I’m so glad I followed my first mind.

I was having issues with the dryer. I called the repair guy because the SO never picked up the free one for me. Well I found out it’s not the dryer but the socket, there’s an electrical issue.

Cost to have the appliance repair guy out, $65 but at least I found out it was electrical and avoided a potential fire 🔥. I’m on the fence with this though, because the dryer isn’t getting hot. I’ll see what the electrician says, I’m nervous

The repair guy’s exact words to me as he showed me the plug 🔌 on the dryer was, “ I’m glad you had this unplugged, you could have had a serious issue.” The plug was burned and so hot he couldn’t even touch it.

I have an electrician, I’ll see if he can come out Friday, since I’m off. I’m also thankful, that I had the sinking fund for household repairs, though this is an inconvenience, I’m not frantic over how I’m going to pay for it.

Talk about scary.

Financial news, I’ve been so stressed at work that I’ve been dining out. Well I decided enough, buying breakfast is costly. Not sure why I allow these things to get to me, work that is.

I sold an item on Poshmark, making $7.05, can’t wait for this to hit my account.

I spent the afternoon getting my planner ready for 2020. The goal is to pay off CC10 by the first quarter of the year. Once that’s done, I’ll be tackling the student loans.

For me it’s peace of mind but I know most of you won’t agree but once CC10 is gone, the goal is the following
* $100 monthly to EF
* $100 monthly to IRA
* $100 extra monthly to mortgage
* $500 extra to student loan

After calculating everything, savings, expenses, I could actually add an extra $1000 a month to the student loans once the CC is gone. I’m feeling excited for 2020, we will see.

Took a look at the budget and I’m now able to bump my IRA contribution by an additional $25, it’s not much but hey it’s better than were I was, $0. This will bring the monthly contributions to $100.

I’ve also decided that any additional income, such as the consulting gig, I’ll take 10% of that earnings and add it to the IRA. The remaining will still go to the goal of savings six months of expenses for emergencies, once completed I’ll then tackling the CC and student loans. So long as I stay focus on this plan, I think everything will be good.

Next month I’m anticipating about $910 for the consulting. We’re adding a training so that’s the extra income.

Lastly, I sold an item on Poshmark, the buyer gave me five stars ⭐️, and I was able to cash out my $4.05. Selling on Poshmark is a very slow process but at least it’s extra cash for things I don’t want.

My ending EF balance December of 2018 was $8197.69 my goal is to not only get back to this balance but surpass it.

As you all know, I had the emergency legal fee of $5,000. I was so close to hitting the 6 month savings goal and then boom 💥. I am thankful that I had the money to pay 💰 the lawyer.

I checked the EF and my balance is $5,559.87, I’m estimating by the end of December 2019 my ending balance would be about $6900. 🤞🏾

There’s so many things I want, and to do but I realize, I need to stay focus. Focus on one thing at a time is a must. First thing is, I need to keep socking money into the EF, the goal is to have 6 months of living expenses, that’s 12k. Plus a little extra, for legal fees, until this issue with my brother is resolved. I’ve been laid off 3xs and thankfully I had money saved. Right now the average time to find a job is about 6-8 months.

I’m still throwing extra at the CC, about $300-$400 a month, hopefully by March/April this baby will be gone.

Next, I know my car will need to be replaced, she has 259,000 miles on her. I love that car (Camry) and I pray she hangs around at least two more years but at so many miles I don’t know. The goal is to have about $5,000 saved, so that I can buy a car cash.

Lastly, it’s the student loans and the mortgage. If all goes well, and I hit my EF savings goals by February, pay off CC10 by March/April, I can pay an extra $400-$500 a month on the student loans , an extra $100 a month on the mortgage, and bump my retirement contributions. That’s the plan.

In other news. SO has been extremely sick. I personally think he didn’t go to the doctor because he has no insurance or the money. He finally broke down and went to the hospital 🏥 yesterday. I told him, if what he was experiencing wasn’t life threatening, that they would stabilize him and send him home 🏡. And that’s exactly what happened. The ER doctor 👨🏽‍⚕️believes he has an ulcer. I told him that as well. The stress he’s experiencing is off the charts.

Any way they gave him two prescriptions and told him to follow up with a gastroenterologist. The prescription was $200, I offered to pay. It’s the helping others in me. He opted against it. I went online and found a prescription discount drug card, with the card, the prescription dropped to $29.

I’m praying for his sake, he gets his life together.

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.

SO called Sunday and asked if I wanted to go to Sweet Tomatoes 🍅, he had a coupon. One thing I noticed he made “jokes” about it (having a coupon) but for some reason I think the “jokes” about saving took the onus off of him that he needs to be intentional with his money.

Living with his mom and her dysfunctional lifestyle has opened his eyes, he’s mentioned that, not to mention that he’s lost a ton of weight, so it’s obvious. It’s sad because is lack of response and spine, is going to be the death of him. I’ve heard of momma’s boys but this relationship is extreme. He’ll lose everything not to “upset” this woman.

Other news, I went for a walk Saturday, Sunday and Monday, had plenty water these days, my goal was to not have one soda 🥤 this week, epic fail 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️. I had one on Monday, it’s better than three.

I’ve been slacking with going to church ⛪️ and I don’t know why. I just don’t want to go. I pray daily but I haven’t been in the mood, hopefully this changes soon.

I’ve decided to put a cap on the sinking funds. EF $12,000, this is six months of living expenses. Car $6,000, I want to be able to buy a decent use car when the time comes. $10,000 for the home repair fund (roof and AC is about 10 years old), $150 for gifts; $500 professional development/certifications; $5,000 HSA, this is my average deductible.

This is a ton of money and I’m sure things will happen for me to have to dip into the funds, like an emergency or car repair but at least I have a goal, and if I add a little at a time like I’ve been doing, I’ll reach them.

My debt free goal is seven years (December 2026). This include the house.
It’s going to be tough but I think it’s doable. I’ve managed to cut expenses, and not inflate my lifestyle when I received a raise. I noticed that since I’ve buckled down, I’ve become extremely frugal.

It’s true, that once you do something long enough it becomes a habit. I absolutely hate spending money. There are so many things that I say I need, but my priority is saving and paying down debt. For example, I give myself $15 a week for fun to spend, I’ve managed to hold onto these $15 for four weeks, hence, I currently have $60 in my fun envelope. It was so funny, I went into Home Goods just browsing, found the exact color curtains I wanted for the spare bedroom, the cost with tax would have been $30, almost half of my cash in my envelope, can you believe I said no? The old me would have bought those curtains.

So as I’m typing this blog, I hear water dripping. I go in the spare bathroom, nothing. Then it sounds as though it’s the AC. I feel cold anyway, turn the temperature up to shut the unit off and boom, as soon as the unit is off, water starts to run out 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️. Thank goodness SO friend is a licensed AC repair guy. I’ll call him tomorrow to come out. He’s less expensive and get the job done. I’m thinking the hose outside is backed up.

Moral of the story, save because you never know.

January review
* Saved a total of $582.69
* Paid an extra $1079.93 on CC9
* Had 15 no spend days
* Lost one pound - I have to do better
* Almost finish book 1 for the year, I have to do better
• Paid an extra $100 on the house

I can’t wait to close. My landlord is a pain in my 🤬

She’s cheap and is always complaining geesh. She’s upset because she has to pay to get documents notarized to sell the place and go to a UPS store to ship over night. The title company was closed Friday. So she’s pissed, cut me a break. I just want her gone. Well we have to close before the end of the month and they need the information early enough to review and knowing her she probably signed in the wrong spot 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️.

I’ve repaired things in this place that technically she should have but because I have dealing with her I fixed. It’s small stuff but hey. Can’t wait to close Monday.

Today and yesterday I cleaned. I threw out so much junk, that it’s ridiculous. I got annoyed about all the money I spent and wasted, looking at that stuff. The kitchen looks great though and I can actually walk in my walk-in closet, and the bathroom is clean. I got rid of the clothes hanging in there.

I also went through, five drawers either tossing or posting items for sell. Tomorrow I’m trashing an old file cabinet. I literally have not opened it in about 6 years. So I’m shredding and tossing.

All these stuff animals the SO gave me for Valentine’s Day is going in the trash. I’m too old for stuff animals, I always hated those things.

I’m so thankful that I do not have to move, and thankful that the closing motivated me to trash junk. I’ve decided that from here until the new year, I’m tossing crap, decluttering my life.

Ugh interest🙄. Received a new invoice for CC7 that included an interest payment of $80+ , I went ahead and paid it off. I hate when you pay a bill another comes with the interest.

Looked at my student loans, ugh and what I’ve found is that in order for the balance not to increase and kill me I need to pay an extra $200 a month on interest, this will stop the balance from increasing, breaking even until I pay off the last two CCs. Now that the other cards are paid off, I can do that and still pay bills and add to EF. I hate interest 😡.

I’m opening up a separate checking account for the mortgage, and HOA. Though I haven’t closed yet, I want to jump start on socking away for this. Closing looks like December, that will give me 60-days to put things away and have two months saved.

Yesterday I woke up and the cable was off. Smh. I lost it, I called my SO told him I wanted him out. Told him that I can’t keep doing this, that it was mentally, physically and emotionally draining. I told him that I don’t need nor want his bad financial habits to cause me to lose my house and that he needed to go.

Came home after work, and the cable was on but it doesn’t negate the fact that he pays everything late, every three months the cable is off, and he does the bare minimum. I want him gone!

This weekend I’ll be looking for a part time gig, since the holidays are rolling around, this should be easy. Plus I should be taking on another department, that will give me a raise of about $12k, fingers crossed

That’s it have a good one everyone

Good morning all!

The house the debacle is over, I received my check and paid off CC6, CC8 and CC7 will be paid off today.

I decided to purchase the villa that I’m in. The landlord agreed to $140K, and the place appraised at $150K. The good news is by me purchasing the rent/mortgage will be cut in half. The extra money saved, I’ll put half towards EF and the other towards the remaining debt.

I still have the 8k saved so if anything comes up with the home that’s where I’ll dip into. I don’t include this amount in the sidebar.

We are also expecting to relinquish a high level employee, her duties will be split amongst managers so, I should be getting another raise. Upward of about $10k - $12k

I have to keep reminding myself that this mess I’m in is only temporary.

First in financial news. My goal is to have CC6 paid off by the end of October. My 90 days on the new job is up this month and we are to revisit my salary. I’ll be asking for a raise. Since I’ve been there I have done the following:
* Save the company close to 50k
* Updated and rewrote outdated policies, about 12
* Update a number of HR forms
* Started the online implementation of our HRIS
* Put processes in place to streamline our onboarding process,and
* Revamped the new hire orientation
Not to mention all the other miscellaneous stuff.

Regarding spending, I’ve been off the grid. Eating out a lot more and spending more. Yesterday was the first check of the month, so I plan on getting back on track.

We finally got a date for next month regarding the sale of the house, I pray all goes well.

Now relationship news. As you all know, I’m sick of my SO. Every day there’s some BS with him. Well this week the child support office hit his account and his daughter’s because he was late paying.

Long story short last month, or month before, I can’t remember, he mailed off his money order payment. Well they didn’t get it. He was told the following month to wait and see if the money order clears, by the child support office. I said pay it,because it’s late and it makes no sense what you were told. Well he didn’t listen to me, and they took all his money and the money he in his daughter’s (16 yo) bank account.

Now he’s running around here mad because they touch his “baby’s” account.
I’m more like WTF!
1. All your portion of the bills are late, you take your time paying them but when it comes to your daughter’s money you make sure you’re doing what needs to be done to correct. Meanwhile my &);::/- is late!
2. If you had been saving, when the money order wasn’t received you could have paid the damn bill
3. Take the business over from your mom, she’s mismanaging and aren’t you sick and tired of not wanting to hurt her feelings 🙄 dude she’s not paying you. What’s the purpose of working and not getting paid?

Only good thing about this is, that I told him there is no way in hell I can or would marry him. He’d have us in the poor house.
Not to mention, he can’t even buy a diamond for the ring that’s now starting to change colors, lol just pathetic. All I can do is laugh to keep from crying, thinking about how much time, and energy I’ve wasted with this guy. Two years later and I still have a joke of a ring smh, unbelievable.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not about the ring, I’m just making a point. I’d be happy with a $20 gold band, vs a $1200 band with a fake diamond that is changing colors, if he had his crap together.

Only thing keeps me trucking is I know this is temporary, debt is slowly declining, and this house will be sold then I can pay off my debt and get my own place.

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.

So my SO comes home, he’s worried he can’t reach his daughter. He calls no answer. Calls his ex wife and she tells him, the daughter blocked him.

Well long story short, I told him years ago that he spoils these brats he has from his ex and they’re going to break his heart. I hate to say it but I was right.

He calls the other daughter who calls the one who blocked him on a 3-way call and she tells him she blocked him because he didn’t answer her call. Now mind you, he sent her a text on the day that she supposedly call to say he wanted to meet with her and the other kids. Why would he not answer?

He’s terrible about many things but when it comes to the kids from the ex wife he goes above and beyond, I really felt bad for him. She’s an ungrateful you know what. This guy, had paid his bills late, pulled strings for her to graduate, and more and you have the nerve to block him because he supposedly didn’t answer. Though she doesn’t and hasn’t asked me for anything, I did tell him she can’t get anything from me. And I mean that. I’m not upholding ungrateful behavior. She wants to be an adult, he needs to treat her like one.

I can’t tell him what he should and should not do about his kids but I know what I’m not doing. Whew can’t wait to move on.

In different news, my payment on CC5 finally posted, pay day is Friday but I won’t be able to pay it off until the first check in July. This sucks but hey, at least I know it will be gone and then on to CC6. 10 CCs, this is such a joke, never again.

I had to call Att&t again for the fourth time. They never gave me my credit for phone 📱 insurance, smh. I finally spoke with a rep who credited my account today and waited for me to log in to view the credit. The problem was that they had already charged my account today for the auto pay. Autopay saves me $5 but it’s never on the same day,so I think I’m going to stop it.

Earlier this year I was saving for a family vacation, then I realize I had too much debt to save for a vacation. At one point I took the money out and paid down a CC 💳. But I also never stop adding to the saving account.

There are three big ticket items I want. They are, a laptop, Apple 🍎 Watch and a Circut. All very expensive I know. But I figured with patience and $20 a pay check by the time Christmas roll around I can purchase these items with cash.

This little experiment has taught me to be patient and save for what I want. Though it’s been a long struggle the reward in the end will be well worth it. The old me would have put these items on a CC 💳. I know some of you may not agree but this works for me. It’s no new debt and still being able to enjoy somethings. The laptop 💻 is about $200 the series I watch is $150 and the Circut is about $200. I’ve already added a stipulation that I cannot but these items unless I meet my 2018 goal of paying off four credit cards 💳, one each quarter. I’ve pretty much met my goal already, two thus far and three in just a few more weeks. I’m sure when December rolls around I’ll be on CC8.

So my SO comes home, he’s worried he can’t reach his daughter. He calls no answer. Calls his ex wife and she tells him, the daughter blocked him.

Well long story short, I told him years ago that he spoils these brats he has from his ex and they’re going to break his heart. I hate to say it but I was right.

He calls the other daughter who calls the one who blocked him on a 3-way call and she tells him she blocked him because he didn’t answer her call. Now mind you, he sent her a text on the day that she supposedly call to say he wanted to meet with her and the other kids. Why would he not answer?

He’s terrible about many things but when it comes to the kids from the ex wife he goes above and beyond, I really felt bad for him. She’s an ungrateful you know what. This guy, had paid his bills late, pulled strings for her to graduate, and more and you have the nerve to block him because he supposedly didn’t answer. Though she doesn’t and hasn’t asked me for anything, I did tell him she can’t get anything from me. And I mean that. I’m not upholding ungrateful behavior. She wants to be an adult, he needs to treat her like one.

I can’t tell him what he should and should not do about his kids but I know what I’m not doing. Whew can’t wait to move on.

In different news, my payment on CC5 finally posted, pay day is Friday but I won’t be able to pay it off until the first check in July. This sucks but hey, at least I know it will be gone and then on to CC6. 10 CCs, this is such a joke, never again.

I had to call Att&t again for the fourth time. They never gave me my credit for phone 📱 insurance, smh. I finally spoke with a rep who credited my account today and waited for me to log in to view the credit. The problem was that they had already charged my account today for the auto pay. Autopay saves me $5 but it’s never on the same day,so I think I’m going to stop it.

Earlier this year I was saving for a family vacation, then I realize I had too much debt to save for a vacation. At one point I took the money out and paid down a CC 💳. But I also never stop adding to the saving account.

There are three big ticket items I want. They are, a laptop, Apple 🍎 Watch and a Circut. All very expensive I know. But I figured with patience and $20 a pay check by the time Christmas roll around I can purchase these items with cash.

This little experiment has taught me to be patient and save for what I want. Though it’s been a long struggle the reward in the end will be well worth it. The old me would have put these items on a CC 💳. I know some of you may not agree but this works for me. It’s no new debt and still being able to enjoy somethings. The laptop 💻 is about $200 the series I watch is $150 and the Circut is about $200. I’ve already added a stipulation that I cannot but these items unless I meet my 2018 goal of paying off four credit cards 💳, one each quarter. I’ve pretty much met my goal already, two thus far and three in just a few more weeks. I’m sure when December rolls around I’ll be on CC8.

Yay final check hit from my previous employer. Of course I paid my tithes $78.06, myself $100 (EF), knocked CC5 💳 down to $500 and kept $100 in checking as a buffer.

I know some of you would say why not pay all to debt? Well because God has been way too good to me, for me not to give Him what belongs to Him first. I’ve learned over the years, that while paying down debt, if you don’t pay yourself first, Murphy will hit and hit hard. Plus this teaches me to live on less than I actually make.

I think this is the Great Depression syndrome. People who’ve gone through the depression tend to save no matter what for a rainy day.

Right before the Great Recession of 2008, I’d paid off my debts and saved a nice chunk of change 💰. Well the recession hit, I wasn’t worried, I was able to stay home, finish college, take trips and enjoyed my summer while all my friends worried and couldn’t find work. I also ended up back in the mess I’m in after this, by not staying true to my values 🙄, lesson learned. So for me, I never want to be in a position where I can’t afford to stay home if the worst thing happens.

I think that’s why I’m saving. Though I’m what one might call a moderate Republican, I hate government interference, I’m pro gun and pro choice, and I don’t like what I’m seeing. Home 🏡 prices are slowly creeping back up, people are frantic about buying a home (me included), jobs are steady but lay offs are happening and gas ⛽️ , well that’s up and down. Plus the markets has been way too good. I always say, what goes up must come down. Maybe I’m overly cautious but I’d rather side on the side of saving than not.

Oops, it wouldn’t be a post without SO drama. His daughter who is pregnant went to the movies with cousins. Apparently one of the cousins decided to head out the theater early. Well this cousin, who just turned 18 gets into a fight with a 16 y/o and ends up in jail. 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄
I’m not sure why the daughter was at the movie 🎥 she should be in stork mode getting ready for a baby 👶🏾 but of course the grandmother 👵🏽 allowed this foolishness. 🤦🏾‍♀️ unbelievable. SO is another reason why I’m saving and paying down debt. He has too much drama, I need to move or get him out of here. I can’t afford to live on my own with debt and no savings

Just paid another $300 on CC5. I had budgeted the COBRA payment for June twice. So I paid $300 on the CC and added the $84 to the EF. My COBRA payment is $384.25 a month. I have an extra $800 in the EF to cover two months in case I need to elect coverage prior to my coverage starting with the new job.

I’m excited because I will meet my second quarter goal of paying off a CC 💳 each quarter. Monday, my final check of my missed PTO pay out should be deposited ACH to my account of about $700. I’ll be adding this of course to CC5 💳 knocking the remaining balance to $300.

Though I’m not what Dave Ramsey calls gazelle intense, I am meeting my goals at a rate I’m comfortable with. And I’m saving, that is extremely important to me.

Before Dave, I’d paid off my debt. I had started with the smallest to the largest. One thing I did was, every time I ate out, I had to match this dollar amount to my debt reduction and when I didn’t I added, $2 to my savings. I think I’m going to start this up again. It helped me then and I like the challenge. Overall I like Dave’s plan, I think it works, but not for me, there’s some tweaking like adding to my EF each pay day.

Lastly, I’d like to wish all the dads a Happy Father’s Day! 👨🏽👔

Spoke with the payroll manager and my check for my PTO will be deposited Monday, I’m happy because all of it will be paid towards CC5. I’m thinking I should receive about $750. Hopefully the last check of this month from the new job, I’ll be able use some to pay it off.

I did set the money aside to pay for COBRA if I need it. My doctor called and wants me to schedule for labs and a follow-up 🙄. Well I’d really like to wait until August but my last result showed blood in my urine. I’m thinking this was due to my cycle, matter of fact I know it was. Plus my vitamin D was low. Smh always something. I’ll think it over the weekend before I pay $384.

Regarding the house, court is set for June 28th. I’m so ready for this crap to be over.

My sister closed on her place, and will be moving. I really don’t think my mom should be living by herself but hey.

The SO came home last night to tell me his 16 y/o daughter is pregnant smh. She’s been trying to get pregnant since last year from a guy who has pretty much told her to go to #^+^ 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄. I’m so glad I’ve had this conversation that no kids having kids will be moving in with me. Another reason why I’m trying so hard to pay this mess off, save, and my move. Too much drama with him.

Wow out of the blue my older brother, not the jerk I'm dealing with, left me $100 at my mom's house. Guess what I'm doing with this money? Yep paying down CC5.

I can't wait to get paid on the 15th, I'll get my final check from my previous employer as well as my first full check with the new company. I should be able to knock CC5 in half and then pay the remainder off by the (6/29, last check) of the month. I'm so excited. That will be four credit cards paid off since January.

The closing on the house is on 6/29 and I should be able to knock everything else out of the way. How exciting. Hopefully all else will go well. And I can get rid of the jerk I call a brother for good.

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.

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?

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.

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. 😉

One thing I hate about debt and that is interest, 🤦🏾‍♀️.

Pay day is Friday and the new Target statement just hit today, new balance $308.48. I didn't update my side bar, because I'm paying this sucker off first thing Friday morning. That puts me at five more credit cards 💳to go.

I was so upset and embarrassed that I had that many credit cards, then one day I read a Facebook post that someone had 32. I couldn't even imagine having that many, ugh! I'll take my ten any day over 32.

So once this card is paid off, that should free up about $350 a month. Not bad, with this extra money, I should be able to knock CC5 in about five pay periods, that means she'll be paid off by the end of the third quarter. I'm pleased because one of my goals was to pay off a CC each quarter, 4 for the year and I'm on track. Honestly, just thinking about it, I should be able to knock this baby out in 4 periods (August of 2018), the sooner the better.

Hopefully the house will sell and I can pay off CC6, CC7 and CC8. I'm going to fully fund my EF, the job is too unstable for me not to have 6 months worth of expenses saved. That's one of the reasons I put money towards BS1, even if it's $20.

Last year I was an idiot, I did not complete my healthcare activities to earn the $25 credit with my employer and I'm the benefits administrator, smh.

Well this year, I decided to complete and I earned my $25, so I'll be paying $12 a month in health care. Though the insurance sucks, $5,000 deductible, and $10k out of pocket maximum, I'm happy to have the savings. I opened a medical account so each pay period, I'll deposit the extra $25. Next year I'm switching to the HSA plan that way I can save and roll over from year to year.

I've been on a very strict budget, for me that is. Today I went over my dining out/fun money by $6. But hey, I felt like Chinese.

So due to my strict budget I have not gone to the salon 💇🏽. Honestly, I look a mess, but I'm focused on my credit cards. There was a time I was going every week. I had budgeted for the next budget period, a $100 to see the beautician, it's actually about $110. Long story short, the SO came home tonight and handed me a $100 bill 💵. I was so excited but I knew I had to ask, "what's this for?" His response was " go get your hair done."

I had mixed emotions, one I was hoping he would have said do what ever, two I thought maybe he was paying a bill early (he's been caught up and doing very well lately). But when he said hair, I was sort of bumped. I wanted so badly to use the money for CC4. I know I still can, but at least when I get paid next week I won't have to use my money and I can still add to the CC. I know deep down, getting my hair taken care of will definitely up my spirits.

After he walked out, I looked at my budget, cut somethings, and low and behold, since I'm not spending the $100 on hair, I can and will be paying off CC4 on April 13th. I'm so excited I can scream. What a feeling, I can't even explain it.

Four credit cards down since last April and three since starting the Dave Ramsey plan in August. I'm averaging one credit card 💳 every two months since August. Yes!

Next I should be able to knock CC5 out before June. Wow, my goal was to pay off one CC every quarter and we are only one month into to second quarter. Feeling super excited!

Tonight I remembered my word of the year, gratitude. I'm so thankful to be on this journey, though I'm stressed at times about my finances, seeing those balances shrink feels so good.

Thanking God for his grace, guidance and love without Him I couldn't have gotten this far.

The item I sold on Poshmark was delivered today; hopefully the seller accepts the order, and I can deposit the $13.60 to my account.

I've bumped the cost of my items posted; hoping that I can get what I want for them but geesh, this is hard.

I set up auto pay for my cellphone 📱, reducing my bill by $10 💰 plus I ended up with HBO but I actually just broke even. Only good thing is I can call Canada 🇨🇦 without any additional cost.

I'll be setting up my student 👩🏽‍🎓Loans for auto pay, I save 1% on the interest by doing so. I totally forgot to do this 🤦🏾‍♀️

Now I'm wondering if there's anything else I can set up with auto pay that will save me money 💰

Update to post.
I went ahead and signed up for auto pay. I'm actually saving .25% on the interest. It won't stop the bleeding but at least the loan interest will take step backwards. I'm over this student loan.

Finally received my $50 back from a family friend. It was no sweat off my back because I knew he would pay me back, plus he's so good to my senior aunt who does not drive, that it didn't bother me. He actually left an additional $50 because he took so long to pay me back, I gave the extra money 💰 to my aunt. She's amazing.

I keep a buffer in my checking account but I'm going to take the $50 and apply it to CC4 💳 . The goal is to have this sucker paid off by the end of the month and meet my second quarter goal. New balance,$297.61 😄. I haven't used this card maybe in about two years and now, it will be gone! Yay!

Different note, my mother wants my sister out of the house. My mom, and you all have read my posts, is an angry woman. She's absolutely miserable. I felt so bad for my sister. We have a spare room here so I told her she could crash here. I pray that one day my mother's heart ❤️ will soften.