So It Begins: UPDATE

I started OPERATION GET OUT OF DEBT FOR REAL a week ago... taking cash out of the ATM, placing it in designated envelopes and saying adios to the use of my debit card for everyday purchases.

I started out using designated envelopes to hold the cash for my purchases.  I have a love/hate relationship with this situation.  Love it because it is helping SO MUCH.  Hate it because I don't like have my wallet AND multiple envelopes in my purse... to much clutter.  SOOOOO I did a little Google search for other options and found a great template for wallet dividers.  I feel SO MUCH better about this situation.  SO MUCH better.  I like that all of my money is in one place - but is still able to be divided the way it needs to be for budgeting purposes.

I had heard about mint.com many times before - I even signed up for an account at some point but never utilized it.  Lots of friends have used the site for successful budgeting... not sure why it took me so long to sign up and really use the site.  Now, I am kind of a geek in that I love setting stuff like this up - so I can't wait to REALLY get it all set up and watch my debt start to go away and my savings start to grow.

So far, it hasn't been too tough.  BUT - I also haven't walked through Target only to be tempted by a cute top or fun pair of sandals.  I haven't had to turn down a trip to see friends.  I haven't had to face the reality of an envelope going from full to empty.  I am totally aware that this is the honeymoon phase and there will be times when it is REALLY tough.

Rather than be bummed about the toughness that is sure to come at any moment, I am choosing to celebrate the decision to get all of this under control and taken care of.