Well I was given a directive to do something illegal, I told my CEO to put it in writing to me. Now she’s nervous and complaining that I asked for it in writing. Personally I don’t even think she understood what she was asking.

Honestly I think everyone’s anxiety level from this virus is on high alert; but as I mentioned in the past and will continue to do so, we need to stop, take a break, think things through, and then make a decision. Those people who were hired to do a job should be allowed to do so, otherwise we are going to find ourselves in a mess.

It’s the lack of structure, that is driving me crazy. I’m trying to hold on, but at times I feel like my peace/sanity is more important. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I love the flexibility I have and my team that I love; however, when I look at the opportunity cost in that I’m giving up, I ask, is it worth it? I just need prayer of peace.

I woke up, at 3:30am yesterday, I had a terrible dream, I dreamt that SO’s cousin was ordered to kill me. Went back to sleep and had another nightmare . I can’t wait to get back to some normalcy. This COVID-19 stuff has me mentally, emotionally and physically drained.

In financial news, last month I over spent in the food category, and really didn’t pay much attention to my budget. I’m going to get back on track this month. For my March money saving challenge, I saved $166. YTD I have about $350 saved in my challenge envelopes.

Regarding the house, I have a friend who is a realtor and accountant review the refi documents, he said everything was okay but recommended that I ask for removal and deduction of a few fees. He told me I could lock in the rate and still not move forward.

I asked the broker to reduce the fees and she, said no. I had an uneasy feeling so I followed my gut and told her I’m declining the refi. I did so for a number of reasons, 1) she wasn’t willing to negotiate on a $750 fee in that she could, 2) I felt rushed, it was always you need to get me this in one to two hours, with no time to review and ask questions, and 3) my guy kept saying no.
I don’t know, I just had an uneasy feeling, and I thought wait. It was like God, telling me to be still, so I decided to listen and be still. I hate being rushed to make decisions. I do believe by mid April early May the rates will drop again.

My word for the year is fearless. I felt scared to tell the broker I didn’t want to do it. Why? I don’t know, but I jumped out on faith and said, fear will not allow me to make decisions. I tell you I felt better.

Today was pay day, even with everything going on, I’m still thankful I have a job. I went ahead and paid my May mortgage, minimum on CC10, and the student loans, car insurance and cell phone are all autopay. I decided I will continue to pay as is, no extra payments and go into COVID-19 save mode.

We are laying off an additional 30-40 people, so the uncertainty of things have me pumping the breaks.

I have no idea if I’m getting a stimulus check or not but if I do, it will definitely go to CC10 because it’s not wages earned for me, this is truly extra cash.

I need to file my 2019 tax returns, I’m using TurboTax and it’s estimating about $600 in tax return. This will go into my savings since it’s wages earned that I gave the government 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️. I’m really trying to get this refund thing to about $0, where I break even.

Hi all

So student loan interest has stopped for six months.

I’m debating on stopping my loan payments for the six months as well and going full ham on the principal of one of my loans.

What I mean is, my payments are income driven, one is $69 the other is $99. If I stop the payments, I can take any extra money I have, plus what I would have been paying and dumping it on the lowest balance. I can also, take the stimulus check and throw at it.

If I stick to the plan, I can dump approximately $6,000 by December to the principal of the loan. This is about $2,000 less than the interest accumulated. This would mean though, not paying extra on CC10. Interest on these loans is about $200 a month 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️.

Or I can stop the payments, pay off CC10 I’d say by June/July and then tackle the student loan paying approximately half of what I estimated above.

I also decided not to refinance the house, I pay an extra $100 a month anyway. This extra $100 is not negotiable unless something happens like job loss. Given my position this is not something I’m overly concerned with. Thank God.

Just wanted your thoughts.
Oops my only debt is the mortgage, student loans and 1 credit card.

Made the adjustments on my W4, and added the $50 per pay date to my 401(k) vs my IRA. Once CC10 is gone, I’ll bump the dollar amount to a $100 contribution per pay check.

Today is pay day, I paid an extra $200 to CC10. Finally, this card is under the $5,000 mark. Next month, I’ll be able to drop an extra $1,000 on it.

This weekend, I’ll be finishing up my taxes, my refund is about $600, I’m okay with that. I was hoping to break even but hey it’s better than owing.

I did splurge a little on eating out this month, for some reason I just didn’t feel like cooking. It happens from time to time

Great week this week.

I received a really nice compliment at work, and I so needed it.

Yesterday was pay day, I saved $375 in sinking funds, this include the IRA contribution, paid an extra $200 on CC10, came in under budget in my cash envelopes of $53 and saved $82 for my challenges. Not bad.

Things are really working out well, financially. Saving and knocking out my debt is my focus.

Other news. In four years, I will be 50. I’ve always wanted to visit Monaco 🇲🇨, since I was a kid. Though I have debt 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️ would it be wrong for me to start saving for this trip for my 50th birthday? I know Monaco is super expensive and I figured as a treat to paying off debt, this would be it. By then, I would have all credit. Add debt paid off as well as one student loan.

Cashed out my points, $52, and added it to CC10. I like the idea of using the credit card for bills (e.g. internet, cell, car insurance) and earning points that translate into cash that I use towards my debt.

So long as I manage it, only use for bills, this is a great way to earn a little extra cash. I keep a zero balance in the card, CC9. The points add up quickly.

Feeling excited

Ended the month with a bang.
For 31 days I challenge myself not to eat out and did just that. It was tough but I did it. So I transferred $31 from my cash envelopes to a saving challenge envelopes.

My word of the year is Fearless, the challenge was to save the amount corresponding with each letter (number) of the alphabet. For example A is the first letter so $1, F is the 6th so $6. Doing this I saved $61 and to my challenge envelope.

Next I started the 52 week challenge and socked away five weeks. I’m trying to figure out how I can go backwards.

Total for January’s challenges $107, not bad.

I’m pretty sure for January I came in under budget in most categories, knocked out about $800 in debt, and saved at least 20% of my income. I’ll be reviewing my budget today but I’m sure my numbers are pretty accurate.

These little challenges help me to prepare my meals at home and to come in under budget with my cash envelopes. I plan on challenging myself each month socking away the challenge money in an envelope. I can’t wait to see how much I save just from challenging myself. I think I’ve regained my motivation.

In my head, I say take the money saved at the end of the year and have fun, but my heart says, throw it at debt. Debt sucks

Paid another $157 on my CC and the balance is now $5,314. Next week I’ll be able to add $500 to it. I can’t wait.

This recent payment allowed me to fill in three squares on my tracker.

But now that I think about it, the new billing cycle should start tomorrow and I’m sure the balance will be higher with the interest.

Well winter was one day for us I guess, we are back in the 70s 🤷🏾‍♀️

I’ tried sharing my tracker with you all, thanks for the tip, but was unable to.

Rolled my coins and I had a total of $29 dollars, not bad.

I can never understand why people take their coins to a coin machine to count and pay a fee. It took me just a little time to do so. Even before I was living a frugal life style, I never did this. To each it’s own.

The $29, went towards the remaining credit card debt. 😀

Friday is payday and I’ll be adding an extra $157 dollars to the credit card. I think by doing that, I’d pay an extra $800 this month towards it. I can’t wait until Friday so that I can take care of it, and calculate my MTM total.

My top priorities for the first quarter of the year, boosting my EF, paying down/off the CC and paying extra on my mortgage. The extra on the mortgage is a must for me, I feel disappointed/depressed for some odd reason when I don’t.

Once the CC is gone, I can go full throttle on the student loans, averaging about $600-$800 extra a month on it. I can’t wait.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes, I greatly appreciate it.

Yesterday was a very low key birthday celebration. I took $50 out of my slush account and bought two pairs of earrings, my last pair broke.

Then the SO insisted on taking me out for breakfast 🥞 so we did that. Next after breakfast I headed over to the used appliance store, in search of a dryer. Well I found one for $180. I was a little nervous but decided to purchase. As I was heading to over to pay, the SO decided to purchase as a birthday gift. No complaint from me. Saved me $180. I have an account for home repairs and was thinking I should take the$180 and add to CC but it’s best to just leave it.

I pretty much stayed home yesterday, that was my birthday celebration. SO gave me $20 for dinner, I put the money in my cash envelope and ate what I had.

I got a quote on the hurricane shutters yesterday, $3,000. I was actually expecting less. This is the guy who did a friend’s home, at half the price. I’ll call around and get at least three more quotes, and set up a sinking fund for this as well.

Lastly in financial news, the CC was knocked down to $5,500, I’m hoping to have this card paid off by April/May.

My electric bill decreased by about $20 but the water went up $10 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️. I had a running toilet 🚽 that I believe caused the bill to increase; however, I finally got it fixed.

Well it’s been a pretty good week. Tomorrow I turn 46, wow.

I feel somewhat down because I feel like I haven’t gotten myself together financially; however, I’ve made some progress.

Rather than focusing on the negative, I’ll focus on the positive.

Today, I paid an extra $453.78 on CC10 knocking the balance down to $5,500. Tomorrow’s billing cycle ends, so I’ll be hit with interest 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️. I did look at transferring the balance to a zero interest card but the fees to transfer wasn’t worth it. I’ll have the card paid off in a about four to five months.

I also added $50 to the EF, $50 to the IRA account.

This month I have not eaten out, 16 days. Wow. I almost gave in yesterday, it was the sorority’s Founders’ Day and I really wanted to hang out with my girls but paying the credit card 💳 debt was the best decision. I’ve saved a ton by not eating out.

Tomorrow I’ll head to Sweet Tomatoes for my free birthday dinner.

Lastly, I decided to get the quote on the hurricane shutters before the season rolls around. It’s so difficult for me to find some one to come and put the plywood up. I wish I could find a decent handyman. I’ll apply for the city grant for reimbursement

So much has happened this year, on a positive note, and I pray it continues.

First, I can’t believe it but I’ve had 10 days in that I have not dined our, not even a soda or chips. It’s been tempting but I’m determined not to eat out this month.

Next I dropped an extra $200 on the credit card and an extra $100 on the mortgage.

I’ve decided it’s no rush and to hold off on the dryer, not to mention my toilet is running, so that’s a priority. Thankfully my uncle has plumbing skills so I’ll have him to take a look at it.

Then there is the big news, my brother had to drop his lawsuit. I wanted to go out and celebrate, not to mention cry, when I got the news. I’m still on this I can’t believe it, but I knew it, kind of a high.

Apparently after my attorney laid into his with the facts and ensured his attorney we were prepared to go after him, the attorney, if he moved forward with his frivolous lawsuit, they had a change of heart.

The sad thing his; I honestly think his attorney knew all along but because my brother is greedy, and he saw a money pit, he moved forward. To go through this process, I’m sure it cost my brother at least $10k

I’m due a refund, but will use the money to finalize one last item with my dad’s estate and then get whatever the difference is back. I’m estimating about $1500.

I’m just so thankful that this is over.

CC10 Is getting on my last nerves. I’m trying to figure out how to pay it off by December 31st.
I can take $5,000 out of the EF but I’d still owe $1200 and the EF would drop to $600 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️.

I’d really wanted this card gone by the end of the year and then I got hit with a legal bill due to my brother who thinks my dad was a millionaire.

With the side gig, I could have it paid off in about 5 months, paying about a $1000 a month. Then tackling the student loans in June.

I’m just so confused.

Just adjusted my budget and I’ll be able to drop $700 on CC10. I’m so excited.
I think this card will be paid off by March and I can finally, start tackling my student loans.

I just want to cry, I was feeling like I’ll never be able to start tackling the loans. If I hadn’t gotten hit with the legal bill earlier this year, this card would have been gone in June. I know I can’t/shouldn’t beat my self up about it but I just can’t help thinking about the what if’s.

I’m estimating it will take me 6-7 years to pay off the student loans, that’s $10k a month. If I can keep the side hustle for at least two years, it will take 4-5 years.

Fingers crossed that all go as planned

Just adjusted my budget and I’ll be able to drop $700 on CC10. I’m so excited.
I think this card will be paid off by March and I can finally, start tackling my student loans.

I just want to cry, I was feeling like I’ll never be able to start tackling the loans. If I hadn’t gotten hit with the legal bill earlier this year, this card would have been gone in June. I know I can’t/shouldn’t beat my self up about it but I just can’t help thinking about the what if’s.

I’m estimating it will take me 6-7 years to pay off the student loans, that’s $10k a month. If I can keep the side hustle for at least two years, it will take 4-5 years.

Fingers crossed that all go as planned

Today is pay day, and I can’t wait to Stuff my cash envelopes.

I’ve created the budget for this pay period; however, my cash envelopes are pretty healthy so I’m sure I’ll be returning some cash back to the bank and adding the extra to the EF. I’m staying focus. Refunding my EF, tackling the CC the student loans, in that order.

I woke up at 3 am, checked my accounts and the direct deposits hit. I paid the following
$951.10 mortgage
$200 extra on CC10 💳
$50 plot
$195.51 tithes

I saved a total of $344, this include the EF, sinking funds and IRA. I was able to bump my IRA, doubling, my contribution. I decided anytime I get a raise or bonus I’m adding to the IRA.

I checked my electric bill, today is the last day in the billing cycle, my current usage is $69, by the end of the day, I’m anticipating my bill should be about $72. I’m so excited. My bill has never been this low. I’ve managed to knock my electric bill down by more than half since the SO has been gone.

I absolutely hate interest. I paid over $500 this last billing cycle on CC10, only to be charged another $100+ in interest. All the more reason for me to get this credit card paid off.

It’s a process and I know I must be patient but I can’t wait for this sucker to be gone, so that I can start tackling my student loans. I’m thinking by April 2020, this card 💳 should be paid off.

I’m no longer gazelle intense for a number of reasons, SO is no longer here so I don’t get the extra $800+ a month. I still add to my EF because I think it’s crazy to only have $1,000 saved, and lastly, time is not on my side, I’m late to the party 🎉 so I continue to add to my 401(k). Yes by doing these things, it slows the process, but at least I’m comfortable, and I haven’t stopped paying down debt and saving. What I’ve accomplished so far, I’m happy with. The ability to go to events, stores etc and not spend anything is a huge accomplishment for me.

I honestly think, if I continue to budget, live a frugal lifestyle, I’ll be done with all debt, including my house 🏡 in seven years.

I can’t wait to get home this evening, to balance my cash envelopes, and review my budget. Lol, who would have thought my Friday nights of hanging out with friends, buying new outfits to do so, and spending tons of money would have turned into review the budget nights? I absolutely love it and look forward to it.

Balanced my cash envelopes, and I did pretty good. I came in under budget for the most part

Category Budgeted Left
Groceries $80 $30
Auto $80 $50
Personal $130 $0
Fun $30 $30
Household $30 $27

As previously reported in another post, things are looking great. The electric bill was reduced by almost $60, the water bill came in at $45.68, this is the same as last month but down by $20 over all.

I’m going to cancel Netflix, I realize I don’t use it and that’s $14 I can throw at debt.

Savings is up, I’m about $1200 away from meeting my short term EF goal of 3 months worth of expenses saved. I can’t wait to hit the six month mark, then I’ll feel comfortable and can start throwing even more at debt.

Lastly, I received a notice that my taxes for the town in that I live in, has dropped

Credit card 9 💳 is really getting on my nerves. I want this sucker paid off. I’m contemplating taking the money saved for any home repairs and adding it to it. I have an EF so if anything happens I can use that. One minute I’m stoked about doing it, the next I’m nervous as hell. 😬

I finally completed my taxes, and hit the submit button. I’m looking at about $633 return. This will be adding to the CC.

The budget meeting with the SO didn’t happen, I was a little disappointed but hey that’s on him. I’m still trucking along on my financial peace journey without him. Something drastic has to happen for him to change. I told him we will continue to live as roommates, splitting everything.

After reviewing and crunching numbers, it looks like I should have both CCs paid off by early September (CC9 should be gone by end of April early May) and from that point on it’s the infamous student loans 👩🏾‍🎓. I’m really hoping to pick up a second job by then.

Lastly, though I follow Dave Ramsey, I never read his book, “The Total Money Makeover.” 📖. I have listened via audio 🔊, but you know how that goes, your cleaning 🧹, doing other things so you’re more likely to miss something. I’m excited to dive in. Last month I finished, Rachel Cruze’s, “Love Your Life, Not Theirs.”
I’m also read a book by Zig Ziegler, that I checked out online at my local library. What’s great about this is, in the middle of the night 🌙 when I can’t sleep 💤, I can read.

Just paid an extra $164 on CC9 and it feels great. This month I’m slated to have added an $800 extra to that card. Balance is now $4,824.67 with the payment made today. I’m really hoping to get below the $4,000 mark by the end of the month.

I’ll be completing my taxes this weekend, if I get anything I’ll add it to the snowball. At the rate I’m going I should be able to knock CC9 out by end of May. It’s not with in the first quarter buy hey five months paying off 6k isn’t bad.

Pay day and everything is paid. I love online banking, and the fact that I’m in a positioning that I can pay my bills early plus extra. The SO will provide his share on the 20th, I like paying things early. With the money I get from him, I throw it at my debt. It’s like a second job in that I’m not working. He seems to be on track, but again I’m not going to get my hopes up. Bad habits takes months to break and we are only about three months in.

Yesterday I paid an extra $25 on my mortgage, and extra $93 on CC9, I socked away about $300 all for sinking funds (e.g HOA, car insurance) and I have about $70 left this will be my fun money. Depending on how many no spend days between now and the next pay day, I’m sure I’ll be throwing this at CC9.

I’ve started back using the envelopes. Though I under spent last month, I can’t help but feel that the amount I’d under spent by would have been far greater had I used the cash vs. debit card 💳.

I’m also happy that I decided to have a sinking fund for any household repairs. I’ve been living in this home before purchasing for about 7 seven years and there hasn’t been any major repairs but as Dave says, Murphy is sure to show up so you need to be prepared. My privacy fence looks okay but it’s getting there so I want to be ready if need be. I’m also saving for hurricane shutters, this will reduce my insurance. I just like having the $500 in the repair fund just in case, it’s silly but it’s a natural Hugh watching this pot grow. Each pay period I’m adding to it.

Also my car 🚗 is making a strange noise, guess what I have money set aside for that. I feel so good about this. The last few car repairs I’ve been able to cash flow. By saving for upcoming repairs it definitely takes the stress out of things. I never use to do this, I’d just put it on the credit card. Only thing that bothers me is that as soon as I have a cushion of about $500, boom 💥 the car 🚗 needs to head to the shop. But it beats $300-$500 a month car payment.

My car 🚗 is a 2002 Camry with about 244,000 miles. I know sooner than later she’s going to head onto car heaven, and that’s why I haven’t touched the EF to pay off CC9. I’ve been pricing older model Camry and they’re anywhere between $6k and $8k. Goal is to pay cash. I’m done with car payments.

Last thing, I’ve practically cut out the salon 💇🏾‍♀️. Primary reasons, one it’s expensive, $45 a week. Secondly, I’ve asked her not to use a certain product because it’s drying out my hair and she continues. My hair has gotten so dry, and brittle, it’s awful. I’ve decided that I’ll go when there is a special occasion and when I need a hair cut.

$5156.20 is the balance as if today on CC9, before the new interest hits. I’m feeling really good. I’m trying to figure out how I can knock this down to $5000 before the new bill.

I was able to pay a total of $1074.69. If I can keep this up, for next four months, I’ll be done with this card by April. The goal was March but hey.

Feeling really good and accomplished.

As you all know the significant other is still here. I can’t believe it and I want to fall out of my chair but he’s provided all his bill money in advance. Twice (January and February).

I don’t know if me asking him to leave did it but I’m just shocked. Really shocked.

I pay my bills as soon as I get them, first week of the previous month, so by time he gives me his portion, week before due date, everything is already paid. I’m okay with this so long as I get the money before the actual due date.

He’s a super nice guy, just terrible with money, well his momma. I’m still going to monitor this. Not going to get too excited because things can easily go left. His mother can always not pay him, that she is known for doing. But it looks like he’s finally taking over the business. Either way as I shared with him, “he was suppose to be gone in December, you weaseled your way to stay, I’m not doing this crap in 2019, first missed or late payment you have to go the same day, I’m not doing this. My dad did not gift me a house in his death to lose it behind some guy.” He knows I worship the ground my dad walked on, and I’d do nothing to disappoint him.

So with the extra cash $500+ I’m adding it to the credit card 💳. This should knock my balance down to a little less than $5000. If I can meet my same goal next month, I’ll be down to $4k, yay.

I’ve been on a roll kicking butt this month. Dining out less(not at all), no spend days, saving and paying down CC9. I think by the end of the month, I will have paid close to a $1,000 on CC9. Right now I’ve paid close to $800, yay! My goal is to have this credit card paid off by the end of the first quarter.

I figured, between now and March, I know I can do $1,000 and anything extra, I’ll add. Fingers crossed.

Lol, can’t believe I get excited about paying off debt.

Though I’m not a government employee this shut down really has me nervous about what could come.

I’m in a number of financial groups, and other miscellaneous groups on Facebook. I have noticed that those who are effected by the shutdown, are posting that they can’t pay their bills. It’s really sad.

For me, I’ve been payed off twice and thankfully both times I’ve been able to pay my bill. This is the main reason why while on BS2 I add something to my EF, even if it’s $25 each pay day. My dad always said, even if it’s $10 you put something away each pay day and don’t touch it.

I can’t imagine working and not getting paid. But if that happens I want to be able to have some sort of cushion. I honestly think we are heading into a recession.

On a different note, I’ve knocked down CC9 to about $5,900, just waiting on a few payments to post before I update the sidebar. I want this baby gone. I’ve decided to start the 52 Week Challenge backwards and throw the money at CC9 each week.

The SO is still here 🤦🏽‍♀️🙄. For January he paid everything on time. On December 31st I had a conversation with him. I told him it looks like you don’t plan on moving. Nothing packed. I told him nothing has changed about my feelings and that I wanted him gone.

I told him that I am not going into 2019 trying to run him down for my money to pay the bills. If they’re due on the first, I want it by the 20th and no later than the 25th. I also had the same conversation two days ago. I’m not doing this crap this year. And the minute he misses he has to go. I plan on talking to him again tonight. Because I really need him to know that I’m serious. He’s a nice guy and all but I don’t give two cents that he refuses to stand up to his mother. I have a mortgage now.

Financial news, I paid the mortgage today, early. I added an extra $25. I know why? It makes me more comfortable knowing I paid extra. For me I want to pay the extra $25 every month. High balances on anything makes me nervous.

I also paid CC9 early added extra to that, and socked away funds to my sinking funds.

I got quotes from Progressive, car insurance, I can save about $100 if I switch. I’m going to review/compare my policies and coverage to make sure I’m getting the best bang for my bucks.

This week has been a good week. I haven’t dined out until yesterday. But 6 out of 7 days isn’t bad.

I’ll crunch the numbers, review the budget and see where I am today. I’ll share later.

Happy New Year everyone!

Going into the new year with a bang, just paid $502 to CC9 😀. Goal is to have this sucker paid off by the start of the second quarter.

I took a look at my year end and realized I paid 50% of my CC debt in 2018. That’s really motivated me.

I hate the tough love that you all give me but hey, you’re more financially stable than me so what do I know.

Right now I have about $8,000 in my savings. It’s not on the sidebar. I’m truly OCD about having money saved just in case. It’s money I just don’t touch or look st. I actually had the funds in a bank account at least a hour away. Today I closed the account and deposited the money into my account that is close by.

Why? Well to pay off CC9. But I’m nervous as hell. I don’t know if I can do it. I know I should but I’m absolutely freaking out. I just ay this CC off my left with about $2k to my name.

I’ve been let go twice and both times I was able to manage with my savings. I am absolutely afraid. Especially now that I have a mortgage

Praise report. After paying off the three credit cards 💳 my credit score jumped by 47 points.

I got a revised closing statement and the mortgage will actually be $10 more than I’m paying for rent ($961). I’m thinking that once I close it will actually be less. Correction, this include the escrow.

Other news my idiot brother decided to sue me for the money my dad had in the bank. One I was the beneficiary; two all of it went to legal fees, burial and taxes on the property so good luck to him. Greed

Next, the idiot I have as a SO hasn’t given me one coin on the purchase of this home 🏡. Rightfully so, I guess Neva we’re not married but what get me is I tell him I had to put tires on my car, paid for with cash by the way, and I’m super excited. But he thinks a credit card 💳 was used (usually the case) and he has the nerves to say let’s rent a room to stay out of town. My response, how about you give me the money to pay a bill? 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️. Can’t wait for this to be over.

That’s it for now.

Wow I did it!

This credit card 💳 was driving me crazy, I paid it off. CC5 is officially gone! It feels so good to know that I’ve paid this card off. It makes up for the dental payment.

What’s so funny was, I stopped by my mom after paying off the CC to check my mail. There’s an offer from Macy’s. upping my CC balance, thanks but no thanks. Just two years ago, they reduced it. My debt to income was too high. But now that I’m paying things off, they’re increasing it. I’ll pass.

Thanks for tips everyone, I am going to reach out to my dentist to find out if there is a discount. He typically discounts things for me so I’ll see.

Someone asked in a previous post if the SO could help, the answer is no. He never has any money for anything. Can’t wait to get him out.

We got another court date for September 11th regarding the house, thank God.

Always something. I was really hoping to knock 🥊 CC5 out today.

But, I had to budget for contact lens ($150). I wear my glasses 👓 90% of the time but with those special occasions I like to have my contacts. Many reasons why I’ve started a medical fund. I also have to pick up my meds, that’s $27.99. So about a $180 on healthcare that could have went to debt. I know I shouldn’t complain because any other time I would have to use the CC 💳.

I was able to pay at least half the balance on CC5 bringing the total to $225, yay. I’m still on track to have four credit cards 💳 paid off this year.

One thing I’m feeling good about, well a couple:
* Today was pay day and all bills for the month are paid, in advance mind you
* Extra was paid on the credit card 💳
* I cash flowed health expenses
* I was able to also save
* And I love my new job

Though I’ve been on the job just over a month, I’ve been able to make some traction, and my boss is amazing.

In other news, I see things getting worst with the SO and his daughter being pregnant. He’s making things happen and of course it frustrates me because as usual things are late here at the house. What frustrates me is, he’ll make sure the money is available for her but when it comes to the house it’s a different story. I just have to keep reminding myself that one, I’m paying down debt, two once the house sells I can move on, three this is just a minor setback.

Live and learn

This journey of getting out of debt is a slow and steady process for me but I’m happy. I have to do what works for me and keeps me motivated.

Today was payday 💰 and prior to paying anything I always take a look at my budget. I noticed that I was only paying $9 to CC5 💳. I thought nope, nope this is unacceptable.

So I change somethings around. My cellphone 📱 was actually $5 less this month, I reduced both the EF and sinking fund deposits by $10 each and also reduced my offering (not my tithes) this pay date. By doing this I was able to pay an extra $45 on the CC 💳.

Unfortunately I did find a few bills, like the electric 💡 and water, were under budgeted , so some adjustments were made. But all in all I’m stoked, as long as I can pay extra I’m good.

I think what I’m feeling so good about is, one I’m knocking these credit cards 💳 out. This year was one a quarter and I know I’m on track. Next year with the higher CCs it will be two a year. Hopefully once this house 🏡 sells I can knock them all out.

Secondly, saving for what I want and upcoming expenses. This is actually one of the best feelings. Just knowing that I’ll have the money in October to pay my car 🚗 insurance for six months is great. That will surely free up an extra $100 a month. See right now I’m paying $166 a month, (I know it’s high, I’ve already called around and this was the best deal. Even a friend who has her own agency told me this was good) I also set aside $100 a month to be able to pay this sucker at once. But once it’s paid for six months I only need to sock away the $166. Not to mention I think when you pay it for six month about $50 is knocked off.

For the first time ever, I’m saving for Christmas 🎄. No more stress. I can actually host my holiday game night without stress and I love it.

Another first timer, medical. Saving for medical expenses was never an option or thought. But I’ve saved up for my eye exam, and if I keep this up I’ll have the money for my dental cleaning.

It just feels so good.