It's a New Year...

and that requires new systems. Today was my last day of vacation and there were still a few things on the "to-do" list. I started out the day not feeling so hot so I slept in and got a few extra hours of rest. Around 3pm I decided that I should get off the couch and complete some of the items on my list.

1. I wanted to do an inventory of all the grocery items I had in my house, so I went through my cupboards, refrigerator and freezer and made a list of all items I had on hand. From there I made a menu for the next week to include what I will eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I originally thought I would do a menu for a month at a time but have decided I will grocery shop weekly so I can get fresh items and then that way I'll have a better idea of what meals I will be home for vs. out and about. I am also hoping this will assist me in eating three meals a day rather than waiting till 2pm and realizing I haven't had anything to eat for the day.

2. I had a surplus of receipts exploding from my wallet. I went through and discarded the ones I no longer needed and completed my monthly reiumbursement for work. From there I created an Excel document to include a check register, a savings account register, and an area where I can itemize my expenses.

3. From there I then created a budget for myself. This month I am documenting all my expenses. I think this is going to help me say no to some things, knowing I will have to go home and write it down and place it in a category. 2010 is going to be a better year for me financially. I am going to make better decisions and get a little bit closer to being debt free.

That has been my evening thus far. I plan to look over my week as I head back to work and then I am looking forward to a new episode of Brothers & Sisters! New shows are back so I have many things to look forward to this week - a new Bachelor and a new season of Biggest Loser!

I hope everyone has a good week! *Sorry for the lack of pictures - I will try and do better. :)