May is a really bad month for us because quaterly taxes are due this month--$2250.00. I think I can keep up with my aggressive savings (30%), but I know it's going to be pretty tight. We only have 4 payroll checks since the school year will be done in June. I decided not to look for summer work, I'll just have to adjust and watch spending. Our summer trip to Puerto Rico is fully funded (tickets, car rental and spending money).

Last night my son gave me $190.00 towards his car payment. This is the second month he does this. He told us he would help and I guess he was serious about it. My goal is to put anything he gives me towards the principal of the car. If we continue to do this, we'll be done paying in two and half years. He also gave me $215.00 to put in his savings account.

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I'm off work this whole week and for the most part I have not spend a lot of money. I took my youngest son to eat pizza today with two of his buddies. The damage--$24.00; they thanked me profusely so it was so worth it for me. They are now jumping on the trampoline (their laughter is contagious).

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On another note, I only have 5 payroll checks left for this school year. Overall, I've done well preparing myself for the summer months. I keep debating whether I should look for a job for part of July and August. I go back and forth about it, but I think I'll have a hard time finding something for two months.

On April 20th I made my first contribution to the Roth IRA. $50 electronic withdrawals will be made every other week from my checking account. How long will I have to make the maximum contribution for 2008? I think I can contribute $5,000 for 2008. Can my husband contribute the same? We file taxes jointly. Can anyone help? Thanks.

When my sons were little I had to borrow $50.00 from my parents because we were so broke. I was so ashamed and humiliated that I promised myself that I would never ask anyone from my family or friends to lend me money again. We've come a long way since that time and worked hard to give our children a good life without spoiling them rotten. What keeps you motivated?

No work for me today. It's been a while since I've been able to see my kids off to school. I made them their favorite breakfast and prepared their lunches (I usually make bag their lunches the night before). Although they are already 17 and 14 and I know they are independent enough to do things on their own, I still miss being home for them. I leave for work at 6:30 in the morning and I am usually home at 3:30. It is especially hard for me because I was a stay at home mom up until two years ago. My schedule always revolved around theirs. Don't mind me, I'm just a little melancholic today! My kids have adjusted quite well and they understand that it's a necessity for me to work.

On a financial note-- I washed two loads of laundry and hung them outside to dry. It is starting to get warm in NJ (a welcomed feeling) and I like to take advantage and give the dryer a break. We are still saving 30% of our income and since September we've saved close to $13,000. July and August will be "no saving months", but I feel its worth it since we'll be able to enjoy the summer months with our kids. I'll make it up once my husband and I start working again in September. I am still contributing $145.00 every payperiod to the 403-B and automatic deposits to the Roth IRA will begin the 20th of the this month. I signed up for $50.00 byweekly electronic deposits. Saving for the summer months is going well, I have $2100 so far and I project to have at least $4000 more by the end of June. I started setting aside $500.00 from my chech for the summer months. Luckily our income allows for us to do this.

Thanks for listening. Have a wonderful day!

FERN,

YOU ASKED FOR IT, HERE IT IS:

INGREDIENTS:
2 C. BISQUICK
1/2 C.COLD WATER
3/4 C. GRATED, SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE
1/4 C. BUTTER
1TSP. PARSLEY FLAKES
1/2 TSP. GARLIC POWDER
1/2 TSP. ITALIAN SEASONING

PREPARATION:

>PREHEAT OVEN TO 450 DEGREES.
>MIX TOGETHER BAKING MIX,COLD WATER, AND GRATED CHEESE.
>ROLL OUT DOUGH TO ABOUT 1/2" TO 3/4" THICK.
>CUT BISCUITS WITH A CUTTER, AND PLACE ONTO A BAKING DISH.
>MELT BUTTER AND SEASONINGS TOGETHER.
>BRUSH WITH THE BUTTER AND SPICES
>BAKE FOR 8 TO 10 MINUTES

HOPE YOU LIKE THEM!

I finally setup electronic contributions to my newly open Roth IRA. I'm contributing $50.00 every other week to the Roth. These contributions are in addition to a 403B I opened as soon as I started working as a teacher (2006-2007 school year). I contribute $145.00 every pay period. My goal is to increase the amount $20.00 every pay period. Last year, I had them take out $125.00.

My next goal is to open a Roth for my husband. He has about 13-15 years left before retirement. We will try to contribute the maximum allotted for his IRA.