

2012 financial goals:

1. fill all of our essential dump funds as fast as possible. these dump funds include:
• auto insurance
• home insurance
• auto tax
• home tax
• pest control
• eye exams
• eye glasses
2. pay off our student loan
3. fill all of our non-essential dump funds. these dump funds include:
• christmas
• clothing
• vacation
• birthdays
4. save and pay cash for a second car
5. fully fund our emergency fund (6 months of expenses)

i think i can be excited about being 6.26% ahead of schedule, so i’m going to be!

happy saving!