progress?

Every time I take a step forward and start to feel okay about my money problems something happens and I fall two steps back.

I haven't used my credit card for three months and got the company to lower my interest rate. I've finally been able to pay more than the mininum balance. Tom's clutch on his Jeep goes out and we don't have $600.00 so it goes on the credit card. Progress followed by trouble.

My check is showing part of the stimulus package. An extra $17.00/check. It's nice, but I don't know how long it will last. With this 'extra' money I finally have some breathing room---not much---but a little. Too bad I don't get a raise this year nor do I get a bonus. A nice positive followed by a negative.

Tom and I will rent our apartment for another year. They didn't increase our rent (first time ever), but the water and electricity bills are going up.

See the pattern?

I'm trying, really trying. It's just so frustrating when you take one step forward and fall two steps back.