Why I do this

Microsoft Money generates a monthly report for me on spending. I like the reports, because it shows my progress, and where I'm sliding. For instance, I spent less this last month on dining out, groceries, entertainment, hobbies, utilities, and almost everything, except gas (partially out of my control)

The line that really made me happy?

Money calculates your net worth to be $2,290.68...
In January, your net worth was $-10,313.50.

That's an increase of $12,604.18 in SIX MONTHS! Now, a lot of that was reenlistment bonus, but it's proof that I spent that money wisely. This stuff works, and it works fast.

June Update

The official monthly update.

Items:

• School will begin in September. Between Army TA, GI Bill, and TA from work, I should actually make a profit from going back to school.
  

Goals Update

• Review
• Financial
• Credit card debt totaling $0 (No change) ("deadbeat" credit card balance isn't counted. That card is paid off every month) (goal $0)
• Loan debt totaling $0 *GOAL REACHED*
  
• Loan debt totaling $0 *GOAL REACHED*
  
• Car loan totaling $17,186.63 (down $223.81)
  
• Emergency fund totaling $7,527.48(up $27.48) (goal $7,500) *GOAL REACHED*
  
• Roth IRA contributions to date: In savings, $2209.81 (up $682.23), invested in Roth IRAs, $3,735.03(up $285.03)(goal $10,000)
• Charitable
• Total hours volunteered: 45 (goal: 100)
  

No real changes. Working on my asset allocation plan still: Focusing on finding an all vanguard plan so there's no fees (more on the fees thing another time). Missing 2 weeks worth of volunteering due to other, more obligatory work.