Hello, my name is Christine. I am 24yo from Connecticut, and joined this site for many reasons. I have been working full time for the past two years while earning a graduate degree, and have recently been promoted at my job.

I now have a high rent, car loans, student loans, credit card debt (fortunately, one Mastercard, but almost maxed out), and many many bills that I tend to "forget" about. Not too mention the high gas prices and a 30 mile commute to work. I live with my boyfriend who doesnt have time to grocery shop (so I pay for food), and I really do enjoy a few alcoholic beverages a week (which certainly adds up). And, although I feel like I'm always being stingy-I don't go on shopping sprees, I try not to stop for coffee on my way to work, I don't go out to dinner or lunch, I don't even travel much or go to the movies, etc-I feel like the debt is endless. And, I cant save a darn penny.

What bother's me the most is that I pay $1100/mo to rent a house when I know that I pay more in rent than some pay in a mortgage. Therefore, my biggest reason for joining this site is to learn tips for saving in general, and advice for saving on a down payment for a home.

So this journal is going to be an outlet of goals, dreams, desires, frustrations, etc. Im sure it will be a wild adventure!