January represents a new beginning in so many ways. Not only is it the start of a new year but a renewal of goals for the future. I start every year with a plan to be healthier and less in debt by the end. The debt part is going OK, the healthier part, not so much.

I made a 5 year debt plan 2.5 years ago and am still on track to be rid of my credit card debt and line of credit by May 2013. Paying off those debts will free up close to $1,300 a month. I can't wait to start investing in more than just my IRA. Our monthly budget should also be reduced in July once our son moves out after graduation. I'm hoping to use that money to pay off some debt even faster.

I've decided to use the bonus money I received in December to pay off one of my student loans instead of putting in to my IRA for 2010 like I had originally planned. I will add the normal monthly payment amount of the student loan to my monthly IRA contribution instead for 2011.

Happy New Year to all. My intention is to keep up with this blog at least weekly. I hope that is one goal I can keep this year.