Title in reference to my baby steps. I want to stomp stomp stomp like Dumbo on a fermented berry rampage through my financial plan.

I had some moments at the library -- for an academic exercise, because I can't afford to buy stocks and seriously, late November, after August and September's predicted volatility, might be a better time, I researched some large-capitalization blue chip stocks through my discount brokerage and through Value Line. Here's what looks good right now, if you're buying:

Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT)
Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO)
Burlington Northern (NYSE:BNI)
Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL)

I've been going through the budget repeatedly and I have noticed two things:
1. I spend too much at hair salons.
2. My spouse and I don't earn enough money. Some ex-Marine can get a job earning $8K after taxes, but I with ten years' IT experience net half that...

Liz Pulliam Weston argues that saving for retirement is a higher priority than building up 3-6 months' savings, and advises that a HELOC used only as an emergency fund would do while the retirement is being padded. This gives me some breathing room. I'd rather chop down the actual money in my E-Fund to pay for the bathroom, and shove more at the Roth so I can restart my 401(k) at 15% without forcing us to live on Top Ramen and Kraft Dinner (Kraft Macaroni and Cheese), than use the HELOC for planned expenses. One's a definite, one's a maybe. Rule in favour of the maybe.