Yes, we’ve made some bad decisions, but we’ve also made some good ones (and certainly learned from the bad ones). We both have bachelors degrees, we have a house, we have savings and retirement accounts, we’ve been making improvements on the house, we have a vehicle that still works even though it’s time seems to be about up, we have the tools we need to work, and we have a good many long term money savers like a programmable thermostat, a garden, a chicken coop, and even a homemade DVR. There isn’t room for most of those things on a net-worth calculator, but they still do count for something.

But, the important thing is that we track our debt and assets from week to week. And in pretty much every case since we started, we’re doing better — despite necessary home improvements, mini-emergencies, and all sorts of other unforeseen expenses. The road is long, but we’re on the right path now.

“sometimes you’re ahead, somtimes your behind… the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself”