OUCH!

For this last week of the decade, and the end of the year 2009, I will be assessing my finances and weighing the damage that various decisions (both those I made, and those forced upon me) have wrought. From out of that wreckage will come my goals for 2010 and the ensuing decade.

But first--the damage!

I started 2009 with a total debt, including my mortgage, of $100,879.22.

I ended the year owing 99,535.06.

Hmm--so I actually reduced my total indebtedness by an astounding $1344.16 or $112.01 per month. Funny--it hurt more than that while I was doing it!

My used Caravan was the obvious budget-killer. Without it, I would have reduced my debts by more than $10,000 over the course of 2009. Then, again, I'd be walking!

I started the year with a goal of reducing my credit card/loan debt by $6000. I would have come close to making it, except for the vehicle. (I suspect I'll be using the words "except for the vehicle" a lot this week!)

So my most obvious goal for next year will be NOT to make a major purchase during 2010. Been there. Done that. Used up the money!