One of the habits I do regularly is constantly evaluate how life “things” (e.g., finances, attitude, spirituality, important life decisions, etc.) are doing and if I need to change a habit or direction. I’ve been reading, on my iTouch, a book called “America’s Cheapest Family”. Written by the parents of 5 kids it details how a family has survived on an average of $35,000 a year, owned two homes, no credit cards and no debt.

I do think that K and I could do this but we will need to get into some good habits now so we can pass those on to the kids. It’s not a question of paying debt — I do this quite well — but rather eliminating it once and for all. I will pay off a small credit card debt next month and then work at aggressively tackling others over the next few months. I know I won’t be debt free this year but putting moritorium on spending. No more cigar purchases until thehumidors are completely empty; no more book purchases; minimal clothing purchases; and very limited restaurant puchases. I want to cook more meals that we can stretch out for a few days, turn off the tv in favour of walks and use Hulu as our method of tv show watching if we must watch tv.

I know I had talked of this before but slacked on doing it. A few years ago I had managed to wipe out half of my debt. I need to return to that again. I will have one major expense this year — my aunt’s wedding — and may have surgery costs but it may only be those expenses. I may avoid going somewhere over the holidays and limit my holiday gift stuff to smaller, more useful items.

I also want to get back in my Buddhist studying that I had done earlier last year. I think that will help me focus more on work and perhaps put me in line for a promotion next year. I need to address this as the stress of finances is having an emotional and, I suspect, health impact on me. Addressing one area successfully can help address others.

I’m hopeful I will stick to my plan… Actually, I’m not hopeful but rather I know I will. I mean if a family of seven can survive on a salary like they did there is no reason why I cannot do the same to move forward achieve my dreams. I just have to avoid being blinded by the marketing shock and awe that I face daily. Every minute I will have to ask: do I really need that or is it just some luxery that someone else thinks I need?