July has been a busy month for me, with birthdays and vacations filling up the time. Finally able to sit down and post an update.

I got paid for August already. I've scheduled money to be deposited into long-term savings, that always feels good. I'm on track with the rest of my August bills. I'll have another birthday to shop for, and back-to-school expenses, but I think I have planned for that.

I'm getting anxious about the upcoming school year, but it's a little excitement, too. Another chance to become a more skilled teacher! I have to restrain myself from purchasing lesson books and teaching supplies. I'll just try to make most of my teaching tools from things I already own or can pick up from yard sales.

I have been making income-based payments on my student loans since April. I gave them my pay and my ex's pay info, and that is how they calculated my monthly payment of $409. Ouch. I updated my student loan info with our AGI instead, which is much, much lower. Now my new income-based payments will be $103 a month! So much easier to handle! I also currently qualify for the public-service student loan forgiveness program, or at least I will after 10 years of service and payments.

I've gone ahead and set up an automatic investment into ShareBuilder. I have a good start on my safe long-term savings and feel ready to start contributing to stocks again. If I lose my shirt, I still have my long-term savings. Though I need to start looking at stocks as long-term savings that just happen to fluctuate.

My mom had mentioned that the thrift store had a half-off sale yesterday, so I decided to go check it out. I'm so glad I went! I picked up some Dockers capris, Limited capris, and a nice Talbots shirt, as well as a new shirt for DD for the school year, all for $9.40!

I'm inspired to stay away from the regular stores when I pick up new clothes for the school year. At least for myself- I didn't find much for kids at the thrift store. I guess it depends on the day. I'll keep hunting for great deals for the kids throughout the year.

We had a great long weekend, and actually did very little spending.

We started with Friday by spending an hour at the Aquarium (where we have season passes), then went on to a family picnic at SO's work. It was so hot out, we all went home and took a nap! After a little rest we took the kids to Chuck E Cheese with a coupon for $22. We finished the day by picking up the dog and going to the beach for sunset and letting the kids play.

Saturday we had a friend come over to introduce her baby to the swimming pool for the first time, we ended up spending a couple of hours by the pool. A wedding that night, followed by drinks with friends at a local bar. Total cost of the evening: $20 for drinks.

Sunday I met up with friends at the beach, worked out, and went to bed early (the sun makes me so sleepy!)

Monday we hosted a BBQ. The party food items came out of our grocery budget. We all went over to the pool after eating. It did storm that night, so I'm glad we celebrated our Independence early that day!

All in all, a great weekend with friends, family, and water! My favorite things!