I’m especially pleased to hear that going into the weekend without a concrete agenda is not such a bad thing. ChaCha, I love your idea of setting the timer and breaking up the ‘brain work’ with some physical activity. There are always plenty of little house projects that I can spend 30 minutes on for a mental break. It’s sort of like at work, I can be wrestling with a problem and as soon as I walk down the hall to the restroom, an alternative will appear!

Will definitely have the current spending plan, insurance info, utility bills, etc. close by; most of that is on the laptop already.

My cell phone is off most of the time anyway, and I’ll let the landline go to voice mail. Staying off the internet will be the hard one to deal with, but may try to use the timer idea for that as well.

FriendlyFire – I recently had a wonderfully relaxing vacation up in Wisconsin, so I don’t feel like I’m giving up an opportunity to do something fun with Labor Day; thanks for thinking of my mental health, though! 8)

I’m cooking extra during the week, so that I won’t have to worry about fixing meals, and laundry is normally done by the weekend. Getting extra sleep might be a problem, but will do my best.

I had already asked a friend to come over Monday night for one of our semi-regular pizza nights; that’s my ‘treat’ at the end. And Maureen, chocolate (and coffee, my two weaknesses) is always on hand. 8)

After the weekend, I’ll sent Trent a report on how it went.

Thank you, Trent & everyone – this made my day!

By changing their employees’ surroundings and providing time away from the office, companies create a setting where communication flows, creative thinking is encouraged, achievements are acknowledged, strategies are implemented, and plans evolve for a successful and profitable upcoming year.

So why not take a tip from smart business leaders and give yourself (or with your partner) the time within a creative setting in which to map your future together.

Would love to read Rhonda’s follow-up

My two cents: Don’t feel like a loser if your retreat is short. As long as you accomplished your goals, have a clear picture of your situation, and have concrete next steps, you’re good.

There sometimes isn’t a lot to do when you’re in your 20s with no plans to buy a house or have kids :)

Let me say upfront I respect Rhonda’s right to schedule her retreat how she pleases.

I may be reading too much into it, but this plan has the tone of virtuous martyrdom – y’know, piously focusing on personal finance while most of America kicks back and enjoys the traditional last long weekend of summer.

A long weekend to me means fun & relaxation – which can be equally healthy & refreshing. I’ll be kayaking, swimming, bbqing, sometimes alone, sometimes w. friends & neighbors. (I live alone too). If the sun don’t shine I like to read, write, cook, and spend time w. my pets. And plan my next outdoor adventure, kayaking 15 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline w. friends.

for a financial retreat weekend (or similiar serious goal) I’ll pick a normal two day weekend…when rain or snow is forecast LOL

and btw Happy Labor Day to all! take a break from your labors, do something that brings you pleasure, it need not cost money :D Try something new, stretch your boundaries. Use it to live life fully.

When you are dead no one will care that you took holiday time for a financial review. But you may well create memories for yourself and others by enjoying the holiday.

I’d also suggest that you have a small treat for yourself at the end of the weekend.

We sort through clothes, size up hand me downs, clean out the pantry and kitchen (makes lunch making easier), clean out hall closets and check out coat situations, etc. Big project with 4 kids! We also clean up our back yard and put summer toys away.

Beverley

You could also gather up all your utility bills for the past year and review them to make sure the values you’ve assumed in your budget are still in the correct ballpark as your actual utilization.

I think what you’re planning sounds like a fantastically productive use of some extra “found” time. :)

I’ve found it just doesn’t pay to spend more than two hours at a stretch on a mentally-taxing project unless I really get in the zone. And you can always just keep going if you are (in the zone that is).