Alas, I had to take $550 out of savings. This, after $600 about a week ago.

Not really for a bad reason -- I got a notice that my insurance payments will come out on January 1. I deliberately switched from monthly to semi-annual payments, so now I have to pony up and make sure the money is in checking. I must remind myself I am saving $24, because it feels kind of bad. The $550 includes the estimated booth rental, so I won't have to worry about saving cash for that. And a $25 margin for error.

At least I will be able to refurbish the account with my tax refund. And I won't have that $77 to pay every month, so that can go back into savings, too.

It hasn't been a good year for saving. I haven't done the math yet, but I know my net worth is lower than it was last year -- mostly because of the stock market, but I haven't made up the difference.

Of course, it's been a bad year for medical expenses, and I did some traveling and had a big car repair. I really hope next year will be better.

I have the whole week off next week -- the College closes, so I don't even have to take vacation time. I'm not planning to go anywhere. I hope to do some much-needed organizing at home and also use this time as sort of a retreat. I need to figure out how to do a better job of saving. Retirement is breathing down my neck.