So...as we are paying down the last of debt, I really would like to start focusing on savings. My goal is to save $700 a month in various accounts (for various reasons, i.e. short, mid, and long term). I have updated my side bar to reflect this goal.

I would REALLY like to start adding a little bit at a time to our IRAs... Do you automate your deposits? Or do you just transfer the funds when you have them available?

I am only allowed so many direct deposits from my paycheck (and my husband even less)... with all of accounts and subaccounts... I have been making one transfer to the main account, and then transferring funds within. For example, I have 7 ING accounts, all for different goals. I usually put the money in the HOUSE (down payment for) account, and then disburse accordingly. Seems like a lot of work.

Is your savings on auto pilot? Any tips?

"No, honey... I love that you work for a satellite company and we get free television entertainment. That is great, but..."

I took the kids (and myself) to the dentist last week. Not good. Those kids need to get better at flossing!! My daughter had to have two baby teeth pulled and 3 adult teeth sealed (to prevent future cavities). My son needs a filling, some sealing done, and (dun-dun-dun-duhhnnnn!!) BRACES! I knew it was just about time, he is 13 after all.

We won't even talk about the fact that I need all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled (yeoh!).

Being the kind and considerate mom I am, I allowed the kids to get their dental work done first (while we have the money). See, selfless.

I had such a difficult time... we spent a lot of money! We didn't OVER spend, it was just expensive stuff. It cost us $220 for Sea World; but the kids LOVED it! We hadn't been since my middle child was 1... We probably won't be going again - so we considered it our last chance.

We visited the USS Midway, and did a tour.
We visited a old haunted house (The Whaley House).
We went to Coronado Island & spent a day at the beach.
We ate good (tried to be frugal).

I am just not used to spending money - we've been on a strict budget since November! It was weird.

It was all in cash, and we were about $200 under budget - not bad.

Now off to pay July bills and ensure our pay offs are on track!!!

Oh - some pics from our vacay:







And no, we did not drink the water: