Hi everyone . . . I've been checking out this forum for a while and decided to finally register and post

I'm currently working on my finances and budgeting. Over the last few months Ive been working out my budget, and seem to have been somewhat successful on getting my finances in order.

My main goal is to pay off those pesky student loans Right now, I have 16,000 in student loan debt to be paid off. I don't have any credit card balances.

Really, I'm trying to work on my financial peace of mind. I've saved up a bit of an emergency fund and am contributing to my 401K. I would like to pay off my loans, and work on a down payment on a house.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself. I should hopefully be posting more in the future

Goals:

Pay off student loans starting with private loans (7K) and then government loans (8K).

Continue 401K contributions, and either increase percentage contributed or start an IRA in 2006.

Continue working on "emergency fund" and cushion in regular bank account (for those small, but non emergency expenses like doctor/dentist etc).

Save for a down payment on a house.

Met goals:

Make a budget I can keep to in a month - somewhat met

Hit $1,000 in emergency fund and set up a higher earning account than a regular bank savings (go Emigrant Direct!)

Pay at least 150 extra on student loans each month.