At the beginning of each year, we look over what has happened the past 12 months to see what things have changed and to decide if it is a good time to rethink our budget.

Last year things changed. One of our daughters started going to college in another town. Not too long after that, in March, our other daughter moved back home with us, along with her husband and newborn baby girl, to help get their financial situation under control.

It has been a blessing, and at times trying, but nothing can replace the joys of that small child's smile and laugh. But everything comes to an end, and as the saying goes, "This too shall pass." Well, our daughter and family are moving on. They are moving to Texas (we live in Pennsylvania) to help our son-in-law's family. His dad is having medical problems, so he was able to get transferred-actually to a lot better paying job.

You want your children to go out on their own and make a good life for themselves, but it is going to be sad to see them go because we know we may not see them for awhile. Grammy and Pappy will probably go through a time of grandchild withdrawal, not being able to see the little one as she grows.

Just the last couple weeks she has been walking a little, taking three and four steps and now up to eight nine and ten steps. It was exciting. The first time she took eight steps from chair to couch was so funny. Three of us saw her so we yelled and cheered and clapped. When she got to the couch she turned to us, puckered up, and started to cry. She thought she did something wrong and was getting in trouble.

Sorry about that, I got carried away. My point is that the kids moving out will change our finances again. The three months before they moved in was our three lowest months on our electric bill. The month before they moved out was our highest ever.

It was winter and part of the house is cold. We have to run an electric heater in the upstairs bedroom all night. Once again our electric bill will go down and so will the water, heating, groceries, etc. So now we will reorganize our budget.

As things happen in your life, you should do the same. It may be getting a new job, having a new baby, or having a relative move in or out.

What is happening in your life? Whatever it might be, review and reorganize your budget to help your financial future. I would really like to know what is happening in your life and what changes you have had to make, so leave us a comment!

Wishing you all the best on your travel out of debt!!

Dennis Bauman

Dennis Bauman has been on a Debt Management Plan (DMP) customer with CareOne Debt Relief Services since October of 2007 and recently graduated to become debt-free!! Dennis Bauman lives in Pennsylvania and works in the manufacturing industry, creating floor tile. Having officially completed the Debt Management Plan, Dennis Bauman is excited to share what his experience on the DMP was like as well as what made his experience a successful one. Look for more posts under the My Journey Out of Debt blog. Compensated CareOne Debt Relief Services Blogger.