[icehog3]

I hope things pick up for you in 2013, Brother. I have had 1% increases at work the last 4 years, while our state taxes have gone up 40%, property taxes have almost doubled, insurance rates up, etc....each year it seems like expenses outpace income. Add to that all the equity I lost by buying a new home at the height of the market that I counted on having 2 incomes to pay for (and then getting divorced 2 months later and buying out the ex), and it seems like things will never get even....but we must keep plugging along, keep our hopes up, and make adjustments to deal with whatever life deals to us. I wish the best for you going forward.