Progress Report and a High Five!

I told you I would start documenting our debt payoff woes...oops, I mean adventures. Well, here is the beginning....

I wanted to share, first of all, that we are 59% to our goal. We have a good long way to go, but we are FINALLY making great strides! It will now be fun to share the progress, as I know we will be moving forward in bigger steps each month.

I have so enjoyed the encouragement I receive from other family blogs out there. There are many like-minded women, walking the same tightrope. Some of my favorites are:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
http://www.mommyswishlist.blogspot.com/
http://www.freebies4mom.com/
http://www.goodtrueandbeautiful.com/
www.heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/
http://www.moneywisemoms.com/
http://www.couponsavinggame.com/
http://www.grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com/
http://www.smallnotebook.org/
http://www.econobusters.com/

There are many, many more out there, but these have given me guidance and inspiration for grocery shopping for next-to-nothing; inspiraton to "keep on keepin' on" (one example is being motivated by Chrystal who gives a savings update each month of progress made towards buying their next house with 100% cash!); many frugal entertainment and family ideas; etc. Thank you, ladies!

I look forward to sharing with you specific ways that we are saving each month, but I wanted to let you know that my sweet husband and I have decided to take the No Spend Month Challenge in July. This is following along with what Rachel's family does each July. This is a challenge to cut their spending down to the bare essentials. After paying bills, they allow themselves $250 for anything personal, which includes food, clothing, gas, coffee, and anything else their family wants during the month. They do this challenge to help take their eyes off stuff and spending for one month and to refresh their outlook. We're looking forward to taking this challenge for July as well. Our goals are to help us use any and all extra money we would spend that month...and throw it towards debt.

Lastly, I wanted to share with you Laura's High Five Recipes. I'm excited about trying these. These are healthy recipes, using 5 ingredients or less. Also, she has an Italian Roast Wrap that is featured today on Money Saving Mom . Let me know if you try any of these.

So,what do you think about the No Spend Month? Does it sound crazy? Does it sound do-able? Let me know your thoughts, if you'd like. I'd love to hear them!