Amber's Personal Finance Blog

There seems to be a problem with this site. I can’t view my previous posts or its comments. When trying to visit the site I’m constantly getting an error.

I posted yesterday and it’s gone

I’m so scared now. The Trump administration has proposed cuts that will impact student loans. There’s a possibility that the income driven payment program will be no longer for some, I’m included.

Right now my salary is $58k and based on that my payments are $172. I can’t imagine paying more until I get these credit cards paid off, and even then it will be tough.

I’ve been looking for a part time job so I can start tackling this thing but nothing.

Yesterday was pay day, I’ve managed to save and add to my CC 😀. I’ll update the totals later.

I got the refund check from my insurance company, I switched to Geico, saving me, $60 bucks a month. My mom wanted me to give her the check. I’m not going into details but I’ll say this, any time you get any one money from anything she expects a portion. Nope I’m adding the $101 to my CC once the check clears.

In different news I did not track my expenses all of last year, so my MSMoney software was all over the place. I just started a new one, I hope I keep up with it.

I also created a new habit tracker using, Google. I love filling in these little boxes, I find that it keeps me motivated. I added updating MSMoney to the list.

There was a time if I forgot to use a coupon I would say never mind, but I went back into Walmart for my $1 on Act. Lol

No spend day today, I’m excited and yet anxious. I want to take what I’ve saved in the sinking fund for vacation/fun and throw at my CC.

I’ve been saving to celebrate a small win, it’s been almost two years and I haven’t done anything fun per se. A part of me says CC debt, while another says, hold off until June and do something fun. I really want this debt gone.

Other news, when you’re on a budget you try new things. Today was the first day I made beef 🥩 stew. It was absolutely delicious. I bought the McCormick crockpot package, added onions, carrots 🥕, celery and potatoes 🥔.

This weekend I’m going to tackle the washing machine, I’ll keep you all posted.

Murphy is knocking at my door, I know he’ll be entering soon. The washing machine is on its way out. Thank goodness I started the house fund but I hate to see money spent on a washing machine.

I know of a scratch n dent place my dad use to go to, so Monday I’ll check them out. If it’s more than a $100, I’ll simply buy a new one. I’m annoyed but not upset.

Last night I was unable to update my planner but plan on doing so today. March goal is to get CC9 down to $3,000. I really wanted this sucker payed off by April but with the reduction in taxes (refund) that I didn’t not anticipate nor am I complaining, it pushes the pay off to late May/June. I’m okay with that because, I have pretty much averaged about a grand a month (pay down) on this card 💳 . At the rate I’m going I should have both credit cards 💳 paid off by October, and then I can finally tackle my student loans.

On my way home yesterday, I realized that God has been faithful to me, and I’m so thankful. Since I started this journey, I’ve been tithing. I’ve never did this before and since I have, I haven’t freaked out about expenses. Things pop up and boom 💥 I can pay it. No sweat off my back. We finally got the rental property rented, that’s an extra $150 my way, and I can throw it at my CC debt. I think Hod finally blessed us with a tenant since I’m managing His money properly. It just feels great

Yesterday my dad’s long time girlfriend passed away. She was such an amazing woman, I always wished he had married her. I’m just glad she’s not suffering, she doesn’t deserve that.

Financial news
I cashed out $5 on Receipt Hog 🐷, and I added to my CC debt, every little bit helps.

Yesterday I went to the dentist for a filling 🦷, $200. I was so ticked off you have no idea. One, because I had to spend $200 and secondly my funds from my HSA through my employer has not been deposited. The payroll coordinator is a nitwit, I’ll have to get with her today. I did pay cash, and know that I can get the money back but it’s just the principle.

Lastly, we got the rental house rented, I’ll get an extra $150 a month that I can add to my snowball. It’s not my property I just manage it.

I’m in a facebook group that challenges us to save money. This week we were to recreate a restaurant recipe. Tonight I made a sirloin steak 🥩. This was the first time ever, and it turned out great. Though it wasn’t a restaurant recipe I think I pulled it off.

I bought the steak at a discounted rate at Walmart, cost, $4.64. I already had rice, and my local grocery store 🏬 had salad BOGO, so I had a bag from last week.

I basically seasoned the steak with some steak seasoning I had already. I then left it in the fridge, in a ziplock, for a day. I added a little olive oil, and butter to the pan. I fried both sides for about ten minutes, then wrapped in aluminum foil, placed in the oven until my thermostat read, about 160. This was so delicious! Even the SO liked it. We had Olive Garden salad 🥗 dressing so the salad was amazing.

Overall this meal for two cost me about $6 total, winning.

Tomorrow I’m preparing chicken wingettes I got from Walmart I think for at $1.65, I know it’s less than $2. We have left over rice 🍚, and I’ll make another salad. Basically a $2 meal, can’t beat that.

Financial news, I cashed in my points on Receipt Hog 🐷 for $5, I’ll be adding this to the CC 💳

Finished up my taxes and I’m getting a whopping $750. I’m glad I don’t owe. I thought for sure I would have had to pay, especially since I got the money from my dad’s house.

So many people I know have to pay this year. I’ll be throwing all of it to the snowball.

Other news, I’m excited because my $608 payment hit my CC, total paid this month was just over $1300. I couldn’t help but wonder, what if I was throwing this at my student loans. I’m going to start looking for a second job again

I was talking to my mom this morning, she’s complaining that my 17 year old cousin, her neice, is not saving the money she’s receiving from social security after her mom died. I tried explaining to her that, if you’re not taught how to manage, then you won’t. She thinks telling you to save is enough. She has four children and all of us are bad with money. Three of her kids has lost a home, and one filed bankruptcy. She really upset me, because I’m late in the game and feel like no one taught me.

Hi all!

Today, I paid $608.65 on CC9, it feels greaaaaaaatttttttt! New balance is $3900.

I really thought I was going to struggle with this CC but God has allowed me to push through.

In different news my crazy brother started up again. I told my attorney that I’m not paying any other legal fees so what ever he wanted to do he can. Prior to my dad dying, I spoke with my siblings about putting a AC unit in the house, to bring dad home on hospice, and dad expressed he wanted to go home. The normal cost was over $5000 but we got a break because we paid cash. My brother subpoena the bank and saw the withdrawal. Um (I had power of attorney) like I told my attorneys all talked about and agreed. The ac was put in and three days later dad came home and died. He can give me the unit, I’ll put the money back but once dad dies the money is mine since I’m the beneficiary.

Crazy, I’m over it.

I’m so excited I can scream. I haven’t crunched the numbers but I suspect I’m under budget this month, and I know I’ve paid the CC down quite a bit.

Tomorrow is my day for planning so I’ll be playing around, adding things up to see just how it went.

I’ll also wrap up my taxes tomorrow as well.

I’m so excited I can scream. I haven’t crunched the numbers but I suspect I’m under budget this month, and I know I’ve paid the CC down quite a bit.

Tomorrow is my day for planning so I’ll be playing around, adding things up to see just how it went.

I’ll also wrap up my taxes tomorrow as well.

Yesterday was a great day, I didn’t spend a thing.

Today; however, is a different story. I’ll see the dentist for a cleaning, that’s about $100. I signed up for the HSA at work, so this should be covered. I also feel as though I may have a cavity 🦷, yikes!

In other news, I have two up coming birthdays, one my nephew (16) the other my great nephew (8). My 16 yo nephew I’m sending $50. My 8 yo nephew, I ordered him a walkie talkie, he has a younger brother in that he’s close to. The walk-in talkie was $16.99 via Walmart, with free shipping, plus I had a gift card so the gift cost me $3 total, yay. I hope the 8 yo likes his gift. These kids today want $100 gifts and it’s just not in my budget, I’ll let his parents pay for that.

Even though I have a fund for birthdays, showers and miscellaneous events that a gift is needed, I didn’t need to use the money in that account. I was able to add the gifts as line items to my budget. I’m actually coming in under in that I anticipated for both gifts, by $22. This will be added to CC9.

For the rest of the year I have my great niece graduating, and two other great nephews birthdays coming up. The fund will definitely cover these.

Taxes 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️
So I started my taxes, so far Turbo Tax has my refund at $700. I’ll take that vs owing.

Everyone is complaining about their refund, I adjusted my withholding last year and am glad I did. Of course this money will go to CC9

It’s been about two years since I have been on a vacation. Though I have a vacation/fun account the money always ends up being used to pay down debt.

There was a a time, when every year I took a vacation but since I started this journey almost two years ago I haven’t.

With that being said, I was scrolling through Facebook and I see a friend who is on vacation with friends. I thought, I want/need a vacation. How is it she’s always doing things? But then I remembered, this is the same friend who is constantly complaining about not making enough money and struggling. This is the friend who was whining about money that I cash app her a few extra dollars. She didn’t ask but I figured she’s a friend. After thinking about it I remembered that being debt free is more important to me than a vacation.

This journey is tough but patience will always prevail.

Just cashed out 27.65 in Ibotta bucks. I’ll be adding this to the credit card 💳

Though today is the last day in the week, I reviewed my finances anyway, up until today. Out side of extra on the CC, I paid out $745.11 this week.

* $370 HOA, this covers up to April
* $255 Sorority membership (sinking fund for this)
* $39 gas ⛽️
* $26.84 dining out, budget for this in my fun category but it bothers me that I spent this much. Mostly due to buying breakfast
* $22.82 groceries
* $22.59 household items 🧹. Went over budget this week. I needed a fogger ($10) my car, I have bugs 🐜.
* $6.52 personal car, much cheaper at home. I’d bought a few hair care items
* $2.34 in sales tax.

Other news, my cabinets are starting to wobble. I knew when I bought the place that they were going. I did start a house fund for repairs, I figured by next year I can replace them. To purchase from Home Depot and install myself ( I know someone who will install for free) it’s about $2,500. I feel good with saving for what I need. I can say this, until they fall off the hinge, I won’t replace.

Found a tenant for the other house. $850 a month, so I’ll take $450 a month, that’s $150 each between my two other siblings, and sock away the rest. I manage the place for them. This money is going straight to the CC.

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.

Great day today.

1. Activated my HSA account, I need to follow up with my employer the funds from the last pay date was not deposited 🙄
2. Switched automobile insurance companies, same coverage, $60 less a month.
3. Threw out old Halloween 🎃 candy 🍬 molds. I haven’t made any candy in years.
4. Found $16 in my car armrest, and $30 in my desk drawer that I had forgotten about.
5. Completed my application for Homestead exemption on the new place, this should reduce my taxes. 😊
6. Completed student 👩🏾‍🎓 loan application for income driven payments. Can’t wait to get rid of this crap 🤦🏽‍♀️
7. I normally don’t freeze leftovers but I froze rice and collard greens 🥬. Today I made a pot roast 🥩 and decided to pair it with the frozen left overs.
8. Walked to the mail ✉️ box vs. driving 🚗
9. Washed two loads of clothes 🧺
10. Turned of the AC and opened the sliders it’s gorgeous out.

As I walked to the mailbox, I was a little nervous. After last night’s dog attack, I really don’t want to be out.

Yesterday, my sister and I was talking. I don’t know why but I got so angry when she told me she didn’t have any money to save so she uses her credit card for emergencies 🚨

I tried explaining to her that she needed to budget, look for areas to cut, but she insisted that the credit card method worked. I left it alone.

She’s terrible with money, owed me right now. But I’ve taken that as a lost. As she talked about why she uses the card and why it works I got more angry. I’m thinking, if you don’t have anything extra for day to day, how did you pay the CC bill when it comes? 🤦🏽‍♀️🙄

Needless to say, I listened, got more angry, and kept my mouth closed. After speaking with her, it validated what I was doing was working and what I needed to continue to do.

Debt is dumb

Today was busy, got my dad’s second place rented. Well we found a tenant and now we start the process. I don’t own the place but I manage it for my siblings who gives me $150 a month. So this will go towards my CC.

I took the car in today and the pcv was broken. The mechanic told me I didn’t have to fix it but if I did it would be $100. I fixed it. That noise scares me as well as annoys me. I had the cash saved, also I don’t know if it’s me but the car is running really well.

Next I got a quote with Geico, it’s half of what I’m paying every month. Savings of about $80. Tomorrow I’ll finalize everything and move forward with them.

Other news, I’ve been shopping at Walmart for some time. I’ve never seen meat at a reduce price. Went in today and bam, five packs of chicken and one pack of pork chops for a little over $14. That’s about $2+ per package. I then headed over to Aldi and picked up grapes 🍇 strawberries 🍓 and carrots 🥕 $6. I’d say I scored.

Lastly, as I was walking up my walkway a pitbull 🐕 charged at me. I’m petrified of dogs, big or small, so for this happen made me even more scared. I emailed the HOA right away because all dogs are to be on a leash at all times. My neighbor has cameras so she will share the images with me. We think it’s one of our neighbors dog. Thank God all is well

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.

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

$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.

My month in review

Well it looks like January was a great month. I crunch the numbers using my MS Money and I actually came in under budget. I did spend over in a few categories such as dining out and gifts 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️ but over all things were good.

The software isn’t sharing with me how much I paid down CC9 for this last budget period. I’m not sure why it’s not appearing on the report, strange. At any rate I’m going to log in and check my account later. I did drop the $500 payment today on it but it won’t post until tomorrow or Tuesday, I hate that.

Not sure what made me look but I was disgusted at what I paid in 2018 on CC9 interest, a whopping $1,102.65. All I could say was so much money wasted. This makes me want to get rid of this thing and others fasters. 😡

Different note, I’ve meal planned for the week and need to hit Walmart and Aldi, but it’s raining cats and dogs. Hopefully things will clear up

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.

Day 5 and I have not eaten out, I’m so happy. This week I meal planned and pack snacks and lunches all week.

Today I went grocery shopping 🛒 and the cost was about $40.

Tomorrow I start the 52 Week Challenge, my goal is to use this challenge to pay down debt. So tomorrow $52 (starting backwards) will be thrown at CC9.

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.

Revisited my budget planner. Noted all bills due on the monthly for January. I’m excited not sure why but I am.

I spent my evening balancing my accounts on MSMoney. I notice the month that I stop tracking was the months I fell off my budget. I’ve set aside Sunday afternoon as my day to enter receipts, update accounts, and plan. I’ve set the alarm to go off that way I have no excuse not to view my spending.

I also noticed that I had deposited and extra $177 to my HOA fund. For some reason I didn’t notice that my direct deposit had went through nor the fact that I transferred the money twice. Smh. Needless to say, I transferred it back and used the money, $141 to pay my light bill. I don’t know why that bill is always so high.

Other news I sold a dress on Poshmark, made $7.55 . This was added to the EF because I had already had the account set up. But I’m changing the deposit to the checking account so that any items sold I can add to the CC debt.

I started Rachel Cruze’s “Love your life not theirs” book, looks like I’ll be done by the weekend it’s a pretty quick read.

Hope everyone had a great holiday