Happy Ho Ho Ho!
Posted by Gail | Filed under Thinking Out Loud
I can’t believe the holidays are here and the new year is just around the corner. I feel like the last year has blown by me in record time. A lot has change for me, for the economy and many of you over the last 365 days or so, and sometimes we should just stop and think about it.
I’ve had hundreds and hundreds of letters from people who are desperate for help. Many are asking for me to come and see them, to call, to help them individually. I’d love to. I wish I could. But there just aren’t enough hours in the day to deal with all the debt and disaster that’s out there. Ultimately, if you want things to be different, YOU have to do something different. You have the tools. Between the websites and the new book, you don’t have any excuse for not picking up the reins of your own financial life.
The book is not expensive. I asked the publisher to keep the price point affordable and HarperCollins did their best to make a beautiful book that won’t break the bank. And it’s everywhere now, although it may take a couple of months to get into the library system. The website is free and is loaded with heaps of fabulous information ready for the reading. (Remember, I don’t answer questions that are already on the website, so if you haven’t heard back from me that may be why.)
I’ve made a lot of changes in my life. After months of struggling, I finally feel like I’ve got my sense of balance back. I’m focusing on today and that’s helped a lot. And I’m working hard at remember to say thank you for what I have, and not be pissy about what I’ve lost.
Very often we look in at people’s lives with a little envy or wistfulness. Their lives look so sparkling bright compared to our deadly boring ones. Or they look so happy and we can’t see any way but down. We don’t exactly wish we could be them, we just wish we didn’t always have to put on a brave face; we want to sit down and rest for a minute.
All that glitter, it’s an optical illusion. Every life has joy and struggle. And if some people don’t show the struggle it’s because they may be too afraid that if they falter for even a moment, the whole thing will come crashing down. But sometimes being real about the crap that’s in your life is what it takes to get past it.
Several times this year, I have been overwhelmed, and it is only after saying something profoundly important out loud that I’ve recognized what my wall has been so I could break it down. But if I hadn’t been talking to someone about how I feel, I wouldn’t have come to these very important realizations. So I encourage you to talk. Find friends and family who are willing to listen, and then spread yourself around (since you don’t want to overwhelm any one person with your crap.) This isn’t about whining and feeling sorry for yourself, or drumming up sympathy. This is about telling your story over and over so you can work it out for yourself.
That’s one of the great things about the Success Posts. Just the act of writing your own story out let’s you see things more clearly. And since the people on this site are wonderfully supportive and full of encouragement, you can spill your guts and ask for some feedback in relative safety. We do get the occasional ass on the site and I apologize for that, but that too is life.
I’ll be doing a media blitz and book signings in January and February. As soon as I have the dates and locations, I’ll put them up so you’ll know where to fine me. I did a taping on the John Tory show on CFRB yesterday, and that’ll be on the air next week. And I’ll be visiting several Costco and Chapters stores in the new year.
Speaking of the new year, I hope you all have a fabulous 2010. If you are in the midst of caca right now, I wish I could wave my magic wand and make it all go away for you. Sadly, I don’t have a magic wand. But I can tell you what I’ve heard from the wisest people in my life: What don’ kill yu, mek yu strongah!
To all the people who have wrapped me in their love and good wishes in the past year, thank you so much. You have saved me. And I am so happy to have finally arrived back at myself. I cannot begin to tell you how much you have meant to me, and how much strength I’ve drawn from you.
I am sending you all the very best wishes for 2010. (Can you believe it’s frickin’ 2010 already!) I hope you can find the joy and sense of balance that will make the year one of your favorites.
Happy Ho Ho Ho!
BTW, this is my final blog before Christmas. Next week I’ll be re-running a series of blogs that I particularly like and will get you thinking about what you want to do differently in 2010.
December 23, 2009 at 8:29 am
Merry Christmas Gail to you and your family. Thank you for all you’ve done. Your website and book are amazing. The book is a great tool for anyone who wants to make some changes.
You can also get it for 25% off at chapters this week if you print the coupon on the chapters website.
Please let us know when you will be at cosco and chapters.
December 23, 2009 at 8:34 am
Thanks so much Gail! There have been lots of changes in my life this year too, many of them not very positive, and I’m afraid I’ve reacted in not-very-positive ways and found myself a little bit down the rabbit-hole of debt again because I guess I’m an emotional spender! I would never have suspected. But I know I can buckle down again in the new year and slay the little debt monster before it grows, with the encouragement I get here every day. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, relax, enjoy your family and know you are loved!
December 23, 2009 at 8:57 am
Thanks Gail for all you do! I enjoy reading your blog and love how you write (just like you would talk!) I totally agree with you on how time is flying! As my kids get older, the time goes by faster, and I am trying my best to enjoy every minute with them. By following your wisdom, I’m able to stay home with them, and still be in control of our finances. Have a very Merry Christmas, and enjoy time spent with family and friends. I’m looking forward to reading your blogs again in 2010.
December 23, 2009 at 9:03 am
Merry Christmas, to you Gail, and your family. All the best in 2010. I hope to come out to one of your book signings and meet you in the coming year. You’ve made an impact in our lives, and it is so very much appreciated.
December 23, 2009 at 9:05 am
Happy holidays Gail – to you and your loved ones. You’re the best!
December 23, 2009 at 9:14 am
Have a wonderful Christmas Gail!!
December 23, 2009 at 9:44 am
To Gail and all the posters on this blog (website) – all the best for a most joyous Christmas and an even more prosperous New Year. To those struggling with job loss, debt or feeling beaten down, keep the faith and keep visting this site – you’ll find a very supportive bunch of folks,
Cheers
December 23, 2009 at 9:47 am
Merry Christmas Gail and family and everyone out there!
Thank you Gail for all you do. You have certainly made a huge change in my life. As with all of us we’ve had our share of ups and downs this year…. I got married only to find he cheated on me after 2 months. Merry Christmas to me! (sorry just needed a little vent).
So I had a bit of a set back but I am back on the wagon and will be stronger!!! I will focus on rebuilding my emergency fund and get back on track with paying off the debt! So here’s to a new start in 2010!!!
December 23, 2009 at 10:01 am
Merry Christmas to YOU and yours Gail.
I wish you a healthy & prosperous New year full of love & joy!
Thank you for all you have given to us this past year Gail. Dispite all of the hardships you have faced, you still managed to find something to share with us, to encourage us and to smarten us up!
I look forward to reading your blog and absorbing your wisdom.
I have just put a picture of Suze Orman on my desk. Now I need to find one of you so I have both of your beautiful smiles reminding me that I don’t need to spend money to be happy and that I have the power to be successful right inside of me.
This New Year I have decided to focus more on me. I am a giver and I need to be more open to receiving. I am focusing on taking the time to study, to exercise and to get enough sleep and to ask for help/support when I need it. I will spend less time worrying about what I don’t have and focusing on how lucky I truly am. I have some wonderful opportunities coming up that I intend to fully enjoy and take advantage of. It’s going to be a great year!
December 23, 2009 at 10:15 am
Thanks Gail!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family with best wishes.
December 23, 2009 at 10:24 am
Merry Christmas to Gail and to anyone who is reading this! We have a new year, and a new decade ahead of us that is full of possibilities. If you are having a tough go of it, I like Gail’s suggestion to talk about it. It’s amazing how much that can really help. But don’t forget action. Change can’t happen without it.
I wish you all happiness and health in 2010!
December 23, 2009 at 10:24 am
If you come to Ottawa you could meet with the N.C.F.B.A. (National Capital Financial Bloggers Association), an elite group of bloggers who might whenever we find someone to talk to (ok the elite part is a bit of a stretch).
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
December 23, 2009 at 10:29 am
Merry Christmas! After putting your ideas to work, this is honestly the first Chrismtas EVER for me (36 years old) where I have cash left over and am not scrambling to cover the hydro/gas bill and groceries…bills are paid and food in the fridge. Thank you for your blog–it is awesome
December 23, 2009 at 10:36 am
I got my copy for an early Christmas prezzie. It was apparently the first copy out of the box in one of the Edmonton Chapters stores (my parents had them open the box!) It’s a great read so far! I’m a few chapters in…
Merry Christmas Gail! (And a wonderful 2010)
December 23, 2009 at 10:45 am
I hope you and your family have a fantastic Christmas Gail. From your comments throughout the year, it sounds like this past year has been a rough one, but you’re coming out the other side now. So glad to hear it! Not to sound too hokey, but sincerely, your blog is a ray of sunshine each morning when I read it. You give so much to your readers/viewers each day, you deserve such love and happiness. Hugs and Happy Holidays!
December 23, 2009 at 10:49 am
Merry Christmas everyone!
Thanks to you primarily Gail, I have purchased absolutely everything for Christmas this year (food, gifts, etc.) in CASH! I am so proud. Couldn’t have done it without watching your show and reading this blog almost every day.
Thanks again, and all the best for the new year and decade!
December 23, 2009 at 10:51 am
Merry Christmas to you too Gail and to all of you out there!! May the New Year bring us all peace, joy, and new perspectives.
Gail, thank you again for what you do. I read your blogs faithfully every single day but I don’t comment as much because sometimes a quick read is all I can squeeze in my day. I look forward to your new blogs next year.
All the best in 2010!
December 23, 2009 at 10:57 am
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Gail!!
Thank you for your money smarts and for your heart. You are a giver, and I think we all need to receive your wisdom daily. You are my wake up call. Before I finish my tea and head out to work, you’re my first stop on the Internet.
Have as restful a time as possible over the holidays. We all need to stop and be thankful for what we have in our lives.
December 23, 2009 at 11:08 am
So very much can happen in a year. Even in your own world you’ve undergone so many changes; personally and professionally.
I want to thank you for the gift of education you gave me this year. I’ve learned so much from watching your shows and reading through your blog.
It’s allowed me to make huge progress in paying off debt, in saving some money, and in developing a more healthy and educated outlook on finances.
While the concept of a magic wand sounds fantastic, just making debt/problems go away without educating, learning and reshaping how one thinks…..well we’d need that wand every six months.
Thank you and I hope you and yours have wonderful family time this holiday.
December 23, 2009 at 11:10 am
merry christmas gail!
i sure do hope you do a book signing/interview in winnipeg. it would be hella cool to have it signed by you. i’m the ‘gail expert’ amongst my friends and family. i’d love to be able to tell people i have a signed copy from the author.
i haven’t been around the personal finance blog world in the last couple months, but come 2010 i plan to be right back in the midst of things. i miss all you guys!
dinah
December 23, 2009 at 11:17 am
Gail, Merry Christmas to you and your family. You have been the best present hubby and I got last year. Thanks to your guidance and resources, we’ve been able to weather the layoff storm with grace and ease. We continue to use your words of wisdom to guide us, and we are excited about our financial future now that we have a better sense of how to manage our money.
Bought the book with a gift card from my boss, and am enjoying it. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to your audience. We appreciate all that you are and do.
Hugs!
December 23, 2009 at 11:51 am
Wow, I too can not believe that Christmas is upon us and the New Year is almost here. This year did fly by. I managed to really gain control of my finances and for that I thank you Gail. I have learnt so much from you and the posters here.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
December 23, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Gail I want to wish you, your family, staff, and all who post here a great 2010! This site is awesome! I have learned so much from you that this is the first new year that I am looking forward to. This last year was very difficult and next year will have its share of hard times too but at least I have so many new tools to help me make it and cope with it.
When I read your blog I can hear your laugh and I love your wit. Thanks for such an upbeat positive place to come to every day!
December 23, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Merry Christmas Gail. I think the best advice to give anyone as a gift is to tell them to make the changes they want to see in there life.
Regards,
Jason
December 23, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Merry Christmas Gail – I hope you get to spend lots of times with good friends and family!
December 23, 2009 at 12:26 pm
My world is full of people who won’t talk about money – so this website and blog is where I get my fix – finances are so important and talking about them still has such a stigma. Thank you everyone who writes here for opening up to the outside world and thank you Gail for providing us a place to do it.
Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
December 23, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Thank you Gail for a great year of teachings. We are much better for it. Looking forward to your new book and another year of shows. The best to you and yours.
December 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Happy holdiays to you and your family Gail! Thank you so much for all the blog posts for the past year – I have learned alot (along with many other readers here) and look forward to more in 2010.
I picked up your latest book a few days ago and love it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us get control of our financial lives again.
Hopefully you’ll be at a local Chapters or Costco in 2010!
December 23, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I’ve learned so much from Gail and all the posters here. Thanks and Merry Christmas all! (I too for the first time budgeted and paid cash for all Christmas gifts, food, liquor, decorations etc – and had money left over by finding good deals!).
December 23, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Thank you Gail for brightening my every morning ! I so look forward to wondering what will be your wise message on your blog each day and you never disappoint !!
Please accept my heartfelt wishes to you and your family this holiday season. Your words have touched me and helped me through this past year. Please keep doing what you’re doing – you manage to put your heart and hugs into each word every day. Thank you so much.
December 23, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Happy Holidays and all the best to you in 2010 Gail.
I’ve watch most (if not all) of your episodes of TDDUP. I finally wore my husband down to starting the budget, etc. and he’s now told me it’s way better than he thought.
We are in a business where our paycheques are not consistent, so what we’ve done is allocated percentages of each category for our budget, instead of specific weekly amounts. This has been working great for us.
Thanks for all your wisdom.
December 23, 2009 at 4:46 pm
FYI;
I was so happy I bought 2 and my sister is going to get one for Christmas 
You may want to check out your local Costco as I just came from Costco Kitchener and bought Gail’s new book for $13.64 including tax
Joanne
Ps. Merry Christmas Gail and thank you so much for what you do!
December 23, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! For Gail, her family, and her extended family (i.e. all of us on the blog and website) — all the best for a safe, restful, and memorable holiday season!
Looking forward to more challenges and more learning in 2010!
December 23, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Gail, thank you for creating this virtual community where people that are wanting to take control of their finances can get their fix, anytime they need it. Reminds me of the QuitNet my husband went to everytime he had an urge to smoke when he quit 8 years ago.
You shared some of your private life. This made you more real to me. Thank you for that. I have to say that I find you to be one of the most balanced financial guru out there for the average folk. This website is priceless.
Thank you for the folks that comment and make suggestions. I find that I do learn a thing or two from you. Best wishes to all.
December 23, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Merry Christmas, Gail, and a big hug to your family. I hope your kids don’t mind sharing you, cuz we’d sure miss you if you weren’t here every morning for our ‘fix’ (pun intended). I rarely start my day without squinting through bleary eyes to see what you are teaching that day. As most of the posters here have mentioned, 2009 was a trying year, to say the least, but you have inspired me to ‘make more money’ (second job), and be accountable to myself first, then my family, so we all know what I am doing to get on a solid footing. I can’t wait to get my copy of your book, and hope you come to Saskatchewan for a signing. I have converted a few co-workers/family to ‘Gail’s way”, and again, just want to say THANK YOU!! from the bottom of my heart. On a side note, I have not seen Maureen on here lately and am worried about her health – anyone know if she is ok???
December 23, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Merry Christmas Gail! I hope you have a good Christmas with family and friends and a healthy 2010! Thanks!
December 23, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Merry Christmas & Happy 2010 to Gail and all reading. I have been watching the shows forever and recently discovered the website and blog. This is my first post but have been enjoying your knowledge for ages. 2010 is the year when I am putting my rear into gear and getting things into better shape and on the way to out of debt. Thanks for everything!
As far as sharing with people your warts and unhappy bits. That is life! After several super stressful events and my body physically reacting to the emotions…I discovered the relief of seeing a counsellor to work it out. I have done it twice in the last 4 years and is a really helpful experience. I decided after being really embarrassed about it at first, to be open and honest with friends and co-workers. It is surprising how many people appreciated it as it helped free them to do the same. Just my two cents worth…if you are able to fund or have benefits that cover.
December 23, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Hello and merry christmas Iarissa! I am so happy that you have discovered and embraced the life of being honest with yourself and others and not being ashamed but have embraced the courage it takes to ask for help no matter what the issue. I too saw a counselor this year and was helped immensely. I also sought financial advice through my bank and here and was helped by Gail too. Next year I will be seeking various house repair experts and as per one of Gail’s last blogs, I will be trying to get my legal papers in better order. I found it is so liberating to admit when I needed help and then to get the help. Its like I am 100 lbs lighter.
My hope for the new year is that others who are stuck with so many different problems, that they be honest with themselves and seek help. I constantly pray for a certain family member who is a financial bomb waiting to explode to wake up and get help. I already know I’m getting a Chapters card for christmas and plan to get them Gail’s book as a late present. It hurts so much to see family hurt but there is noting I can do anymore – its up to them.
It is so heart warming to see other people such as you Iarissa and many more here, who are like me, in that we are truthful about our problems and seek help and advice, and want to grow – Gail is such a great source of useful and clear advice with humor and normality.
Iarissa I wish you the very best for 2010!
Anne
December 23, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Merry Christmas Gail, i have loved this blog over the past year, and i love your frankness and honesty. and i love the new book, it’s giving me the much needed kick in the butt to focus on our goals and finances in the New Year. all the best to you and your family
Lori
December 23, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Wishing you a wonderfully Merry Christmas, Gail, and all the best for 2010! I’m looking forward to a fantastic new year, and I have you to thank for it, so… from the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU! You’re the best!
December 23, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Merry Christmas Gail, I too like you have drank from the same waters and have had my year of turbulant times. The last breakup did major damage to my credit rating as he went amoke as well as stomped over my heart with his other woman. I enrolled myself in friends, family and school in hopes to rebuild what has been destroyed. Today a year later I feel the sunshine is starting to shine. It will unfortunately take longer for my credit rating however with your new book and great advice I’m sure this too will come with time. Looking forward to your signing. Will keep an eye out. Stay strong!!!! Do you know the serenity prayer…it has saved me many times over. Happy New Year!!!!! Jenny xox
December 24, 2009 at 12:47 am
Gail,
I wish you a very merry Christmas. I hope the New Year willl bring you and your family all that you need. I must take this occasion to thank you for what you do. The year 2009 started so badly financially for my family and me. Throughout the year, we worked very hard to get out of that hole. With the advice you give on this site and in your shows, with the responses of a lot of people on this blog and with a lot of determination, we are getting out of it.
This year, everything for Christmas was paid cash without going broke in any other area of our budget. I’m still not over that!
So thank you for the helping hand that we needed. It was appreciated and we are grateful! The year is ending a lot better than it started and I am looking forward to 2010 to pursue our DFF plan.
Best wishes!
December 24, 2009 at 2:10 am
Dear Gail,
Thank you, thank you, thank you—-for being YOU—-and for sharing yourself with all of us! I wish you and yours only the best (you deserve it!) and the book is FANTASTIC! I love that it is a paperback—I carried mine in my purse with me!
Anyway, thanks so much and I look forward to (hopefully!!!!) metting you at one of your signings!
Merry Christmas and ALL THE BEST in 2010 to you!
December 24, 2009 at 7:25 am
Merry Christmas Gail, and best wishes for 2010! I have your book (and have read it a couple of times already). I hope you come to Eastern Ontario for book signings – I’ll be there!
We are dairy farmers – we are now both working off, trying very hard to not lose our farm. Your advice, honesty and sense of humour have been an inspiration to me to keep trying, even when it seems pointless. I have started to be more proactive about controlling our finances, and not just letting them (and the banks) control us. We are in a hole I don’t know that we will ever get out of but I’m not quite ready to give up.
I have watched Til Debt do Us Part many times – I just love it! I was sick this fall and being able to watch episodes online that I hadn’t seen kept me from going crazy when I was cooped up in the house…
December 24, 2009 at 8:34 am
All the best this holiday season, to you too Gail. All the best to your family both online and at home.
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. This has truly been an awakening year for myself. I am so grateful to have found the voice in my head and the tools I’ve needed to help truly kick-start my march to Debt Free. I could not think of a better tool than the Gail Club I”m involved in to help continue the affirmation of the path I’ve laid for myself and to help celebrate all things in life with truly great people, both in person and online!
Here’s to a fantastic 2010 for everyone!
December 24, 2009 at 8:42 am
Gail,
Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and your family in the new year.
I just wanted to say thank you. I have been watching your show here in the states, and you have helped my husband and I change our lives.
My husband retired from the Air Force 3 years ago. He spent over 20 years protecting the rights and freedoms we take advantage of in this country, but when we started watching your show, we realized that all the time he spent protecting others freedoms, our financial irresponsibility had taken away all of his freedom.
He is a disabled veteran who works a demanding job, because he has to, not because he wants to. We need to make a certain income to pay all our obligations, and since I cannot work, it all falls on him. How stupid is it to spend your entire adult life making sure your country was free, only to see yourself bound in the chains of financial obligations and irresponsibility?
It was a kick in the rear for us, and forced us to sit down and really look at reality. I don’t want him to have to work so hard until he drops dead, and he physically knows he won’t be able to do that, so the burden he carries on his shoulders trying to provide for his family is crushing.
You were able to explain the steps to take in a way no one else has, and it gave us a better understanding about where we are, why we are where we are, and where we need to go in the future, so we HAVE a future that isn’t a future of working as many extra hours as possible in order to pay interest on a dinner we had at Red Lobster 5 years ago.
I cannot thank you enough, especially when it comes to the jar system. You have saved our lives. Financially, and maybe literally since my husband will not have to carry the stress of all this debt on his shoulders forever.
December 24, 2009 at 11:02 am
Happy Holiday Gail & to all of Gail’s club. The fantastic news is that my wonderful hubby got me your book as a stocking stuffer. Looking forward to some time off & for some good reading material.
Best to all for 2010.
Lyne
December 24, 2009 at 11:09 am
Dear Gail,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
I hope you pick the Belleville chapters location as it is the closest to your home and then I will be able to have you sign my book.
I wouldn’t want to show up on your doorstep and you think that I am a stocker. LOL
To everyone who has commented in the last year…. I thank you for your ideas and your insight. It has helped me in many ways including letting me know that I am not alone in my struggles.
All the best in 2010 to everyone.
December 24, 2009 at 11:46 am
Have a Merry Christmas everyone!
At begininng of last December we started using a better budget which Hubby for first time bought me a gift with cash. Even though a buged him seeing the bill after occassion. But this Christmas his soooo happy that he worked extra hard on side job and bought me a cute puppy for Christmas with cash ?. We have bought all gifts with extra cash and while the cc is still going down!! This holiday we will be relaxing more for a week since we won’t see an extra bill and we r more ahead of game
with savings if next small payday wont cover all bills!
Yaaaa! It’s great being on a really good budget??
December 24, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I agree with Angela and the Belleville Chapters!!!! Went there yesterday and got your book with the 25% off coupon! Now just need to have it autographed by the lady who is helping to change my life!!!
And I know you are a super busy lady Gail, but it would really be awesome if you could come and do a talk on the base in Trenton. Just a thought.
Merry Christmas and Happy Debt Busting in the New Year all!!!!
December 24, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Merry Christmas Gail to you and your family.
Best,
Geoff
December 24, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and all the Best for the New Year!!!! Because of your wisdom, kindness, thoughtfulness and help to all, this year will be a new and wonderful year for myself and my family! Debt free here I come…….
December 24, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Wishing you a merry Christmas Gail. In my home, and my workplace, I refer to you as “Gail, otherwise known as The Goddess.” Thanks for what you do – it’s making a difference in my life.
December 25, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Hi Gail,
My husband and I watched most of the marathon today and got so much out of it. This was my first time seeing your program. It’s real, to the point, and just plain make sense. You are on the mark talking about those little wisps of envy that happen when you feel someone is in better financial shape than you. I’ve learned from our financial struggles that the person who is doing all right usually has a plan and me pouting about it won’t change my own situation. I also learned a lot of things that you tried to show the couples in those programs-living within one’s means being one of them. It’s okay to do that now. This is a great show and very helpful and I will continue to watch it faithfully. Thanks also for being human and honest with your own thoughts on this blog. Merry Christmas!
December 26, 2009 at 9:02 am
Merry Christmas one and all!!
I picked up Gail’s book for my self (with a chapters gift card I had…otherwise I would have waited for it to come into the 2nd hand bookstore..lol..even though it is very reasonably priced) anyhoo, I didn’t buy it because we needed to dramatically change our finances…we have rsp’s, emerg fund. resp, spend within our limits, pay any credit card bills in full every month with real $ not overdraft or loc funds and just have a mortgage and one small loc that is being paid out, BUT where we are lacking is home maintenance $$…we need several things done this year and need to really scale down in order to save up enough dough – so, I bought the book to help me see where the leaks are and to get those plugs in place. I also wanted the book as an advice tool for when I get clients in that need someone to ‘GO GAIL’ on them..lol…I am in chapter 5 now and so far I love it…I have revamped our budget and have found some excellent advice I can pass on to clients…it is an awesome book and should be part of training for lenders…thanks much Gail!!…Have a Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!!
December 26, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Thank you thank you thank you
To Gail and all you co-conspirators out there. Sometimes it feels subversive to save money, and it sure helps to have a support network when I’m suffering attacks of the green-eyed gimme-gimmes.
This christmas was so strange. Last year was very toned down by the recession, so I think this year was compensation. Too much stuff. Lesson learned, anyone who asks will be told to get us gift cards or money, less expensive for the givers, more fun for us. For example, we each got a new toothbrush in our ’stocking’. No big deal, but if we were asked, anyone would have been told that we both use electric toothbrushes. And tons of candy and nuts when i’m trying to lose weight and my SO has been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and for many years has been severely allergic to nuts.
December 26, 2009 at 5:56 pm
But they all meanwell, so our local thrift store will get the most benefit of their largess, and we are thankful for our family who takes the time and effort to try so hard.
December 26, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Gail, got the book for Christmas, finished it today….fabulous info…Thanks for all you do. All the best for 2010!!
December 27, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Best wishes to you Gail for a wonderful and safe holiday with Alex and Malcolm!
I reiterate everything that has been said here.
I’m 13 months into being Gailvazoxladeized and have improved so much. One day, I hope to be able to submit my story about being debt free at last!
The people at this site have also helped so much in being honest, sharing ideas and admitting mistakes. I look forward to being a member of this giving community in 2010!