I've been dragging my feet for about 2 weeks over opening a HYSA--I was overthinking and over-researching, but also had an emotional roadblock in play--but this morning I sat down and did it. Yay!! Then, for the first time, I saw that I'm not going to be eligible for the 4.3% interest rate because I don't have a job so I can't direct-deposit my paycheck, which is one of the requirements. An automatic deposit doesn't count. I can still get the higher rate by depositing $5,000 every 30 days, but that's not anywhere near realistic. I feel so defeated right now.

Today is the day! Watch the short video below to find out who our lucky Amazon Gift Card August winner is! Then post below your congratulations to ____________? Congrats to our leaderboard members this week, too! Thanks for talking money with us in the community. @Robyn Bennett, @Jennifer Kennedy, @Meri-Li Forrest, @Diana Bucko, and @Meg Cloete

Okay I started looking at the first module. I'm going to be REALLY honest here. I'm TERRIFIED. However...I know I need to do this. I've known for some time now that I need to do this. I know that I'm going to get a picture of where I am financially and that just scares the CR*P out of me. I'm still going to do it. But right now, I need to move away from this for a while. I'm going out tonight. When I get back. I'm going to do a little more of this module. And then tomorrow, I'm going to do a little more.

We want to cheer you on and help you meet your financial goals. By taking the two actions below, you will gain one entry into the August $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. To gain an entry for this week: 1. Please post your financial goal for the week in the comments below. What is one thing you want to accomplish around money this week? 2. Come back between Friday and Sunday at 11 am MST and share a win or progress celebration in the comments below.

My husband mentioned something in passing the other day and it kind of blew my mind. He said everybody has things that they are willing to pay big bucks for. (Maybe he didn't actually say big bucks, but that was kind of the implication.) I had never thought of spending in quite those terms. Some people love shoes and using a chunk of their disposable income for designer shoes doesn't phase them at all. Or maybe it's experiences, like travel or theater. It made me wonder: what is your splurge category? No judgment, whatever it is. For me it's BOOKS (Henry Ward Beecher wrote: "Where is human nature so weak as in a bookstore?" and he meant me!!) and SOCIAL MEALS. I will wear shoes until they are falling apart without even noticing and I don't collect anything, but if you want to go out to dinner, I am your girl!!