So over the holidays 🎄🥂🎁 I purchased jeans👖 , very expensive jeans using my CCs, racking up debt that I don't need. My mind told me they're on sale so they're not that expensive, never mind that I simply don't need them.

Needless to say, they didn't fit and I needed to exchange them. I was contemplating returning them but I really liked them and opted to do an exchange. So I trucked on to the mall, first to Macy's for my exchange, but they didn't have any in my size so I returned them, $60 back on the CC. Then to Nordstrom and low and behold, they didn't have my size, so another $60 was added back to the CC.

As I was leaving, I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in years. We chatted and she asked if I wanted to meet for lunch. I thought about it, and remembered my meal plan and said no. I'm not in a position to eat out this month. I told her let plan something later on, that way I can budget next month my dining out expense. Proud of myself, think I might add the $20 saved to my challenge.

I'm glad to be back blogging, it keeps me in track.

I paid off two CCs and decided I wanted to add $5 a week to my IRA until I can get a control over this debt, I figured something is better than nothing. For each CC I pay off I'll add $5.

Actually, I think I'm going to change this to $10 since I paid off two CCs

New year so I'm going to attempt the 52 week challenge, even though I'm unemployed I'll at least try.

I decided to work the challenge two ways, one, starting with week 1 and week two at the same time.

Here we go
Week 1 : $1 paid off to CC3
Week 52: $52 deposited to saving account

Balances:
CC3: $1
Saving: $52

Okie dokie, I paid off CC4, CC5 and CC6 today. Yay just a little over $2000.

Unfortunately CC3 that I had paid off in January and the BF used for a rental car (and never gave me the money)I had to pay off again ($228.00) so I did not count this one. I am not going to complain about this because it was a birthday trip I wanted and we agreed I would pay for the hotel and he would pay for the car. However, I ended up paying for everything, oh well you live a learn.

But I am super excited, I have paid off a total of 6 CCs since January and it feels good, not mention I have freed up about an extra $180 a month in minimum payments. The plan is to sock $100 away week to the EF and to pay about $40.00 a week to CC 7 and CC8 hopefully cutting these balances on these cards to half by the end of the year.

Once my raise kicks in, in August I can probably double the amounts saved a week and paid to the CC

Hi all!

I know I am not blogging as much but just know I haven't charged anything on the CCs.

Even though, I am not blogging I am somewhat hanging in there with my finances.

I am on week 23, of the 52 week challenge, trying to stay ahead. I also made a $5.00 contribution to my IRA. I usually contribute anywhere between $20-35 a week but last week was the first of the month and so many bills are due; however, I wanted to make sure I deposited something vs. nothing.

I am hoping with the extra money, from my most recent raise that I can pay off CC4. My student loan disbursement should be received and if it is what I am thinking of I will pay off CC4, 5 and 6 socking away the remainder to my EF. Starting next month even though I am not schedule to start repayment of my loan until September, after graduation, I will make $25 a week payments to my student loan. I figured that would be about $250 paid on the principal. My employer mention paying off my student loan or a portion of that, so keep your fingers crossed.

Other good news I have managed to sock away $6000 to my EF, I'm hoping to have this up by $2000 in June

In addition, I love my new job. There is just one-person who drives me crazy, but I think he means well, I just have to figure out how to deal with him.

Woke up this morning and paid off CC1 and CC2 total cost for both, $1726.63; well worth it.

Next I emailed our HR department. I was offered tuition reimbursement but I have since changed my program degree and wasn't going to ask for the money. But a thought came you could use that money , about $800 to pay off CC3, so I asked. Now I'm just in wait mode, the least they could say is no and I wasn't expecting the money anyway.

So today's challenge a whopping $1726

Just wanted to say thank you very much for all the welcome backs and support it means a lot. I'm in the process of paying down approximately $20,000 in debt. I went from owing $0 to 20, 000 with nothing to show for it. Well no need to dwell on should of, could of, so to begin today was a no spend day and I added $2 to the $20 Challenge (a buck to my CC with the lowest debt and a buck to savings). This method helped me to pay off debt in the past, so it should work. Once again thanks everyone i really appreciate all the support

At the rate I am going I should have atleast $10,000 by the end of the year in my challenge account for a new house. I figure if I can hang in there with my mom for about 3 years and include all raises and bonuses I should have about $36,000 for a down payment. That is a nice chunk of change. So let the count down begin.

I just added my bi-weekly deposit brining my new total from $1416.05 to $1563.90 I will definately meet my $2000 mark for the month

So far for the year I have contributed $1281.51 to the challenge

I have really surprised myself the last few years. I mean I always talked about getting serious when it comes to savings and debt but never really did and last year I paid off debt started saving and now there is a real possibility that I may be a home owner in the next few years it is an exciting process

Finally I am totally debt free I got my tax return (not much but thankful) and paid off my last student loan which was $767.93

I am soooooo happy, no cc no student loan, no car payment. Now I can start socking way for my house

Part of my challenge was to pay off debt, last year I used the funds to pay off cc and only two months in the year and my student loan is gone. I am sooo excited I can not stop grinning

I finally feel like I am making some progress. My EF is at a little more than a $1000 and I just made a $25 deposit to my IRA which pt me over a $1000 so I am happy with that. The challenge/house fund is growing as well and I have money to get my eyes check (with out borrowing or using a cc) and I still have no CC debt, month number 2

Even though my cc are finally paid off it seems as though I am not making ends meat. I mean I am able to set aside most of my check but I am saving for a ton of things. I have an account set up for everything and it seems like it is not working maybe I have way too many accounts. I have a EF, Misc account (for MD appointments or anything miscellaneous), a tuition/education account (paying for books, supplies tuition etc) a new car account (my car is a 89 Toyota so I am not sure how long it will last) a personal account (for things like gas, groceries and other personal items) my IRA and a bill checking account (solely for bills). I guess I am wondering how I should allocate these funds so that I can see some fast progress. It seems like as soon as I save $100 the car gives out, insurance is due or like now I need to have my eyes checked I just have no idea, I was trying the 60% solution but it is just not working

Ok today was payday and I paid every bill I think of as well as socked away some. It is amazing that when you don't have cc debt you cn see the bulk of your money so here is what i did:

$200 EF
$25 IRA
$10 Misc Account
$20 New car account
$20 Tuition account
$20 Fun Money
$100 $20 challenge/new home
$20 Offerings
$21 $20 Challenge/Debt
$28.08 Gas
$60.52 Verizon
$15.00 Prescription
$8.50 personal care
with over $200 left I am so happy I feel like I am living now (not living check to check)

When I first found this site early 2006 was actually participating in the 60% solution in which you limit your spending to 60% of your total income or less. Some where down the line I stopped, when or why I do not know. But for the New Year I have decided to start back at it again especially since I really want a house with out any debt..including a car payment. Thank God my card is paid for with very little problems. Here is what I plan on doing it's a little different than what's posted on MSN:

Total income
-10% savings
-10% irregular spending(tuition, insurance, etc)
-20% long term goals (new home)
-5% IRA
-5% fun money
50% other expenses
-----------------
100%

I got this in my inbox today from Bankrate.com and decided to share with everyone. I am sure you are aware of these steps to becoming debt free but just a reminder to 2007
1. Live below your means. You cannot become debt-free if you spend more than you earn. It's that simple! Financial stress relief is called "money in the bank" or "positive cash flow."

2. Decide where you want to spend your money. Don't let others decide for you. Know how much money you are bringing in, how much goes out and to where it goes. If you are not satisfied with the answers you get from this exercise, now is the time to change your spending habits. You (and your significant other) are ultimately responsible for how your money is spent.

3. Pay your bills on time, every time. Managing monthly bills is an essential part of staying debt free and maintaining a good credit rating. If you find this difficult, come up with a system to ensure that bills are not paid late.

4. Set financial goals, both short- and long-term. Having goals in place makes it easier to make the necessary spending cuts to get what you really want. Without reasons to cut spending and save, you will constantly be under pressure to spend money you don't have for things you don't need.

5. Use credit only as a tool and with a plan. Figure out how and when you will pay the balance. Imagine building a house without a plan or blueprints. That's what your financial house will look like, too, without a plan. Your goal should be to pay for credit card purchases within three months. Remember, unlike wine, cheese or my wife, debts do not improve with age.

6. Have an adequate emergency savings fund. Life will throw curveballs at you, ranging from the need to replace a worn-out washing machine to a temporary job loss. Three to six months' worth of bare-bones living expenses should shield you from most of these problems. Can't do three months' worth? Start with three days' worth and watch it grow as saving becomes a habit.

7. Learn how to invest your savings. Your money has to earn more money to keep you out of debt, especially in your later years. Take a class, find a referral to a great adviser or just start reading. Do it your way, but do it; and start now!

Last year my goal for 2006 was to be debt free,well I have pretty much come close...there is no cc debt but I still have my student loan. Now the goal is to pay off student loan and save $10,000 by December 2007 as a down payment for a home. The goal is to save the 20% by the end of 2008 and with no cc debt and student loan that should be really easy as long as murphy stays away

I am so happy I paid off my high interest CC (30%) I am so happy ( I keep doing that). I took a look at my account and I had little more than a $10000 just sitting there earning about $3.00 a month and this high interest CC paying about $40 a month in interest so I said pay it off and I did. My goal is to be debt free by December 31st and atleast $3000 in the EF. Now that this CC is paid off I can really start saving. I am going to write the CC company and ask them to remove any activity on my credit report regarding this cc. I was never late always paid on time as well as paying more than the minium, but I closed this account which I am sure will have a negative affect on my score...we'll see

Previous CC total: $2255.91
New Ttoal :$1242.93

Well I added $19.28 to my EF to make it an even $1400.00 this is the most I have ever saved since I can rember. Other than tax returns I have never had over $200 in my savings account just sitting there..this year has really been a year of accomplishments and I am so happy. I also paid $15.88 on cc reducing my overall balance to $2287.83...wow I feel like I will be reaching my goals after all. I am hoping to have atleast the cc's paid off by December 31 and $3000.00 in my EF so I can start socking away my checks for a house

Wow, it's payday and I had a total of $49.00 left over I also paid all my bills that are due next month and now I have $200.00 left even with the extra $172.20 on cc's so I am tapping myuself on the back

well as you all know I got a raise last pay period and I made some changes this week, I decided to save the difference, which is about an extra $60.00 a paycheck. So I changed my automatic transfer from
$75 to $150 EF
$30 to $10 Misc Account
$20 to $25 IRA

I never experienced paydays when I am not broke. Since I have taken on this seriousness with my finances I always seem to have some cash left over until the next pay period. I just checked the bank and my funds are there from the part-time job ($234.90). So to even everything out I paid $34.90 on the cc debt.

Previous total: $2584.36
New total:$2549.26
Challenge total:$393.15

I went to the mall to get my free undies and past through Macy's I kept looking at one particular dress and then placed a skirt on hold, but I did not get them Boy did this take some discipline but I am happy I just kept asking myself "need or want" " no cc debt or cc " house or live at home the rest of my life" needless to say I will not be back tomorrow to pick up the skirt. They'll be others

Today is July 31 and I must say I think I did pretty good this month, here are my totals:

Total income $1829.58

expenses
Gas:$121.05
Bank Charges: $133.00 my mistakes
Interest Paid (cc) $77.33
Fixed Bills:$118.98
Charitable Donations:$21.00
Clothing $9.50
Dining Out $43.81
Gifts:$33.10
Groceries:$207.31 ;( I did not use coupons
Healthcare/insurance: $221.65
Household Cleaning/laundry:$18.70
Hurricane Supplies:$9.88
Job exp (non Reimburse) $5.99
Leisure: $8.24
Misc: 30.54 this is way down
Personal Care $43.36
Sales Tax: $9.52
Federal Income tax: 164.32
Medicare: $25.64
SS $109.66
Total: 1482.58

Income VS Spending Difference: +$397.08
So some things I went over but a lot of things were cut. Atleast I have funds saved

I do not care what any one says D. Ramsey's plan work. I think working from smallest to largest paying off debt works. Yes it is a mind thing but it keeps you motivated. I paid off another CC ($650.28)and got 1 more to go and then I will work on the charge off (445.00 cc) and the cell phone ($750.00, I go t this for my ex, never again will I be a fool for love)

Now I will be unable to add my weekly $25.00 to the challenge and $20.00 to my personal/me account but at this point I do not care because my cc is paid off


New CC balance:$1999.76

I am soooooooooo happy

I have come to the realization that you really cannot save if you have all this damn (pardon me) cc debt. Even though I only have two active accounts left to pay off and then one charge off, in which I have not included in my balance due for CC ...it is enough to drive you crazy. I plan on paying off CC2 next pay period if it kills me. I just realize as well, that school will be starting really soon (August) and all I have saved is $107.00 towards my tuition which is not even equivalent to half of my tuition or books, so I have to up my game now seriously. I mean I have got to cut corners some place. Since the new month I have not eaten out so that is a plus and I have been eating leftovers since Sunday; I can't imagine what else to cut. I refuse to buy any books this month, and I refuse to deduct from the challenge/new home account unless it is an extreme emergency. So we will have to wait and see. Hopefully I will have at least $75.00 left over by next pay period and I can add that to the education account

Well went through my egister and found the $11.00 (additional to the challenge) I made an extra $15.00 on my part-time job and transferred $11.00 of that to the challenge. So I am glad it wasn't an error in which I would be deducting this amount from my challenge, I just forgot to add it so the total of $234.92 is correct On 6/8 I had $837.15 in the challenge account and was fustrated about all the money I owe on CC's and decided hey pay off the CC then I only had $49.00 now I am back up to $234.92 less than a month I was able to save $185.92 in about 3 weeks not to mention teh money I saved in My Misc account, Education account as well as my personal account totaling about $625.00 for the month So I did very well for June

Ok just entered my paycheck into my register not including the part-time job'spay and paid all bills even extra on the cc's. So here we go

$75.00 EF
$30.00 Misc Account
$20.00 Personal Account
$20.00 Eduction account
$20.00 IRA
$25.00 Challenge/New home account
$134.54 lights
$40.00 water bill
$20.00 Tithes/offerings
$40.22 on CC 1 ( bal: $1944.32)
$40.00 on CC 2 (bal $871.00)
$40.00 C-phone #1
$52.00 C-phone #2
$39.85 Cable

Previous balance on CC:$2895.54

As you all know I am in the process of cleaning up my credit. Any way there are a few MD bills being reported which I do not doubt, but the only thing listed are the amounts and not the original creditor or cotnact information.So I am disputing these charges with Equifax, the only one reporting the bills. I think it is from my car accidnet when I went to the hospital but I am not sure hopefully they'll eithre validate or remove it all together.

Next I went through my up coming bills and realize by July 16 at the rate I am going I will have CC 2 paid off ($911.00 balance)and one left to go ( about $1900.00 balance) so I am excited about that.

Gosh I can not wait to cream " I am debt free"

Well I was complaining about all the money I have been spending, but I also have been paying down debt as well as paying my offerings/tithes. Well I was rushing today to get to my part-time job and my mom handed me a check from my insurance company for $187.50 Last year or the year before I was in a car accident and totaled my car well my insurance company fought the other company and apparently won the case and I got some of my deductible back yeah!!!!!! I am so happy. So I look at it as a blessing all my charitable contributions were given back to me 4x more than what I actually contributed, boy am I thankful. I have gotten my overall debt down to about 3000.00 in the last month or so boy it really feels good. I can�t wait to call in on the Dave Ramsey show and yell I am debt free. So I am adding my refund tomy EF account

Well I was trying to beat the CC interest rate and pay off my cc at $406.00 but no such luck. My billing cycle ended 6/19 one day late so it cost me $411.13 to pay off this cc but atleast it is paid. So now I am down from $3302.44 in CC debt to $2895.54 which I am sure will be more than that because of the interest accrued but my goal is to have them paid off by August and then I can really start saving for me a house and a car(thank goodness my car is still running). I do see what every one means by paying off cc first, what sense does it make to earn 4.75 or less in a savings account when I am being charged 18%+ on CC debt. So I am glad I am able to pay off off my debt. With out God , you guys and my part-time job I would probably not be even close to debt free or home ownership the way I am now
Thanks

Thank God it is Friday, I am sooo tired I just don't know what to do. Went through and looked at all my bills, everything seems to be current just have a few things to pay on Monday but other than that everything else is paid. Looks like I am meeting my goals. I paid off another CC, well as of the 22nd ( I post dated the online payment) which leaves with me 3 active CC that needs to be paid first and then 1 charge off, an old cell phone bill and 1 student loan, my goal is to have everything paid for no later than October. I guess Dave's plan works after all by tackling the small accounts first I have paid off a lot of debt a total of 6 CC and 1 student loan about $2500.00, so I feel really good right now. Can't wait to check my credit score next month. And thank goodness my car seems to be running ok except today I hit a curb not once but twice at the bank and nw there is a funny sound