Back to the cool kids table

Remember when I blogged about being invited to the cool kids table the other day. Well, I was invited back...Holla, holla! Nicole over at The Budgeting Babe tagged me and of course I had to play along. The very first blog I ever read years ago was the Budgeting Babe. At that point, I didn't even know what a blog was, I had never even heard about a blog. I clicked on a link in an article that led me over to her site, and I was hooked. I learned so much from Nicole's blog, and it inspired me and challenged me to take a long look at our finances. At that point, we were living with debt, had no budget, and used credit cards. Her posts entertained me and educated me about more than just finance. She reminded me to save aggressively, invest smartly, give generously, and most importantly use some of that money on the things you are passionate about. I simply learned that finance can be interesting and not intimidating.
Before I answer her questions, I just want to say thanks to Nicole for putting it all out there for so many years. I know there are so many people who have learned so much from you!

Here we go:

Big or small, name one financial mistake you’ve made.
I took out a student loan. At the time, I felt really weird about it, and rather than finding a full time job and cash flowing graduate school, I took a loan. I could have done without it if I had put my mind to it.
What is the charity nearest and dearest to your heart?
Any charity that's mission is to feed the poor. I think the toy charities are great, and clothing charities have their place, but I am so passionate about feeding people. The most basic need is food. In a country where many of us have too much food, there is no reason why someone in this country should go hungry. My favorite is the St. Vincent De Paul society because my dad is the president of this ministry at his church, and I have seen first hand what food donations can do. And, I have seen first hand how heart breaking it is when we are not generous enough to donate.
What’s the best financial advice you ever got?
Get out of debt and have a fully funded emergency fund! Thanks Dave!!!
If someone gave you $1,000 today and you had to spend it on something OTHER than paying down debt or investing it, what would you do with it?
I would put it towards a vacation with P. I would go where ever he wants to go. He works such long hours, works so hard, and NEVER complains about work. He deserves the vacation of his dreams.
What’s your favorite meal?
My mom's pancakes. I don't know why, but they taste better than anyone elses.
What is the farthest you’ve ever run?
26.2 baby!
Where is one place you’d like to visit?
Just one?? I would go back to Paris right now. Who's gonna send me????
Name one item on your bucket list.
Give someone an outrageous gift
Could you live on half your income?
Yes we could, and we do!
What did you spend yesterday?
5.03 on a terrible sandwich.
Are you financially independent?
Yep!

Ok, I am tagging EVERYONE! These questions were awesome, so I am passing them back to you. That is Denise, Carla, Michelle, Leslie, Aubrey, Penny Pincher, Serendipity, Shannon Marie, One Family, and Brooke--you guys better do this!

Again, thanks Nicole for tagging me and inviting me back to the cool kids table!