Knocking it down

I'm starting the year off right...

I sent a check to my student loans today (no mail today, so technically tomorrow) for

$1,575!
Our budget for January is actually better than usual because of the money we're getting from Michael's sister for rent and our car. It's lower than normal even considering we have $500 budgeted for plane tickets back to Michigan, which we need to buy soon. I hope we can find two round-trip tickets for under $500... If you have any secrets on buying cheap plane tickets, please share them with me! =)

We want to fly back home in February...it's not exactly the best time to be in Michigan- lots of snow, freezing cold temps, etc. But, our tenants are moving out mid-February and we need to "flip" the house to get ready for the new tenants- i.e. clean, do some general repairs, inspect the place for damage.

It appears we do have tenants that will be moving in on March 1st! I'm so relieved. We collect $1,100 per month from tenants when we're able to rent our Michigan home, so not having this income would really hurt badly. We're going to have them sign a lease agreement this month now that the holidays are over so once it's all finalized, I'll be happier. Right now, without an agreement, anything could happen and they could change their mind. Not what I want obviously.

We have 6 days before Michael's sister moves in... and his parents just left today after visiting for 11 days. I love family, I do, but man, 11 days is a long time to host guests.

CHEERS TO 2009!
Kelsalynn