I really need to jump back on my FPU wagon! I've paid too much "stupid tax" (a.k.a- late fees and credit finance charges) lately because I've not been on our plan...and I know our budget's been blown in a few areas. Maybe that is why "murphy" keeps knocking on the door (car repairs mostly)! We've used the CC too much lately, but are working hard to cut that out! Hard to catch back up and figure out where I am with everything after being off for so long. But I'm almost there.

We are doing quite well with our budget so far, but I also haven't bought too many gifts yet. I really have to sit down and look at who I still need to buy for and such.

so with Christmas right around the corner DH and i have been working on our shopping list and budget. i am happy to report we already have 3 people bought for and have used all cash!! this is the FIRST christmas that i haven't charged gifts!! i am so happy, and we have set enough cash aside to cover ALL gifts!! i am so happy that we will get out christmas without debt!!!
how are you guys coming with christmas gifts and budgets?!?!

We've been doing great for the last few months. DH went to a monthly incentive plan, and has been earning an extra $800-900 each month. This really helps with the Christmas budget, and I've been able to bump that a bit without affecting how much we're paying down on our debt.

See, I was afraid of that. DH is so excited about all this money he'll be getting and all of the debt we'll be able to pay off with it. But I don't want to take a huge hit in penalties and taxes to do that.

Well, I shouldn't count my chickens before they've hatched anyway. He's got his final interview (by phone) on Wednesday. We'll talk more after that.

From what I remember of my Human Resources days, there will probably be penalties if you don't roll it over. My suggestion is that you check the fine print of his pension statements and talk to a good accountant.

We're doing good on our budget. DH still isn't as gazelle intense as I would like him to be, but we're doing well. He's been getting a monthly incentive for the last few months, and that has really helped in putting a dent in the credit card balance. He has recently interviewed for a new job, and got a call yesterday to schedule a final interview. If he get this new position, it'll mean a $10,000 increase in his salary, and he'll also be able to cash out his pension, which he says is around $14,000.

I know that a 401(k) can and should be rolled over, but I don't really know about pensions. Can/should they be rolled over? Are there penalties?

There may still be the $9.99 special on the envelope system...don't know if it expired yet or not.

I use the actual envelopes from Dave Ramsey. I love them! I got the Designer Enevlope System the red one! I LOVE IT!!! I was using reg. envelopes but they kept getting ripped in my purse and/or I would forget to take them with me. The Red Envelope System from DR is like a wallet too, so I can put my Driver's License, Debit card and all the other stuff in it too. So it is always with me and I never forget it adn the envelopes never get ripped. It was the best thing for us to use!

Do any of you use the actual envelopes from Dave Ramsey? I know I can just use any old envelope, but I 'respond well' to forms.