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Archive for January, 2025

January

January 31st, 2025 at 11:19 am

Things are getting tougher, rising prices, job losses, and growing frustration, and we're only one month into the year. I don't like the direction things are heading, but this is our reality.

 

I'm tying up a few loose ends and will share a financial update soon. Overall, January went well, I avoided new debt while paying down existing balances.

About 18% of my income went to debt (mostly student loans, mortgage, and credit cards), 17% to savings, and the rest covered bills and expenses.

I did have a $500 car repair, but otherwise, I stayed on track.

 

One Step Closer to Freedom

January 14th, 2025 at 10:42 pm

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve paid off another credit card, leaving me with just one credit card, one student loan, and my mortgage, I will update the sidebar later. It’s been a long journey, but every step forward feels like a major victory.

 

 

I also went a little further by putting an extra $300 toward my final credit card and an additional $200 toward my student loan. These extra payments are small wins that bring me closer to my ultimate goal of financial freedom.

 

I am so excited, since January, I’ve committed to paying for everything in cash. No swiping, no borrowing—just living within my means. It’s been challenging at times, but the sense of control and peace it brings is worth every sacrifice.

 

For anyone out there working toward their financial goals, remember: progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Celebrate your wins, stay consistent, and know that freedom is possible.

 

Here’s to being one step closer to debt-free living!

 

$15, Every Little Bit Helps

January 10th, 2025 at 10:44 pm

I'm committed to staying on track this year. No goals just commitments. 

This morning I got 75 kettlebell swings in as part of my fitness journey, the struggle has been real. 

Later I took  my mom grocery shopping, her car is acting up. While there I decided to pick up chicken breast and a few apples. Well mom paid. So I paid the $15 I would have paid for the items towards my debt. 

No New Wallet Needed

January 10th, 2025 at 04:22 am

At the end of last year, I decided to downsize my purse. I was tired of carrying around an extra-large tote filled with too much stuff—it was killing my back.

 

I switched to a smaller purse, but my wallet didn’t fit, so I started looking for a new one. Then it hit me—I already have an extra-small wallet that I use for traveling.

 

 Instead of buying a new one, I’m using that. This year, I’m all about getting my finances in order and making smarter choices!

 

2025 I'm coming with vengeance 

 

Small changes

January 9th, 2025 at 02:03 pm

I just switched my Zoom and Amazon payments to come straight from my checking account instead of using a credit card. This way, I’m not adding to my credit card balance, and it makes me think twice about what I’m spending on Amazon. Small changes like this can really help with staying on top of my finances!

 

Fresh Start

January 9th, 2025 at 11:22 am

I’ve realized I need to get a handle on my impulses. I’ll pay down debt, only to rack it back up again. Just yesterday, I paid off two cards that I had been using more than I should. SMH.

 

To break this cycle, I’ve decided to remove my credit cards from my wallet and all the websites I shop on. I also took a hard look at my bank statements for the first time in a year—yes, a whole year. I use software to track my spending but hadn’t updated it in ages. Why? I’m still figuring that out, but I know it’s a big part of my problem. When I don’t track, my spending spirals out of control.

 

Since December, it’s been weighing heavily on me to get things back in order. It’s been on my mind constantly, and this year I’m making real changes.

 

Blogging helps me stay accountable, so you’ll see more posts from me as I work to turn things around. Here’s to a fresh start and taking control for real this time!

 

Save - We Should All Try

January 9th, 2025 at 11:15 am

It’s been years since I’ve needed to borrow money. Honestly, I never had the nerve to borrow from friends—only my mom, and I always paid her back. One lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of saving: for every dollar, aim to save 10 cents.

 

I have a friend who never borrowed money before but recently found himself in a tough spot. Over the past few months, he’s borrowed from me and always paid me back. But I’ll be honest—I’m tired of lending money. I suspect his wife may have contributed to the situation, but regardless, when he called to borrow again, I had to say no. I felt bad, but at 50, I firmly believe it’s time to prioritize saving.

 

I’m no financial expert. I have debt, but I’ve also worked hard to build a cushion—enough cash to cover a few months of bills if something unexpected happens, like losing my job.

 

On a related note, my ex told me his brother recently faced a $1,500 emergency and didn’t have the funds to handle it. That story hit me hard and reinforced my belief in the importance of saving, even if it’s just a little at a time.

 

Though I’m still on my journey to financial freedom and becoming debt-free, I’ve learned one critical lesson: the least we can do is try to save. I don’t want to be a financial burden to anyone.

 

This isn’t to judge or bash anyone; I just can’t help but feel thankful for how far I’ve come.