I know that I’m no pillar of financial freedom, but this infographic is just plain depressing. It seems like guys are complacent about…well, everything.

Has anyone seen a similar analysis of women? I’d love to compare.

Congratulations! You made it through the first week of 2012. Are you tracking your spending and sticking to your budget?

• $75 grocery
• $27 Target
• $35 prescription
• $15 bingo with friends*

*I didn’t win. Maybe next time.

Happy New Year!

I spent the morning contemplating my 2011 financial year in review and deciding what I want to accomplish in 2012. Even though I’m pleased with my progress this past year, I realize now that I set my goals too high and became discouraged along the way, so I decided to do things a little differently this year. First, I wanted to establish some golden rules to help guide me through 2012. Then I chose three big (but attainable) financial goals to work towards. I’m hoping this big picture approach will help me be more successful in achieving my ultimate goal of being debt-free.

2012 Golden Rules

• Absolutely, positively, no credit card usage allowed.
• Any and all tax returns, bonuses, or other windfalls (wishful thinking?) are to be applied towards credit card debt.
• Any money made from blogging will be deposited into the emergency fund.
• No new purses. No exceptions.

2012 Financial Goals

• Pay computer in full. (I broke down and bought an iMac after Christmas. Part necessity, part impulse.)
• Double emergency fund, bringing total to $6,000.
• Reduce credit card debt by 25%.

Do you have any financial goals for 2012? Any advice for me? Please share!