I really didn't mean to come off as a stone bitch here, and I feel like I did. I'm sorry, P-C. My financial angst has nothing to do with you. This is all my baggage.

To be fair to myself, I do have great retirement savings since I've been squirreling away a little bit every paycheck since I got my first job--I just have enough expenses each month that I'm pretty much paycheck-to-paycheck beyond that. It's is my own fault for choosing a career and a city that leads to scraping by.

Thanks, Kristin. It's okay. There's no fault in being a teacher. That's just who you are, and the world is better for it.

Nicole, insent.

I'm eligible to retire (regular retirement) in September 2018. My goal is to be financially able to do so. Hubs, same except change "September 2018" to "July 2019."

Only advice I have for P-C is (1) at some point, enjoy yourself because there's no point in living like a pauper to have a little more socked away, and (2) also at some point, saving does become investing (and a short-term bond mutual fund is a good first investment if you're nervous about taking on too much risk).

at some point, enjoy yourself because there's no point in living like a pauper to have a little more socked away

The way I basically live is that I justify certain splurges by the fact that I've scrimped on everything else. I do know that I can afford to spend more than I do, so occasionally, I remind myself of that fact and do it.

also at some point, saving does become investing (and a short-term bond mutual fund is a good first investment if you're nervous about taking on too much risk).

Yeah, I need to figure out how to invest or something. Right now, it's just sitting in the ING account, which isn't bad, since it's making decent interest (4.5%).

{{{Kristin}}} Believe me, I so understand. I'm sitting in the can't-remotely-handle-money corner with JZ.

New plan - get Polter-Cow's big piles of money to AmyLiz and Tep (and Cass and MM)...

I'm AmyLiz, and I approve this plan.

P-C's on board, even! Right? RIGHT?!

libkitty, I think you should stay far far away from the avalanche danger.

Aimee and Joe, I am not surprised you decided to head to Michigan, it looked to me like you were being told something. I am sorry it has to be so instantaneous , but it makes sense. You should be able to catch up in Michigan. Good luck to you both.

P-C , good for you in managing your money. While we are doing ok, I wish we had done better in the past. Since you are ahead - look hard at your money. If after you are done paying off you loan - and you have over 6 months worth of saving,look at some sort of longer term investment . That what will keep you out of a hole when bigger expenses come along. I have some plans along those lines , when ever that day comes.

Dinner would be nice.

Cash, backflung.

Kristin, I hope you don't get the fullblown ick. I'll be watching with great interest, because I think it may have come through the interwebs. There has been altogether too much illness this winter.

On finances, I have not much saved beyond the standard retirement that I get from work, and even that is just in the default account, which is way too conservative for my age. But I tell myself that it's not so bad because I owe nothing. Granted, no house, but also no student loan or credit card debt.

And yes, I am leaning towards staying at my friend's tonight even though I'd really like to go home.