Paid an extra $25 on the mortgage and student loan each, now I'm officially under $8000 on student loan number three (3). See sidebar. 

I have to invoice my client on Monday. They're pretty good with paying the bill timely. If I get it before I leave for my trip, I'll pay another $2,000+ on student loan number 3. 

I'm so excited to see this number decrease. It's a matter of weeks by the time I pay this loan off then it's officially onto the last loan, that's about $28k. This will take some time because I'm going to slow down while I max out my IRA. I'm shifting my focus a bit after paying student loan number 3 because I'm behind on saving for retirement and I want to make sure I max out my IRA before the end of the year. 

I plan to pause student loan number 4 since it's interest-free for two months and throw everything at the IRA, then tackle the student loan. 

I know this isn't the Dave way but it's my way and it works for me. Age is not on my side. 

Hi all,

Just wanted to say that I got the second contract with a client whose contract ended in March. I'm so excited and looking forward to it. 

That's it for now 

I was asked to visit the Turks and Caicos, but really didn’t plan on it, since I’m heading on vacation next week. I treated myself, to this trip after paying off so much debt and not taking a vacation in about six years. 

Well my client, whose contract ended last month, asked if I’d be interested in another two month contract and of course I said yes. That’s about $6k extra a month. 

So with that, I’ve decided to take the trip to Turks and Caicos. Total with hotel and airfare is $847. 

I figured student loan number three will be gone next month, and now I want to go. I have a gig that pays $800 a month, I consider this my whatever money. I usually throw/divvy up the $800 and apply to my  EF, IRA and student loan. 

After this trip that’s it for me until next year. We are planning on going to Italy but if I don’t meet my halfway point for student loan number four, I won’t go. This is my motivation to go full ham on my last student loan debt. 

Welp, I thought my check wouldn't clear until Friday, since I'd deposited it late last night. Well it cleared today and I paid $2100 towards student loan (number 3), now I wait patiently for the balance to show $8k. 

I'm so happy, I should be able to meet my goal of paying this off before June. After crunching the numbers, student loan number 3 should be paid off next month, right after I return from vacation.  

Wow, is all I can actually say. 

I can't believe where I've come from. I have worked so hard to save and pay off debt. I've done it before but this time seems more difficult. I don't know if it's because I'm older, had more debt, or simply have a better understanding of money. Either way I'm making progress. 

I re-worked my budget to include extra payments on the mortgage. I know some will say why pay extra on the mortgage when you have student loan debts? Well because it makes me feel good and keeps me motivated. So today as I prepare for my trip, I paid my May mortgage and an extra $71.11 towards the principal. I absolutely love the amortization table, I use this to round down my debt. 

Other news, looking at my side bar you can see that I'm way behind the eight ball as it relates to my retirement account. I also re-worked the budget so that I max out my IRA account this year. I'm self-employed so I have no 401(k). I did a little research and learned that a SEP might work for me. I'm able to double what I'm contributing to an IRA to a SEP, so this might work. I've set up a call upon my return with a member of the Fidelity team. 

Also about a week ago, I bought my first stocks, Nike, because I'm a Nike snob. Well it's been exciting to watch how my stocks are doing, following the news on the company and all, not to mention the highs a lows. I'm new to this whole investing thing so I'm nervous as hell, I only bought five shares (I do plan on increasing). I must say that  I'm happy with the progress I'm making. I decided to follow a few other companies and every month when I deposit to my IRA, I'll take a little and buy a few shares. By doing this, I have an entire month to research the companies before purchasing. 

Friday is pay day for me and I'll be dropping $2100 on my student loan, this will bring my third student loan balance under $10k. I'm so happy I can scream. I still cant believe that in just over a year and a half I've paid off over $40k in student loans. Plus my other credit card debts. 

If you're new to this journey, keep pushing it gets better. 

Hope everyone had a great Easter. 

Today, was so-so. It started out great then my niece got on my nerves a bit but I'm good now. 

I made my own holiday dinner, I'll be freezing the bulk of it. I tried stuffing for the first time and it turned out great. I am so happy because I love stuffing. 

Other news, I'll be blogging a little more. I've decided to give Social Media a break. I realized that I spend way too much time on social media, to the point it is not productive.  
I don't want to become one of those people who is constantly on Facebook, it's such a mindless task. I have plenty of other things that I can and should be doing. 

I have no idea what triggered my ex but he broke down and told me he has to get his life together. He has a client, a few who are millionaires, who want to help him and he finally spoke with one today. He said he’s tired of living the way he is living. 

For starters he need to focus on him and not the mother, in my opinion. The mother keeps him in a financial black hole. I’m not saying not to help mom; however, he’s not in a financial position to do so at this time and parents shouldn’t live a reckless life with the intent that it’s their kids responsibility to take care of them. 

I think it hit home because I’m trucking along, much better mind you, without him. I think this trip I’m taking and his inability to do the same is nudging at him, not mention him being sick and no money saved. Either way what ever the cause, I’m glad he’s finally realized he has to get his life together. 

I’m not saying that I’m the queen of doing right financially but at least I’m willing to try. All I ever asked is that he tried. 

I can't discuss the details of my case for nonpayment of services, but I wanted to let you all know we settled and I am pleased. I hate it had to come this but here we are. 

Edited to add that I paid another $100 on student loan #3, the balance is now $10,100. I can see the end. 

Praise God, the Biden administration has extended the pause on interest and payments for student loans again. 

I logged into my account and read, Federal student loan flexibilities for the COVID-19 emergency have been extended through August 31, 2022. This is awesome! I'm slated to pay off student loan number 3 in June and can begin to tackle student loan number 4. 

Though there isn't an official announcement yet, I know that this is true, because it's on the site. 

Many people post that this is the wrong thing to do, people should pay their loss,  yada yada ya. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. One I'm thankful for this, it has allowed me to pay off two loans and be on my way to paying off another, in a span of two years. Had the pause not occurred I'd owe over six figures on the 30k loan.  In my opinion, student loans are like loan sharks. It's ridiculous that unlike a mortgage I am unable to pay down the principal until the interest that compounds daily is paid. Do I believe in paying what I owe, yes? However, if parts of it were forgiven, I'd be thankful and if not I'll just keep chipping away. 

Either way, this extension is a huge help for me and I'm taking advantage of it. 

In preparation of me reaching financial freedom, I signed up for a stock stimulator, so that I can learn the market. 

Though I anticipate paying off student loan number 3 in June, and number 4 next year, I want to get a better understanding so when I meet with a professional, I have some kind of a clue. I’ll continue to contribute to my IRA account and then next year I’ll dabble in the markets. 

I took inventory to identify the brands that I believe in and consistently try. So far it’s been great following and learning 

Any book, podcast etc you all recommend for me to get better acquainted, I’d appreciate it.