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What Are My Priorities?

June 9, 2025 Hello! My name is Kelli Elert, and I am so excited to be on this journey! One of my many goals during this process is for others to learn as much as I do.All my life, money has felt tight. I grew up with a single mom who often worked several jobs. Then, I went through a divorce and suddenly found myself raising two kids on a teacher’s salary. I felt torn between giving my kids the life I wanted for them, giving myself the life I wanted, and living without debt.A few years ago, I began learning about good money habits. (My current read is You Need a Budget by Jesse Mecham.) I started a budget, got out of credit card debt, only to fall back into more credit card debt. I kept pushing myself, knowing that I didn’t want the debt. I got a second job, stayed focused on my goals, and made progress. As much as I celebrate the progress, I also feel frustrated. Frustrated that I work two jobs, stick to a budget, and still feel strapped, controlled, and stressed by money.And that brings me here! The first step for me in this journey is to determine my priorities. Where do I want my money to go? What are my goals? What will help me feel financially free?Here are my priorities:
  • Pay for our Alaska trip (this July) in full before we go, and have spending money to take with us. (NO DEBT!)
  • Pay for college as we go—no long-term debt for me or Shaela.
  • Create a sustainable budget where I get to decide where my money goes!
  • Plan for retirement.
Do you know where your money goes? What are your priorities? Do you have a budget? Start here. Let’s go on this journey together! You might also be interested in Unexpected costs pop up, but Kelli learns the power of planning her savings—a little each month makes expenses manageable... Hello! My name is Kelli Elert, and I am so excited to be on this journey! One of my many goals during this process is for others to learn as much as I...
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