Lost another friend to COVID. She contracted from a rehab facility that had a high number of cases, well at least that is what is suspected.

This is the fifth person I know to die from this virus. I really wish people would take it seriously. I got a little lax over the weekend but will be more conscious going forward.

Stay safe everyone

I’m really annoyed with the title company. My rate is locked in for a few more days and we are trying to close but they’re not responding. It’s crazy because I’ve used them twice before with no issues. I’ve given the broker to move on to another company.

I went ahead and paid the mortgage, though the rate is higher, my level of comfortability, is even higher. The broker told me I should be refunded. We will see.

Other news, I received payment from the side hustle, so I paid my tithes, added $100 to the EF, paid $500 on the student loans 👩🏾‍🎓, and kept a little cushion in the checking account in case something comes up with this refinancing. Next week is pay day and I’ll be able to add $400 to this debt. I’m hoping to hit my goal of $1,000 debt payment for July, actually for each month. If this happens I could knock my student loan debt 1 down by $8k by the end of the year.

This month I’m doing well, July is off to a great start. My challenge envelope for the year has hit a little over a $1,000. I had so many plans for this money but I know it’s going towards a new bedroom set, much needed, the drawers are falling apart, and student loans. More than likely I’ll buy used for the bedroom set. The goal is to save what I can then at Christmas time buy the dresser, night stand and new mattress. I’ll be honest, I’m so glad I started these challenges. One it teaches me patience, two, to save for what you need/want, three, I’ve also learned discipline and lastly, usually when I wait, there’s always a great deal.

Next, I’ve got to up the ante on my healthy points for Humana. These turn into cash, well gift cards and I’d love a iRobot for my floors. Last year Christmas I got my fitness watch and I’m down so far 11lbs. It’s away to award myself at the end of the year without spending my own money.

After looking at July’s budget, I maybe able to knock close to $2,000 off student loan number 1. I’m so excited. Just looking at these numbers gives me life. If things go well I maybe able to knock student loan 1 off by the end of 2021 early 2022.

Someone posted about not worrying so much of paying off the mortgage and focus on the student loan. I reviewed and reviewed and reviewed again and who ever posted was correct. Thank you! Rather than paying the $100 extra on the mortgage I’m throwing it at my student loans. The sooner I can get this done the better. Now I believe in paying what I owe, but I sure as heck will be thankful if there was some sort of forgiveness or interest freeze for a few more months.

Other financial news, I participate in multiple money challenges (e.g. 52 week, walking) and saved $227 for June. YTD I’ve saved a $1,086. I so desperately need a bedroom set. My drawers are falling apart. The set that I have is over 20 years old, it came with the house when I moved in 9 years ago, the owner left it. My goal is to save and pay cash for a new or used set. I can’t believe I’ve actually saved money for this. Normally, I’d use a credit when the drawers started to cave in but I decided to wait. I’m going to hold on until the end the year, because I also need a new mattress and buy everything at once.

Health news, as you all know, I’ve been placed on blood pressure meds, as of today, the blood pressure has went down and I lost 7lbs. Since the year has started I lost 11lbs. I actually, blame COVID for the loss of weight 😄. I’m eating in more, walking a lot more, and since I’m not in the office, I’m snacking less. That’s one good thing that came out of this virus.

I’m in Florida so our numbers are inching up when it comes to this virus. So bad that the county has mandated wearing a mask in public and they’re mailing every resident a mask. It’s scary, because people are selfish. I personally don’t like wearing a mask, I do so because it helps to mitigate this virus. If we all Woolf just work together for a few weeks we could get through this.

Refinancing my house and it’s estimated that I should be saving about $200 a month, I’m hoping for $300 but either way I’ll be saving.

I opted not to go with the 15 year, because I’ve created a habit of paying extra anyway even as I pay down debt. I’ve always paid extra on the principal, and given the uncertain times, it’s easier to come up with $400 than $800, if anything happens,that’s why I went with the 30. The new rate is 3 percentage points less than my current rate. Right now it’s all about cash flow for me.

The goal is to continue to pay my current mortgage payment after refinancing, that would be $200 extra towards the principal a month and to pay an extra $500 - $1,000 a month on the student loans. If I continue on this path, I should be debt free including the house, within 5-7 years. Fingers crossed.

Closed out my budget for May.
Once again the numbers are very high for food and household items. I’ve got to get this back under control. Though both are a low percentage of my take home pay, less than 1%, it’s still too much compared to what I use to pay.

I was able to save 21% of my take home pay, that I’m happy with. Not to mention I paid off the credit card debt also in May, so May was a good month.

Other news, my blood pressure has been high, the doctor put me on meds 💊, something I did not want to do but hey. I’ve made some minor adjustments to my diet, purchasing low sodium 🧂 food items. I exercise any way, so I’ll continue with this regiment. I’m keeping a health/food journal in hopes of getting this thing under control.

Lastly, SO called someone tested positive for COVID -19 at his daughter’s job. I’m so glad he does not live with me, I would have been going nuts. I told him, they both should be tested and practice social distancing while in the home. I pray all is well, there’s a young kid and a senior in the home.

That’s in a nut shell.

So the dryer wasn’t fixed after all. I think there is a shortage. So I unplugged 🔌 it. SO has a truck so he’ll pick up the dryer my uncle is giving to me. I’m so thankful that I do not have to buy a dryer.

I’d already cut back on the dryer usage but still wanted on.

Other than a few miscellaneous items, I’m all packed and ready to. I’m not checking a bag, so things should go smoothly. I have to pick my boss up so later, I’ll vacuum my car.

Now the electric bill is currently at $86.60, with a close date of 10/17. With me being gone the next bill should not tick up any more. When I leave, I’ll unplug everything I can think of. I’m hoping to hit $90 or below. We will see

Went to my local grocer and got my $10 gift card for getting the flu shot. My arm is sore, it usually is when ever I get the shot, hopefully it won’t last long.

Wednesday I’m traveling to Atlanta for work, during this time I plan on speaking with my boss, the CEO, regarding training me to take her place. She’s extremely dissatisfied with the individual she has had in mind. She’s mentioned several times that she thought I could run the place. Even if I’m not tapped, the training would be great.

I just finished updating my planner, I’ve been using it consistently for a few weeks, particularly for work and it’s been working great. I’ve bought planners in the past but I never really found planner peace. I’m planning on treating myself to an Erin Condren Life Planner for Christmas 🎄. I’ve heard and read that this is the Mercedes of planners, so we will see.

Right now I have a load of clothes in the washer 🧺, next I have take care of the towels and sheets. I’ve notice my electric bill decreasing since I’ve been line drying everything. I checked my electric account and my bill is projected to be $92, that’s about a 57% decrease. So exciting.

Other than that I have nothing else to report.

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.

Yesterday I saw the dentist and this cracked tooth is going to cost me $1,000 ugh. I had to pay half yesterday. It’s the crown on the implant that cracked. The crown was about 9 years old. This really annoys me. I took the money out of my EF. I’m just glad that I continued to add to the EF. Thank God.

Yesterday morning prior to my dentist visit, I almost paid the $264 left on the credit card (CC5) to zero it out but for some reason I didn’t. I still want to, though. The money in the EF is just that an emergency fund, so I should use that for my tooth and get rid of this dog on credit card that’s giving me a headache. But a part of me is saying use the $264 towards the tooth. Smh 🤦🏾‍♀️

Other news, I have been extremely busy at work. I usually don’t leave until about 7:30 at night. It’s a good busy, I love what I do but they keep me on my toes. I’m excited to have finally found I job that I like, with a great boss, and the ability to use my education.

Well when it rains ☔️ it pours.

Yesterday I was eating breakfast 🍳 and cracked a tooth. Smh.

I’m not scheduled to see the dentist for a cleaning until next month but now I have to get in earlier than expected. I’m really hoping this crown isn’t expensive. Thank goodness I’ve been socking away for an emergency 🚨 as well as medical expenses.

So far I have about a $100 in the sinking fund for medical expenses so I’m sure I’ll deplete that. What sucks is I also have an eye appointment on the 30th and that’s $110.

Prior to the crack tooth, I’d paid $200 on CC5 💳. Had I known I would have not made the payment.

Though I’m upset about having to spend the money, I’m glad to have the cash 💰.

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.

Contacts
There was a time when I'd buy something and be done with it. No shopping around or comparing prices. I think the only time I'd do this is if it was an item such as a tv or laptop. Now I find myself always trying to get the best deal.

It's time for me to renew my contacts, Target only carries the 90-day supply for about $60 in the store and $84 online, smh. Walmart has the 30-day, for about $35. I decided to check out Walgreens and theirs is on sale with a coupon code for $60. The good thing is I can order from the comfort of my home and have delivered vs going into the store such as Target, waiting and ordering for essentially the same price. Not to mention picking up other items I don't need.

I took a look at the numbers, I'm doing pretty good with out spending. This month was a killer with birthdays, weddings and going aways 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️ but for the most part, I'm still wishing my budget (most lines items any). I have about $145 left in my cash envelopes, that's good because next pay period is a really tight budget. I'm thinking about moving some things around such as the contacts, and ordering a 30-day supply from Walmart while allocating the extra $30 not spent for a few household items I need. It sucks because the 90-day comes out to about $20 a box. Decisions.

We received a call from a friend, she's planning a couples retreat and want us to tag along. I initially said tell me when and the cost. After hanging up with her, I'm more like even though it's something we budget for, I'd rather see that money spent on debt. Especially after I've reviewed my CC debt, what I've paid in minim payments and interest thus far😡. So I'll let them know we're not interested.

I'm looking forward to my sixth week of zero balance budgeting. I'm so glad that I've been sticking with it. This last go around was tough but I got through it. Funny thing is, I'll have an extra $33 dollars left in the bank that I can transfer to my EF as a part of baby step 1. Last week I thought it was $55+ now I realized it's about $85 total 😀. One thing is true, when you're an obedient server of God, He will always bless you with your needs. Something told me to sign up for this Dave Ramsey's class and I did. I also decided to stick to the plan and now I have over $200 left from a previous check, and all bills paid, it feels great!

Today was the day that I was to enter in my end of year receipts and update my financial registers so that I'm ready for 2017, and yet I've been stuck in the bed with the cold/flu. This really sucks, I wanted this completed before Saturday. Hopefully; tomorrow will be a better day.

I used a few home remedies such as Vicks and cerasee tea, I no longer have the sore throat but I can't stop my nose from running. Needless to say I feel a little better but I hope I'm able to complete some things tomorrow.

Saw the oral surgeon today and was told I had a dry socket, that's what was causing the pain. So he packed it with something and I'm suppose to go back tomorrow. Feeling a little better.

He also told me he may have hit a nerve, that's where the numbness and the feeling of swelling is coming from in my tongue. The good thing is I have some tingling and haven't lost my taste buds so in a few months I should be fine.

Prior to my visit I had already researched the tongue situation and this is very common, the only problem is healing can take anywhere from 6 months to two years.

I've been in so much pain I haven't been keeping up with anything, hope I feel better by the weekend.

Saw the oral surgeon today and was told I had a dry socket, that's what was causing the pain. So he packed it with something and I'm suppose to go back tomorrow. Feeling a little better.

He also told me he may have hit a nerve, that's where the numbness and the feeling of swelling is coming from in my tongue. The good thing is I have some tingling and haven't lost my taste buds so in a few months I should be fine.

Prior to my visit I had already researched the tongue situation and this is very common, the only problem is healing can take anywhere from 6 months to two years.

I've been in so much pain I haven't been keeping up with anything, hope I feel better by the weekend.

Okay before I start my new job tomorrow I took a week off to have my car repaired and my wisdom tooth extracted.

Now I'm thinking I should have left the tooth alone. It wasn't really bothering but when ever the temperature dropped I felt a slight discomfort. Long story short I'm still in pain and swollen. The pain has decreased someone, no need for a pain pill, but the swelling is driving me crazy. Tomorrow would make one week and I'm scheduled to start work. Ugh! How long should this last?

Calling the oral surgeon tomorrow

Who said eating healthy while making lifestyle changes would be easy?

I saw the doctor a few months back and he advised me I was borderline for high cholesterol, not to mention all the back problems I've been having.

So I decided to change my eating habits and workout more, I must say I have seen some improvements.

Today I worked out using my weighted hula hoops as well as hitting the gym which allowed me to add $2 to my challenge.

Furthermore, I did not eat out so $6 was added as well.

Lastly , today was a no spend day so another dollar was added.

All in all I saved $9 today, $6 of it went towards debt (CC1)

Tomorrow is payday and I have $57 left in my "what ever I want to do account." This time around I can't add it to debt or any to my IRA because the BF is short this month for his portion of the bills. I may as well hold on to it vs. transferring money from the EF later.

Well that's it in a nutshell.

I thought I was over this cold/flu but it looks like I wrong. It came back with vengeance.

I feel absolutely terrible, weak, stuffy etc. you name it I have it.

On a different note, I had breakfast and lunch at home so I was able to add $4 to my challenge (CC1 debt). If I have dinner at home I'll add another $2

Received the results from my MRI and it was negative. The doctor stated sometimes it is mechanical pain( ligament) and that maybe pain management physician could help.

I decided to continue with my home excercises and a TENS unit that seems to be helping. I believe I found the culprit, that is my job

My job requires a lot of driving for long periods,lifting, pulling etc. I am a volunteer coordinator. Up until last Thursday I was feeling better but when I loaded my car up the pain flared up again. So I'm in th process of looking for another job.

On a different note I'm back at it, living frugally. I told the BF and hopefully he will be on board, he says he is but we will have to see.

Friday night I was drained , I hit Wal*Mart up for a few personal items, came home and crashed. Yesterday, I went to the dentist spent $100, which I will get back from my FSA, got 1 set motor mounts installed ($25.00), cleaned my pool, and then date night with th BF to the Improv, which was a disaster.
Regarding the Improv, I personally did not want to go but I must admit that it was a nice outing at first . There were three couples, usually when I go out with other couples the bill is split amongst the couples. Well the bill came and I made the comment to my BF to simply split the bill, long story short he was upset because the bill was $191 and he paid $80 which was more than the three way split. But what frustrated me was he was trying to blame me. Huh? First of all I did not want to go. Second of all if you didn't want to split the bill you ask for a seperate bill, secondly if you had split it three ways it would have been $63 or you could have simply paid for us which came to about $50 with tip. If you can't open your mouth then I feel like you wanted to spend the $80. His reasoning for spending the $80, well his cousin gave $80 so he did which left the couple who ate the most with a $31 bill and if I'm not mistaken their bill was about $80+
Moving a long, just needed to vent. Today I went to spin class which was awesome! I bought a gel seat for the bike and felt so much better, I cleaned my room which was a must, washed and colored my hair ($35 saved) and now I'm getting ready to fill my car up and vacuum the inside. That will be it for me.
Wednesday we leave for our trip to Alabama and I made it clear I'll pay for the room, BF will pay for the rental car.

As the new year approach us, I haven't really thought about what I'd like to accomplish for the new year, but here it goes.

-Pay off auto loan (Balance $1700)
-Pay off 3 CCs (Balance $3500)
-Move (I really want to be in my own place by the end of the year)
- Save an additional $1000 (EF)

I think if I keep my goals at a minimum, it will be less stressful and much easier for me to accomplish. Yes, I have more CC debt than listed but getting rid of the first three earlier in the year will make it much easier to pay off the others.

Moving forward, the Heat won tonight so $1 was added to my challenge/EF. In addition, I had lunch, breakfast and dinner at home so $6 was paid towards my challenge/cc debt.

Lastly, I purchased some really nice Gucci frames today. I always wanted really nice glasses. Anyway, I had about $306 in my Eflex account and my new glasses cost $305. I actually make no contributions to my Eflex, all funds were supplied by my employer so my glasses cost me zero dollars

I completed my BCBS PHA survey and blood screening, all at no cost to me so I will be receiving two $50 gift cards We are planning a trip in January so the money will be used for our trip. I have two more surveys to complete which will give me two $50 gift cards bringing my total to $200 yay!

Nothing like free money

Today was suppose to be a NSD but I just remembered I should make a payment to the dentist so I left C a message on their voice mail to charge my cc $25, actually this will be charged tomorrow so literally this is still a NSD

I was offered a job today and had to turn it down, had she called me last week I would have accepted. But I have since registered for school, found an internship and committed to it. Some times I second guess my decisions but this one I had no problem with and I do believe that it is God's will and I have made the right decision. I also got my unemployment check today to I transferred next month's car payment to my EF
Oh and my biopsy came back with very mild dysplasia nothing to worry about so I follow up with the doc in 6months
All in all I feel really good and excited about school