Why I love Mint

Mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best flavor out there.  This is a non disputed fact.  However this post is not about all the reasons it is superior to other flavors, rather it is about the web tool that can be found at mint.com.

I can admit that I have hedonistic tendencies.  I am an early adopter and have no qualms with splurging on items that are instantly gratifying.  This trait is something I have struggled with to find balance with being a responsible adult and prudent planner.  Mint has helped me tremendously to curtail my spending and make progress on my financial goals.

Essentially the website is a self populating budget.  To set it up you link any financial website that pertains to you through mint: banks, credit cards, investments, property addresses and so on.  After that you don't have to do anything.  Mint will automatically import your transactions of spending, deposits, gains, losses, interest... everything.  It organizes this data so that at a glance you can see where your money is going.

I've been using this site for just shy of six months now, and merely by being able to recognize my patterns of spending and implementing the budgeting tools I have seen my debts decrease and my savings increase without noticing any disruption to enjoying the things I like.  That's why I love mint and know you will too if you give it a try.

Gonna be a Daddy!

I realize it has been a while since I posted anything here and for the lapse I apologize.  I have very exciting news.  I've submitted the final paperwork to an adoption agency and will be getting my very own son within the next few weeks!

I love my nieces and nephews so much and have wanted a child for a while now.  My single status has made the natural process for a child difficult so a while back I looked into adoption.  I recall all sorts of horror stories from people I've met who adopted with how grueling and difficult the process is, but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was for me.  After an initial questionnaire about my lifestyle and income, I was contacted for a phone interview.  It only took about a week to be approved.  I couldn't believe it!

I sent copies of my paperwork, drivers licence, SS card, and a cashiers check to the adoption agency via priority service with UPS and should be told within the next few days the details for getting my boy home.  I'm so excited!