The Beginning!

I have been inspired by a few blogs I have been following, (Will post links once I get permission) and wanted to start one of my own. If only as a useful tool to keep track of my crazy, busy, hectic life. 

What I am hoping to get from this:

• A way to keep track of and hold me accountable for my finances.
• Make friends in the Personal Finance Blog community. 
• Get out of Debt!
• Be more responsible.
• Have somewhere to share my ideas. 

Now, I would say the way I live is far from starving student. I shop with my friends, we enjoy weekly lunches out, and multiply dinners out a week. I travel at least an hour to see friends a couple times a month. All these things add up, and I am slowly starting to see the impact it is having on my budget. My income is about $20,000 - $23,000 a year (varies because of tips) plus I receive an additional $9500 in student loans. So as my debt creeps higher and higher, I find my closet filling up with clothes, shoes, purses, you name it! Not to mention the occasional tanning trip, or getting my nails done. 

I know I won't be able to cut these things out completely, and don't plan on it. I do want to try and save money by making lunches at home, having friends over for dinner rather then going out, or dare I say it... not buy that new dress I don't need! I know I am not perfect, and expect to slip up. My overall goal is just to learn and be more responsible.