Putting your Financial House in Order

Every year around January 1, I begin freaking out about money. I don't know what it is, if is a response to all the materialism of Christmas, and the overload of shopping, closeout sales, and outlet malls-- or if its the looming tax season that gets me worked up. (By the way, I'm one of those people who is so eager to do their taxes and get their refund that they file by February 1st. Yes, I know, I'm weird.)

So, with the dawning of 2011 came the expected anticipation/anxiety about finances. With the birth of Baby Buckaroo, now we have to budget for childcare expenses as well as additional health insurance, the cost of diapers, baby clothing... etc. It's all a bit overwhelming.

But to ramp up and force myself to be excited rather than terrified, I've been reading a lot about personal finance recently, and how to help put our financial house in order. One article, Tips to Improve your Financial Health, inspired me to start looking at my bank accounts, and make sure that I'm not losing unnecessary money simply to stay with the same bank.

Also, did you know with the extension of the tax cuts we'll take home more money with every paycheck? I'm determined to save that extra money and not let it disappear with mindless purchases.

A fellow Denver girl, Anna Newell Jones put herself on a Spending Fast last year, not buying anything that she didn't need. Her determination saved her $18,000-- and she got to write an article about it for CNN! I am impressed and inspired by Anna's dedication to her budget, to making tough choices like riding the bus, in order for her to pay down their debt. (You can read more about her journey on her blog "And then She Saved."

I haven't yet reached the point of making a huge resolution or earth shattering commitment to not spend any frivolous money this year, but budgets, savings plans, and financial dreams are floating around in my head.

I'm still pondering.

And I'm working on our taxes already.