I love the accountability support that is provided in this group.

I decided not to purchase books and to continue to check them out at the library. In addition, as much as I would like a new rug for the office I decided to pass. No need in spending that money. I did need the air freshener though so I bought one.

I finished "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki. It was okay, an easy read. He heavily stressed real estate, and taking on debt to do that. Not for me. My goal is to pay off my debt, purchase a villa/condo and pay that property off in like five years. Save for 2-3 years and then rent the villa and buy a home. That way as the author says I have some passive income coming in.
The book had some really good points though. The author stressed reading more about finances, to enhance your financial literacy( I am doing this).

In addition; he heavily stressed meeting with "rich people" and picking their brains. He talked about skillful people who are still broke because they've conditioned themselves to believe that and won't take risks, I'm guilty. This reminds me of my SO who refuse to take the business over from his mother and make changes because he's scared and that's how things have always been.

One thing the author said that stood out to me was, don't say you can't afford but what can you do get it. This mind set makes you think out side of the box and I like it. Next on the list is Suze Orman's Young Fabulous and Broke.

On a different note. I made my very own Panera Bread apple chicken salad. It was absolutely delicious. Publix had BOGO on salads ($3.99 for two bags) a bag of eight chicken breast for $8.99 and a bag of apple chips, $2.50. Normally one regular salad at Panera is about $8 plus tax. This meal fed two and will be lunch and dinner tomorrow, winning 🙌🏾.

Thank you to the men and women we lost, who served this great nation, for my freedom. Freedom is never free.

This Memorial Day, I did nothing. I just took this time to read about some interesting facts regarding the holiday while reflecting on what so many have gave.

I did manage to check somethings off my to do list, like balancing my checking and saving accounts, balancing one CC account and finishing up a report for an organization I belong to. I still have one more account to review but hey at least I'm on track.

I also tackled my May book. I have about 1.5 chapters to go and I'll be done for May. I'll be reading Suze Orman's Young, Fabulous and Broke for June. I've decided that I need to start budgeting $20 a month for books. I miss writing in them, taking notes and having the ability to refer back to them. I've been checking out books at my local library but I want to be able to refer back to my books. I did find a site called thrift books or something similar I can't remember, that sells books really inexpensive. Books over $10 have free shipping.

Today the SO and I went out, I'd budgeted $20 for some things for my new office. I'm in need of a rug, a broom and a swiffer.

I went to the dollar store and bought a mini duster and a broom. I wish the office had carpet. But I'll get the swiffer from Walmart.

I normally don't do much to my office or space at work because I'm always afraid of a layoff (3x already) but for some reason I really feel good about this place. I bought a few picture frames, because I want to add a few quotes to remind me how blessed I truly am. Gratitude is my 2018 word of the year so I'll definitely be adding this one.

Anyhow we were out and about looking for a rug. We went to an outlet store and I was feeling a little dizzy so I sat down. Next thing I know the store alarm is going off. I think, oh the cashier forgot to remove the tag. Well that was not the case. There was a smash and grab, smh.

I couldn't believe that I had actually saw someone running out of the store, jumping into a car with an armful of stuff. I only got partial number of the tag of the waiting car, and I'm not even sure that was right. I shared it with the cashier, sat there for a minute because I just couldn't believe what I'd just witnessed. All I could say was what is wrong with people? This was really disheartening.

OMG these sweet 16 birthday parties are outrageous, right along with prom. I don't know if it's because I'm broke, or that I'm conscious about my money but what I see these parents spending on their kids is absolutely ridiculous.

Rolls Royce, Maybachs, horse and carriages, a Mercedes for a 2 year old, I can't even imagine. Everything is a theme now. It's not for me to say how someone spends their money but I just can't help but wonder, how much debt these folks are in.

Today, I'm going to review my budget, my April spending, and balance my checking and savings account, then finish up my May book. That's my fun Memorial Day weekend.

I know that Dave says $1,000 for emergencies but I need at least one month of expenses stashed away, and that total comes to about $2500. Though I split the bills (e.g. Rent, water) with the significant other, I'd rather have the full amount because you never know. I'm socking away $100 a month to the EF, plus anything extra (e.g Poshmark sales, iBotta). I'm also adding to the car maintenance fund and other sinking funds, all in all I save about $400 a month total.

I know some would say that this isn't the DR way but it works for me and it gives me a peace of mind. I did my debt free journey once before without Dave, only thing I did wrong was get caught up in living like everyone else. I found DR after and I'm staying focus, vowing not to go down this path again, besides I'm too old for this foolishness.

I need to figure out how to pay an extra $200 a month on this student loan to stop the bleeding. Once I get the EF to about $2500 I should be able to.

I don't know, what I see happening in this country scares me. Yes, I'm a conservative but I don't like what I'm seeing, home prices are going back up and companies are laying off. This is probably why I've shift my attention so much to paying off debt and saving. When the last recession hit, I was debt free. I had a nice savings. All my friends were panicking, I took a trip to Puerto Rico. My goal is to knock out what I can. When the house sells, I should be able to pretty much take care of all my debts, and they will be gone with maybe the exception of one student loan.

While I see my friends on Facebook doing great things, new cars, new houses, $1000 iPhone, trips, etc I know that pretty much all are drowning in debt. They think that it's all good because they're able to pay their bills every month, but yet they're just one emergency away from mess. Not me, I'm done.

Well it's late, I'm going to try and finish my May book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad, before the end of the month. It's okay. I don't agree with every but at least I'm able to take some things away.

Started the new job today and I'm so thankful. I was a little nervous, and through out the day doubt(devil) settled in but for the most part I really am thankful that I made the switch from my previous employer.

I think it will be a little chaotic but at least I'm in a position to make changes.

I scanned some receipts for iBotta and hit my $20 mark, I went ahead and cashed out. I'm adding this amount to the EF. I also have $20 with Receipt Hog, but I'm going to wait before cashing out. Nothing like getting some cash back. 😀

I realized that I'm super obsessed with my finances and where I think I should be. It's to the point where it has taken a toll on me.

Yes I've made some mistakes but so long as these mistakes are acknowledged and I'm taking the proper actions to correct, I'm not sure why I am obsessing over it.

I wake up, check my bank statements, read the DR blogs, over and over. This cannot be healthy.

As another blogger posted here, I need to focus on one thing and that is paying off CC5. Goal is to have it paid off by the end of July.

Other news, tonight I'll be having tacos for dinner. Pretty cheap and easy to make.

Tomorrow I start the new job, I was a little nervous but I'm super excited now. I think that I'm finally in the right place. I have my degree in Human Resources but my focus has been benefits, this position is a HR manager's role. It's for a not for profit about $3k more than my old employer, same distance. We will see but I'm definitely going in with a positive attitude.

Baby step 2 of the Dave Ramsey (DR) plan is paying down debt and stopping the 401(k). I really wanted to just take a year off from not contributing to my 401(k) but looks like it might be two years.

My question is, when I sell the house, I should be able to knock out a great deal of the CC debt and student loans, do I wait an additional year before adding to my retirement paying off the student loans or start it back up in August? August is when I originally stopped contributing.

The new job I'm going to does not match, 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️, so I'm considering opening up a Roth and depositing 3% each pay period starting in August. I just do not want to go too long without contributing something. I know once the debt is paid off, DR says to contribute 15% to retirement, I was thinking more of 30% to hit the max of $18,500 each year. My goal is it deposit the max until retirement actually starting in 2019.

Ugh I can just kick myself, with this mess I've gotten myself into. 44, I should be talking about early retirement and here I am discussing paying off debt.

Getting ready to now go through my envelopes to see how I'm doing. I spent my fun money this week on sorority crap, that I'm over. Thank goodness this will be my last year that I'm active, until I get a handle on things. Well I can't say a ton, maybe $20-$25 it's just I could have used the money for something else. 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

I check my points for Fetch and I'm almost at 20k points, there's a book I'd like to purchase via Amazon but I'm going to hold off. I'll use the points for Sephora to pick up some makeup I need. It's better to borrow from the library anyway.

Reading these financial books really put me in a bad mood. I realize that I'm dirt poor. That I have nothing that will make money for me if I lose my job. Now I'm thinking what can I do to earn money while I'm working?

I'd budgeted $90 for my hair this budget period. Yesterday, I washed and styled it myself, saving me $45. So $25 of this will go towards a graduation gift for a friend's kid and $20 back in the bank. If all goes well next week, I'll do the same, saving me a total $40.

Any one watch the Royal Wedding yesterday? I thought it was nice, not what I expected. Though I'm sure there was a nice penny spent, everything looked so simple. Goes to show, not everything has to be over the top.

My May book is "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki, I saw a poster in one of the DR groups posts about it so I decided to read it. It's okay, an easy and quick read. I agree with some things and some I don't, that's pretty much with any book read, you'll always have some pros and cons. Like all the other books read this month, I can always take something away from it.

Later I'll be adding receipts, and balancing the check book. I'm just in chill mode right now.

My morning started out busy. First, I competed some items that was needed for an event that I'm chairing. Then I had to run around from one bank to the next. I'd open a new account at one bank and the teller didn't have me to sign a document, so I had to go in a sign.

Then I went to my main branch to deposit my change I rolled ($18.50) so I added this to my EF. I really like seeing my EF grow. I know DR says a $1000 and then stop but for me I have to add something. My car is old, I drive extremely far for work, even the new job will be far and if my car ever gives out, I want to have at least 5k saved to be able to purchase a car cash, it gives me a peace of mind. I did say once I hit 3k though, I'll stop adding to it. 3k should be okay for a decent car.

I have a few items to scan for Fetch, iBotta and Receipt Hog. By next week I'll have another $20 to cash out on iBotta, I do have enough points on Receipt Hog for about $20 but I'm going to wait.
It's time consuming but hey it's cash back scanning these receipts.

This week I think I won with money by getting back on track with my budget, and paying a little extra on CC5. Plus I'm not driving too much this week as well. Oops I'm not going to the salon so the $45 budgeted will go to CC5 😊

Took today to balance the credit cards, proud of my myself, I haven't racked up any new debt. Tomorrow I'll tackle my bank statements.

I decided to get back on track with my budget, last three pay periods I went well over (eating out). The only good thing is that I'm socking away about $200 each pay period. I have so many different saving accounts that it seems ridiculous but hey it works for me. One I use for fun things that I may want (vacation/big purchases), medical, car, etc. I just add a little at a time and guess what, it adds up quickly.

I'm enjoying these few days off, prior to starting the new job. Tomorrow I have a few errands to run, and then it's back home.

I gave my resignation and received a call to not come back. It was hurtful but I'm so thankful that I have another job already lined up. I'll be starting that job next Wednesday as the HR manager. The place that I worked is/was very toxic. I've been considering call the Department of Labor on them, FLSA, ACA, FMLA, Title I and VII violations, you name it they do it. But I always say, you reap what you so.

I'm so thankful that God revealed to me, to get the hell out of there.

In financial news, I somewhat blew my budget, well let's face it, I blew it. Over the last few pay periods I didn't stick to it so I decided to get back on track. June is right around the corner and I haven't put a dent in CC5. Hopefully I can knock at least $300 off by the end of June.

With the new job, I was able to get my salary bumped by three grand but this simply covers my medical deductions, so I'll still be making what I made at the old company essentially. Since I'll be coming in as HR manager, one of my goals is to provide better benefits.

One thing I've been telling the SO is that I never want to be in a position where I can't quit my job or help a friend. God has truly placed it on my heart to save and knock these bills out. Yes I've fell off the wagon but thank God I've been steady. I continue to add funds to my EF. I know Dave says no, but for me to be comfortable I must. I've budgeted $50 a pay check, next month I should be at $1300 and it's a great feeling. Goal is to have at least $8K saved.

SO has really stepped up. I don't know if it's because I stop nagging or what, but he's saving and paying the bills on time. Interesting, I did tell him that I was not trying to blow his momentum but that I'm still thinking we need to part ways, he's gone too long without trying. His response was he was tired of disappointing me. My thing is, it took me some time to wake up. We'll see.

In house news, my brother and his family went to my attorney's office raising hell, all last week (multiple time). I've told my attorney to call the police on them. Apparently they're trying to force my attorney into a contract, I call it extortion. Then my brother's girl friend goes on my Facebook page and post a mean GIF, I screen shot it of course. Minutes later she takes it down. What is wrong with people?
I told my mother, who I thought would be able to get him under control, needless to say that didn't work. Smh
I can't wait for this mess to be over. I'm terrified of guns but I took the class to carry a concealed weapon, I have no clue what he's capable of and my other brother keeps telling me to get one to protect myself. Jesus who would have thought

So my attorney called me today to tell me that my brother was back at his office. I'm not sure why he refuse to call the cops 👮🏼 on him. I told him to call the cops 👮🏼 because I'm afraid of what he might do. I also told him that I'll feel bad if something happens but he can't say I didn't tell what to do.

This is absolutely ridiculous, I am praying that we can get through this lean search and close without any additional hiccups. Please keep me in prayer

I realized that my brother is CRAZY 😜

He and his kids went to my attorney's office in an attempt to force him in a contract with them and for him to take money from them. First of all he has an attorney and should be going through his attorney when discussing anything about the property.

Secondly, you can't force someone to take money from you that sounds like extortion to me. Smh
Going forward if I have to go to the property I'm going with the police. He's dangerous. Not sure why my attorney didn't call the police on them.

I just can't wait for this mess to be over.

Ugh, still waiting on my background screening to clear before I give my notice, this is ridiculous it's been over two weeks. I did find out that the organization left something off, and that delayed the process so I should know something Monday.

I'm anxious because my new supervisor at my current job, told me "she has been saving my job." I'm like really? But what ever.

In financial news, I signed up for auto bill pay for my car insurance, that will save me $5 a month. I have the sinking fund going so that hopefully in October I can simply pay the 6 months and not worry about this sucker.

I finally got the contract signed to sell dad's house. Yesterday the inspector went by to view the home. I'm really hoping to have this place sold by the end of the month.

In SO news, for the last few months he's been doing really well with finances, he even socked away his BS1. I was really surprised

I actually blew some money last weekend, I budgeted for most and reworked my budget, to cover what I spent. What I'm most happy with is that no credit cards were used and I was still able to sock away almost $200. Now it's back to budgeting. 😉

Hi all 👋🏾

It's been a minute and of course I fell off the wagon, have to keep blogging.

So I decided to take the job, though it's only $3k more than I currently make it will definitely help boost my career. The position is a HR manager's position, my goal is to work for the company just a year and a half and then look for something much closer to home.

The reason I took the job was because I'm in need of structure. My current employer, is a mess and I honestly see things getting worst with our new VP. I'm so stressed about this job, chest pains, exhaustion and just mentally drained. Everything is a rush. I am not saying that there won't be issues on the next job, but at least I'm transitioning from dealing with 10k+ employees with only two people to, about 400. Not to mention the pay discrepancies. The last person they hired had about 6 month experience in benefits, I have over 5 years, no degree, I have a masters and she made 7k more than me, plus I had to train her. I had to constantly ask for a raise. Finally got it about four months later and they didn't even have the decency to retro. Oh and I failed to mention, I was the senior benefits specialist, and she was the junior, go figure.

I haven't given my notice yet, because I'm waiting on all my background screenings to clear. I explained to the company that I was not giving my notice until everything cleared.

On a budgeting note, well lets just say April was a bust. I'll be crunching the numbers this week.