I realize that since I met Rick (Jan 03) I have:

• Not bounced any checks

   

• Not had any late fees anywhere for anything

   

• managed to keep money in savings once it’s deposited into savings

   

• only received one late notice and that was because I paid a bill on the day it was due and the notice crossed in the mail

   

• budgeted for my car insurance, therefore not been surprised by big bills

   

• Moved 5 times and then…

   

• Purchased a house (by myself) and my combined mortgage, insurance and taxes are coming in at only $5.46 more than our previous lease/rent amount (this will go down next year when our house officially is considered homesteaded and the taxes go down)

   

• Maintained a very respectable g.p.a. while also holding down a full time job

   

• Increased my personal income by 28%

   

• Purchased and paid off my vehicle

   

• Purchased 4 laptops…I am not easy on laptops, or else I keep getting the lemons!!

   

• Received a college education for free (no, no parents paid for it and it wasn’t a scholarship and it is an accredited college)

   

• Increased my horrific credit score (351 thanks to the criminal ex-husband) to it’s current 725

   

• Purchased at least 500 more books since I purchase about 100 per year

   

• Gained a slew of nephews and a slew of great in-laws

   

• Obtained a new pet, Chloe…

   

• Watched my son turn into a bright young man

   

• Verbally forgiven my ex-husband

   

• Stopped crying myself to sleep at night

   

• a great feeling of personal empowerment

   

 I think I’ll keep Rick.  I love you honey and could not be the person I am today without you.