I received a post on Facebook this morning that today is the kickoff for Christmas Countdown. This is a six week plan that helps you get ready for Christmas. Where did this year go? My goodness. Anyway, I do find that organizing ahead of time helps me avoid last minute craziness for the holiday.

I don't have anything on the agenda today outside of football....housework, laundry and making soup in the slow cooker. All the latter are chores that will help keep me on track for the work week ahead. It is a beautiful sunny day, so I should be able to hang all of the laundry outside. (yay!) I splurged on some wonderful smelling fabric softener just for line dry days. I cant wait to see how the sheets turn out!!

The hubs employer was sold recently. (this is the third time since he has worked for them) The good news is that his new 401k has a 5% match! He faxed off the paperwork this morning to enroll and get started. We will start with 5% and up the amount as we pay things off. My 401k has an 8% match, which I have always taken advantage of.

The value on our homes continues to rise. I sure hope this trend holds until we sell the city house next summer. I would love to show a profit for that purchase. By then, we should be debt free except for the country house. Our plan then is to maximize 401k savings and focus on paying off the country house. All part of our BHAG goal of me retiring by 60 and the hub cutting back at 55. (He is 7 years younger than me)

Time to start the laundry and get the soup going. I hope everyone has a fabulous day!

I bought two Christmas gifts today. I was at the office supply store and they had fancy earbuds with mics.. on clearance (who couldn't use a new pair of earbuds!) One pair- normally $30 on clearance for $2.97. Another pair, normally $40 on clearance for $3.97. YES!!! They are pink, so any of the girls would like them.

I went to the library yesterday. Im such a library fan. Unfortunately, there is talk of budget cuts closing our local system. I sure hope it doesn't happen. Yesterday, the branch I visited was very busy. Young, old, teens, - all ages, enjoying this public service.

I found 7 books and 2 books on CD to check out.

A frugal cookbook
three books on frugality
one on organizing
and two novels

R heads back to Alaska on Wednesday, which will mean plenty of time for reading.

My 401k is still $293 away from the milestone.. my fingers are crossed that the rollover happens this week!