Layout:
Home > Archive: January, 2018

Archive for January, 2018

Reviewing the Budget

January 27th, 2018 at 11:11 am

$200 for my dental 👨🏾‍⚕️ appointment. I'm okay with this because one, I paid cash and secondly I did not need a root canal. My tooth that I thought I cracked was a filling that fell out. But geesh, $200.

I'm glad I started the sinking fund but I'm like geesh! I know this was an emergency but I figured, the fund is for medical, car maintenance etc. I've also bumped what I add to this account by an extra $20 a month.

Next I looked at my pay stub, we don't get paid until 1/31 and I have admin rights, I noticed that due to the new tax bill I have an extra $40, I've never been so happy for an extra $40 in my life. Though I can't stand Trump, I am happy to see a few extra dollars; however, I do think that down the round we will feel the impact of this instant gratification.

After reviewing my pay stub , I reworked my budge for the 100th time. In doing so I noticed that CC5 was due (for some reason I decided to check my balances). I thought that this was strange, because I usually pay this bill really early. Long story short, I soon realized why I had over a $100 buffer in the checking account, the bill wasn't paid. Reason being is that, we got paid early and the new statement hadn't posted, smh. Anyhow took care of it and reworked the budget again 🤦🏾‍♀️. By redoing the budget, paying CC5 I now had money to pay more than the minimum on CC3, thank goodness. This really worried me.

SO other came in and told me he finally got his license taken care of. He mentioned an incident with the ex wife, I basically said, why are you complaining it's not like you're going to take care of it, everything is always late with you. His response was, "he didn't need the negativity" mine was, me either. Too long of a story to explain. Quit complaining and do something about it.

Aldi Run

January 20th, 2018 at 06:27 pm

Aldo's run today wasn't so bad.
I picked up paper towels for about $1.20 less than Wal*Mart, a bottle of salsa for dip, about a dollar less and cream cheese about $2 less. Saving about $4. Not bad

There was a time that buying generic was a big no no for me, not anymore. It makes no sense to pay for a brand items that are just as food as off brands. I forgot to buy Lysol wipes for the counters, I'll just improvise.

For my birthday my coworkers got me a birthday cake and then the SO bought me one, so I'm stuck with two cakes 🎂. I decided to have friends over tonight for cake. Normally I'd go all out get some appetizers but not tonight, it's just cake and wine with a little dip and chips. I made sure I told everyone we are just having cake.

Other news, I've been using my planner a lot lately, and it's been helping with getting things done. Cleaned, shopped and read all before noon today.

Now it's time to relax before tonight's get together

Today's Progress

January 19th, 2018 at 08:28 pm

Rolled my coin today and have $27.50, this is great because I've already paid tithes on this money.

I only need about $3 to have my BS1 back up to par, so I'll add the money for that.

I was thinking about adding the difference to CC3 but I think I'll add it to my sinking fund. I have the car insurance coming due in April and another pre-Dave event that I paid for early last year coming up 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄.

I posted the tennis hopper with balls for $15 for sale, hopefully it sells. I have three more items (2 pair of jeans 👖 and one dress 👗) to post. I'm slowly but surely decluttering the house 🏡, while hoping to make some money.

I also, applied for a job today. I've exceeded my goal of two a week. Hopefully the right job will come along. I'm looking for a great manager, close to home and decent pay.

Update: received a response on the camera I posted for $40. The buyer wanted to meet at the mall but I said nope, police station only. She agreed so we will be meeting later. $40 to the snowball or sinking fund 😊, not sure yet. I'm just glad that I was able to tentatively sell an item. $4 of course will go to tithes.

Just thought about it, I have to add the funds to the sinking fund. Chipped my tooth last week and have a dentist appointment to have it fixed. Last night it started to give me a little trouble

Book Number Two Completed

January 19th, 2018 at 12:03 pm

Well I finished my second book 📚 of the year, "The No Spend Challenge Guide" by Jen Smith; I like this book, it was a pretty quick and easy read, took me one day to complete.

The author provided a few great tips for saving and earning money, that I've highlighted and will try.

Next on my list is a non-financial book, "Fire and Fury."
Though I normally do not share my political views, I consider myself a moderate conservative, and no fan of Trump. I didn't like him when he was a democrat and I don't like him as a republican, but this book is one I'm interested in.

Goal is to read 12 books with year, all non-fiction, a first for me because I normally read fiction

Books 📚

January 18th, 2018 at 02:39 pm

Finished up "Why You Need a Budget?" and I really didn't care for it. I felt like the author was basically selling his product, YNAB. I can't imagine paying someone to creat a simple budget spreadsheet.

Well at least I have my first book of the year in, and starting the second , "The No Spend Challenge Guide" by Jen Smith. This really is a guide, 99 pages, so it's a quick read.

Goals, read one non-fiction (financial) book a month (12 books 📚).

Bye Bye Plot 👋🏾

January 17th, 2018 at 08:44 pm

So excited!

I spoke with the rep over at the graveyard and I can give up or transfer that plot to the SO, thank you Jesus!

Only bad news is that we can only make it on the weekends and she's out this Saturday, but I'll be there bright and early on the 27th. Unless he's off Friday, I am, we can go in then. Two years fighting with him to pay his bill on time and I finally just got the nerve to say enough.

Cable was back off yesterday, because once again he did not pay his share. When he comes home tonight, I'm calling the company to see if we can transfer the service to his name, that way I'll give him the money and what ever he does is on him. Literally the cable is off every three months.

I'm counting down the days when I can say, I no longer need a useless roommate. Court scheduled for next month.

The last few days was a no spend day. We went out for my birthday (today's my birthday) for lunch yesterday with coworkers and I spent $10. Not bad but I'm still upset about spending money, I'm always like, I could use that for debt. But oh well.

I'm off for the next three days, so no spending money for me and I'm excited. Not driving a hour each way to work will save me a ton in gas ⛽️ as well.

Now I'm just waiting on W2s and 1095s to file my taxes, any money received will go straight to CC4. Hopefully I'll have number three (3) paid off by mid-February.

Lastly I'm wrapping up, "Why I Need a Budget," it's okay but I'm just not overly excited about the book. I personally didn't like the fact that the author pushes his product, YNAB. One thing that's in the book that stands out for me is the mantra, "debt is not option." I'm going to plaster this all over the place, in my car, on the refrigerator, my wallet, my money envelopes, I want to be reminded that debt is no longer a option.

That's it in a nutshell


Upped EF

January 13th, 2018 at 07:48 pm

I was able to cash the check, thank goodness, this was a nightmare (see Sprint post) and glad it's over.

After paying my tithes from the check received, I can add about
$190 to the EF bringing the total to about $994 just $6 away from my mini EF.

I was so stressed out last week about taking the money out of the EF; however, I'm a true believer that it was all God. I made it a point to pay my tithes with every extra income I had received and though I'm upset for a few minutes when things occur, a calmness then comes over me. The only thing I'm anxious about is getting out of debt and saving money.

Today we're having a chapter meeting and was asked to provide non-perishable items. Normally I'd go out and buy items, I simply took what was in my cabinet that I have not used and don't plan on it any time soon, and bagged it all up. Loving this being intentional with your money concept.

This Year Has to Get Better

January 13th, 2018 at 01:20 am

Annoyed as all get out.

My boss has not said one word to me about my salary, I was suppose to know something last week.

I finally received the Sprint check for the full refund, they did not charge a restock fee but it's written to my middle name. Hopefully the bank will cash it. I can throw this money in my EF and that will put me back at the $1,000.

Today was payday, and I was planning on paying off CC3 but since the whole break thing, I couldn't, so I'm bummed about that.

I realize today that the woman never called me back about the plot, so it's on my to do list.

So that's it in a nutshell, hopefully things will start to look up.

Murphy is Super Busy

January 11th, 2018 at 11:12 am

Murphy hit yet again.

After getting the brakes repaired, I realized my tooth is cracked. I'd eaten a piece of candy and thought it was that but no it's my tooth.

Then the SO and I went off to the basketball game Sunday. I'd told him weeks ago that I did not want to go, but he claimed that our friends purchased the tickets for him/us since they'd owed us a favor. I think deep down he really wanted to go.

Anyhow we go down to the game. Then we end up having dinner. I'd told him prior to leaving that I was not spending any money. Not for parking, anything. And I didn't.

So we are on our way home, he's driving and we stop for gas long story short, he hits another truck. Jumps out the car and guess what he has no license. I can't continue to live like this. The only good thing about this entire situation is that the driver of the other vehicle had no license either. Smh 🤦🏾‍♂️

He kept apologizing, and I'm like enough already. We have talked about this crap since August and I just can't believe you have not taken care of it. Not only that, you're calling your mother now to bill clients so that you can repair the car. Are you serious? Why not just take over the business from her? What pisses me off is that he's saying the other driver hit him, if that's the case why is bumper damaged and not the front end? Who knows. My disinter looked at the car and said that the other drive hit us but can't do a thing because he has no license.

Then we come home and the cable box is out, I think lightening struck it. Can't call the cable company because once again he has not paid his portion of the cable bill and normally they want their money before any repairs. Smh
Long story short I was able to log in And schedule a maintenance call. The technician came out and we're all set.

In the meantime I did buy a little $15 antenna it works pretty good. I'll return it though for one of the better ones that was out of stock. Once I do that, I'm cutting the cable. He can pay for it if he wants.

Fast forward I wanted to walk out of my job yesterday. That place is a joke! I realize that I never want to be in a position in that I do not want to leave, well can't leave a job. I took another look at my budget. Cut some things and tomorrow I should be able to add $379 back to my EF. I'm annoyed because that money should be going to CC3 to pay it off but I have to beef up the EF since I used the money for breaks. Hopefully I'll have the Sprint check soon, and that should put me back at $1,000.

I got the first estimate of my car $800, I'm thinking they'll reduce if I pay cash who knows. I'm going to try two other places and then put it in the shop. I'm almost certain that this will be an expense in that I occur, SO never has his share for crap. Though he did say he would and so he should, pay for it. I'm not holding my breath.

Next month we go to court, hopefully we can get this house sold and behind us. I can pay off debt and then buy a small one bedroom condo that I can pay off in a few years, rent and then move into a two bedroom villa or something

Ugh I Hate Emergencies

January 7th, 2018 at 01:14 am


Ugh I'm need of brakes, total will be $467.85, this includes fluid, disc, rotor etc. I have the EF but I really don't want to use it for that. Next Friday is pay day, I can throw about $200 of this towards the brakes and take the remainder out of the EF. Only drawback is that I won't be able to pay off CC3.

I do have a $10 coupon so that will be a bit of a savings. I'm hoping to have the check from Sprint but then, then that way I won't have to touch the EF. 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

Buyer a no go

January 6th, 2018 at 03:03 pm

Well the buyer for the item I posted on OfferUp wanted me to reduce my price to $5 I said no so she canceled, said she wasn't feeling well.

I hate this selling and buying stuff.

I posted another item yesterday, a Polaroid zip mini printer, so we will see. I figured the items posted in the first quarter that does not sell I'll donate, with the exception electronics.

Feeling a little discouraged but I know that these things takes time

Sold My First Item

January 5th, 2018 at 01:49 am

Made my first sale on Offer Up. It's a sweater I bought about 10 years ago that I never wore, and it's been sitting in my closet waiting on me to lose weight. 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄

I sold it for $10, so this will go towards CC3. I'm meeting the buyer at the police 👮🏼 station for the swap.

Patience pays off.

Paid Down CC3

January 4th, 2018 at 05:31 pm

Whew with the money SO gave me I used and paid $90 on CC3 , new balance $299.00.

Now I'm just waiting on the Sprint check to come to hopefully pay this sucker off. No more financing furniture for me.

My boss is suppose to be submitting a request for a raise for me, we will see. I do have an interview next week paying more and closer to home.

Sprint Refund Nightmare

January 4th, 2018 at 02:04 am

Went to Sprint to try and return these earbuds I received for Christmas and it was an utter nightmare. Every time I go, they tell me that they do not have cash. This annoys the crap out of me because you only have 14 days to return. And if I was to miss this, then oh well.

The teller tells me she can issue a check but it has to be to someone who has a Sprint account and that person can give me back the money. What! You didn't ask for an account holder when the items were purchased.

I leave the store and call corporate and they're just as bad. The rep calls the store who tells her that I have to be back tomorrow at 3pm to get a refund. Excuse me I work. Long story short, I go to another store who issued a refund check that I should receive within 10 days. The only good thing about this, is that I was not charged the restock fee of $45. I told the SO to never purchase anything from Sprint for me again. Ugh. The refund is $213 and I'll be adding this amount to CC3.

Work news, I asked my boss today for a raise and told him I'd like to know by Friday. So I'm just waiting.

Came home and the SO gave me $100. When I asked what it is for he tells me that I should use it for what ever, so I'm adding this to CC3. I'm sure this is short lived but I'll take it.

His SO debit card was hit for $100, scam. Smh, this is the third person in the last few weeks that I know who have been hit by a thief.

Today was a friend's birthday. She wanted me to go bowling 🎳 and I'm like nope, goal is paying down my debt. This same friend is wanting every one to join her on a party 🎉 bus 🚌 for her birthday this weekend, cost $30. Nope, not doing this either. She'll be getting a regift of wine from me for her birthday costing me zip. This same friend complains that she needs to get a part time or another job paying her more money because she's broke. I told her what I was doing but hey it's up to her what she wants to do.

Lastly, I'm reading "Why You Need a Budget." It's pretty good. I know why I need a budget, but my goal is to read one financial book a month and quite frankly you can always learn something new about things you already know.

What a Day!

January 3rd, 2018 at 01:18 am

What a day!

Completed my daily devotional, went to church to serve for a bit.
Tried taking those earbuds back and was told to comeback because the store did not have cash, what!
This so annoyed me, going back tomorrow. Stickers for my planner, and went to both Aldi's and Publix.
All items were budgeted so I'm okay with it.

Tomorrow I'm back to the office. The good news for me is that mean/idiot woman of a manager was let go today. Though I hate for anyone to lose their job, she needed to go. I'll be asking for my raise that she cheated me out of.

SO other keeps bugging me. I say to him, when are you going to figure it out that I'm not happy? Until this foolishness of wasteful spending is under control and my expenses that you're responsible for is caught up it will never work. I tried having a conversation and he just walked off, saying "okay". WTF!
I then say this is the issue, you never want to talk about finances that is the problem that I have with you. 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄

Tomorrow I'll be retiring those stupid earbuds and adding to CC3 hopefully this will knock it down to about $239
Edit:
Out the blue SO came over said he wants to get married and he understands my frustration. He says he heard me the few 100x before. He goes on to say "are you sure you want me on this ride?" I explain it's not about me. He has to want better and live better and that it's up to him and I will not marry, or continue to live like this. I'm done, you can say what you want but actions speaks louder than words. I guess he's thinking it's my birthday and I want gifts 🎁 . Only gift I want is the debt gone.

On to other news, a really good friend sent an invite for a birthday bash on a party bus. Though I would love to go, I'm not. It's $30 for the bus and then I would have to turn around and provide a gift. Nope not doing it. I'll regift a bottle of wine 🍷 that was given to me, and say happy birthday. I'm done ✅ with doing things that throw me off track.

Roll Tide!

January 2nd, 2018 at 04:10 am

Well this is off topic, but I'm praying Alabama wins, this Florida girl loves the Tide.

Fingers crossed.