I put together my 2013 budget a few days ago and it was looking pretty good. I chalked it up to the fact that I was recently promoted (new salary hits Jan 1). I was also totally off the wagon tracking my expenses at the end of last year, so I thought that a good hard look at the budget was causing the numbers to look better. Alas, I forgot to account for the taxes that come out of my paycheck (Fed, State, FICA/EE). In the past I plugged in the net number for my pay, but this year I moved to gross so I could actually focus on what was coming out. In doing so, the Excel spreadsheet calculation didn't pick up those three lines.

So instead of being in incredible shape financially, I'm just in ok shape. I adjusted my 401(k) percentage to max it out, and adjusted my withholding, both of which will eat up some of the raise. We have a big tax bill due in April (DH is self-employed and had a good year next year, but we never increased our estimated tax payments. Ouch). Once we're past that, I should be able to tackle the HELOC full force. In the meantime, I'll rely on snowflakes and creativity to start getting it down.

As always, New Years Day will be a good day for the diet resolution. DH goes to a friend's house to watch college football all day. I'm going to make two soups: carrot, sweet potato and ginger soup, and potato leek soup. My "healthy eating" goal is to have two vegan, two vegetarian, and three reduced-meat days each week in January.

On the vegan front, I tried out Silk's Creamer in my coffee this morning and don't taste a difference, so that's an easy change to make permanent. There are so many vegan options in the store (though they're quite expensive). My plan is to try things out one at a time and see what I can live with. Part 2 is to then find out where I can get them cheaper / coupons, etc.

I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, prosperous 2013! I look forward to following you on the blogs...