Ready or not, here comes 2014!

2013 ended with a bang for us - medically and financially.  With just a week or so left in the year, DH was advised to undergo a medical procedure that literally could have saved his life.  Fortunately, we caught it early and he was in and out of the hospital in about 24 hours.  After a few days of taking it easy, he's back to work.  As a result of this, we're embarking on lifestyle change to limit fat and sodium in our diets.  I'd love to tell you that this is easy but it's not and we're making small changes so we don't burn out.  

The financial side of this is that we're likely looking at meeting the remainder of our deductible and likely the out of pocket for the year very late this year.  As for 2014, the whole game changes.  My employer provided medical insurance has changed to a high deductible plan.  Instead of a $600 family deductible, we're looking at a $2500 family deductible before the insurance kicks in at all.  Costs of prescriptions is a complete unknown at this point.

Now, for the planning part:  I've committed to a significant amount of money each payday going into my HSA.  This will mean that my spending power will be decreased.  We're still on track to payoff car number two in May - a full year early.  My goal is to payoff at least two other credit cards/loans next year in addition to the car.  

We're still working towards remodeling the kitchen in the spring - depending on finances.

In addition to all of this, I want to create two quilts and read 15 books this year.  I want to modify or create 10 new low fat recipes and paint at least one room in the house and start re-painting the inside trim.  I also want to exercise daily.

That's a lot, I'm already tired.

Happy New Year!

Whew!

Last time I wrote, I expected to be back to frequent postings about what Christmas presents I was making, cookies I was baking and so forth.

Unfortunately, it just didn't happen that way. On the 25th, someone ran into the back of my car and kept going.  It didn't do a lot of damage but with the police report and many calls to the insurance company, I stayed pretty busy.  Just a few days later, there was a little fender bender in my driveway.  Two more cars needing some minor repairs.

By the time this was all wrapped up, several weeks had passed and we're right up on Christmas.  I got all the handmade gifts completed for the little ones but I was unable to get the big kids handmade gifts completed.  I've made fudge but not the first cookie has been baked.

DH has a medical procedure scheduled for the morning of the 26th.  If all goes well, he'll be home late that day but he could have to stay overnight.  For now, I'm concentrating on Christmas.  All the gifts are bought (except for a few stocking stuffers).  I'm heading into the kitchen now to mix up some cookie dough.  I picked up the ham today and the chicken nuggets for Christmas ever have been ordered.

Tomorrow, DH and I will enjoy a breakfast out and then a few stops for last minute items.  By noon, I hope to be home with cookies in the oven.  Everyone is due here at 3 since we're starting our evening early this year.  

Just as a planning note.  In January, we will be embarking on some healthier eating and trying to use what's in the freezer along the way.  Zaycon has chicken heading our way in February and well be eating more chicken in 2014!

I wish you. Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!