Getting paid once a month makes more difference for me than anything else, even when I was making about the same as I was in more-frequently-paid jobs. When I know the bills are paid up, I can tighten up on the daily expenses as much as I need to.

Umm, no actual advice. But tons of sympathy.

I miss getting paid every other Friday because of the joy of the three paycheck month.

Yeah, but that's countered by the occasional three-weekend-pay period.

Yay, bt! That's wonderful news for both of you!

I didn't want to spend money on a thumb drive so I borrowed one from a co-worker. Now I have what I need from my work computer and I didn't have to part with $$$. This makes me happy.

We make too much money between us to STILL have problems. I've spent the past week downgrading EVERYTHING.

It's takes a little while to even out and get ahead, sweetie. Give it time. {{{Empress}}}

I don't WANT it to take time! I want to be rich RIGHT NOW!

stamps foot effectively

If that works, can I borrow your foot?

t forwards Aimee email from a nice gentleman in Nigeria whose family oil business has fallen on hard times in the recent turmoil

I'm sorry, Aimee. It sure sounds like you're doing everything right and will be out of that hole soon, if that's any consolation.

I amm irresponsibly not looking at my finances. At all. As long as I can pay bills as they come due and make payments on the credit cards, I'm pretending everything is rosy. I honestly have no idea how our income compares to our expenses for the first time in ages, because I'm afraid of what I'd find.

If that works, can I borrow your foot?

If not, the Midwest is apparently getting pounded with a foot of snow. Maybe that would be available.

forwards Aimee email from a nice gentleman in Nigeria whose family oil business has fallen on hard times in the recent turmoil

Pfft. I got Nigerian princess spam. I think Aimee deserves royalty.

because I'm afraid of what I'd find.

Ah, head-in-the-sand financial planning. I'm also on that plan.