That's right - it's that time of year, to start thinking about NEXT year.

But first, have we really learned anything this year? I mean, seriously, what hve I gained?

Well, for starters, I'm a bit of a shopping addict. I'm the kind of person to buy something I probably shouldn't, agonize about it for a couple of days and then return to the store. I've also learned that if I spend too much time away from recreational shopping, I find myself at the grocery store. Every. Single. Day. NOT good! When you're spending $50 a day at the grocery store ... you probably have a serious problem. SO, this is something I have worked really hard on this year, and it's starting to get better. Well, a little bit.

So ... onto my goals.

1. Put aside $30 for Christmas, every month. This probably isn't a lot of money to most people, but this will cover our Christmas expenses. Gifts for everyone, a few new ornaments, and I'll need a wreath next year.

2. Stick to my budget Obviously, since I have a bit of a shopping problem, I really need to stick to my budget. This is something I am going to get serious about this year. There is no reason why I am not able to make it, other than complete laziness.

3. No impulse buys This is explainedin my opening paragraph. It's completely nutty to buy something at the store only to be racked with buyer's guiltfor the next three days. It's not worth it!

4. Grocery shopping with list and coupons I've gotte pretty good at doing once amonth shopping. Sometimes I have to make an additional run for things I've forgotten. I am trying to be better to combine these runs when I need bread/milk. This is something I am going to stick to next year. Also, I am going to try very hard to do all of my shopping on Wednesday only. I really think this can be done.

5. Potty train Juliette. She's 90% there. She's doing so well. I'm not however. I forget to remind her. I shouldn't have to remind her every 20 minutes, she's past that stage ... but I forget and she has accidents This year will be the year we get out of pullups. Those things are ridculous!

6. Pay half of my debt away Sometimes I think this is a lofty goal, but it isseriousy something I want to accomplish. It's something I truely think I can do if I stick to my guns and work with my plan that I have written up. I will NOT be in debt forever!

7. Save $1,000 into my EF My EF was pretty much depleted this year. My goal is to make up for that this year and save, save save! I want to have over $1,000 in this bad boy before years end!

8. Loose 40 pounds This is something I WILL accomplish. The best part of this goal will be buying new clothes afterwards!

9. Start college in August I don't care if it's one class. I will be enrolling in the local community college this August. I just need to start saving so I can afford to do this

10. Track where my money goes I hate being at the ed of the month and wondering where I spent all of my money at. This year, I am going to work harder at actually writing down where and when I spend my money.

Here's to a new great year!