I finally bought a vehicle last Saturday.
I am pretty happy about it. My girls dance teachers' family owns a dealership so that is where I went and found what I was looking for. I had a very good experience and was very pleased with how it all went down. I took my son with me since he was home from college. He was pretty handy to have along as he knows so much about prices and technology. I saw it Saturday and drove it home on Monday.
I bought a used 2005 Chevy Trail Blazer. I traded in my E150 van and got a pretty good trade in for it. The whole process went really smoothly. This was the first time in my entire life I bought a vehicle all on my own. It felt pretty empowering. I also paid cash for it. That felt really good. SO far so good. I am enjoying it.
Cheaper than the van to fill with gas too.

Everyone has been sick except me. Thank goodness!!! My middle daughter has been out of sick this entire week. Sinus infections and the flu bug. Today I called in sick to work. I have not missed any work since April 2007. So I felt OK calling off today. My boss was fine and understood. I hate calling off, but I felt more needed at home of course.

We have a dance competition this weekend in town. The pressure is on to feel better!! I will have to go to work and pick up my check and cash it. I will be spending some money on parking and food items. We are packing some small coolers to take with us so that will help save some money.

I spent some money last weekend of course on the SUV but I had to buy shoes for my son and also groceries. He did work at his dad's and was able to pay half of what he owes me. Money is tight for him.
He told me he plans on working all summer at two jobs and saving as much as he possibly can. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders now concerning money. I did some Valentine gifts (small) for my girls as well. ...so that was money spent.

I got a rather serious letter from my investment guy explaining how the market is of course sour and terrible right now.
I am not sure the purpose of the letter.....yes I know things stink right now but I have to keep the money invested and not worry about it. Most of it I am trying not to touch till I am retired any way. I guess it was nice to get a letter explaining why things are terrible right now. Maybe they are worried about th eir own rear ends. Part of me questioned buying a "new" vehicle....but I figured I had the money saved, I paid cash, I will save on gas and it was needed for our household. I just have to save as much as possible like I have been doing.