Amber's Personal Finance Blog

$500 a month for a car, is this the new normal?

[url]https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/31/a-523-monthly-payment-is-the-new-standard-for-car-buyers.html [url]

Thank God I'm socking away for a car. I'd rather buy a car for $5k - 10k cash

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.

Today the SO and I went out, I'd budgeted $20 for some things for my new office. I'm in need of a rug, a broom and a swiffer.

I went to the dollar store and bought a mini duster and a broom. I wish the office had carpet. But I'll get the swiffer from Walmart.

I normally don't do much to my office or space at work because I'm always afraid of a layoff (3x already) but for some reason I really feel good about this place. I bought a few picture frames, because I want to add a few quotes to remind me how blessed I truly am. Gratitude is my 2018 word of the year so I'll definitely be adding this one.

Anyhow we were out and about looking for a rug. We went to an outlet store and I was feeling a little dizzy so I sat down. Next thing I know the store alarm is going off. I think, oh the cashier forgot to remove the tag. Well that was not the case. There was a smash and grab, smh.

I couldn't believe that I had actually saw someone running out of the store, jumping into a car with an armful of stuff. I only got partial number of the tag of the waiting car, and I'm not even sure that was right. I shared it with the cashier, sat there for a minute because I just couldn't believe what I'd just witnessed. All I could say was what is wrong with people? This was really disheartening.

OMG these sweet 16 birthday parties are outrageous, right along with prom. I don't know if it's because I'm broke, or that I'm conscious about my money but what I see these parents spending on their kids is absolutely ridiculous.

Rolls Royce, Maybachs, horse and carriages, a Mercedes for a 2 year old, I can't even imagine. Everything is a theme now. It's not for me to say how someone spends their money but I just can't help but wonder, how much debt these folks are in.

Today, I'm going to review my budget, my April spending, and balance my checking and savings account, then finish up my May book. That's my fun Memorial Day weekend.

I know that Dave says $1,000 for emergencies but I need at least one month of expenses stashed away, and that total comes to about $2500. Though I split the bills (e.g. Rent, water) with the significant other, I'd rather have the full amount because you never know. I'm socking away $100 a month to the EF, plus anything extra (e.g Poshmark sales, iBotta). I'm also adding to the car maintenance fund and other sinking funds, all in all I save about $400 a month total.

I know some would say that this isn't the DR way but it works for me and it gives me a peace of mind. I did my debt free journey once before without Dave, only thing I did wrong was get caught up in living like everyone else. I found DR after and I'm staying focus, vowing not to go down this path again, besides I'm too old for this foolishness.

I need to figure out how to pay an extra $200 a month on this student loan to stop the bleeding. Once I get the EF to about $2500 I should be able to.

I don't know, what I see happening in this country scares me. Yes, I'm a conservative but I don't like what I'm seeing, home prices are going back up and companies are laying off. This is probably why I've shift my attention so much to paying off debt and saving. When the last recession hit, I was debt free. I had a nice savings. All my friends were panicking, I took a trip to Puerto Rico. My goal is to knock out what I can. When the house sells, I should be able to pretty much take care of all my debts, and they will be gone with maybe the exception of one student loan.

While I see my friends on Facebook doing great things, new cars, new houses, $1000 iPhone, trips, etc I know that pretty much all are drowning in debt. They think that it's all good because they're able to pay their bills every month, but yet they're just one emergency away from mess. Not me, I'm done.

Well it's late, I'm going to try and finish my May book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad, before the end of the month. It's okay. I don't agree with every but at least I'm able to take some things away.

Started the new job today and I'm so thankful. I was a little nervous, and through out the day doubt(devil) settled in but for the most part I really am thankful that I made the switch from my previous employer.

I think it will be a little chaotic but at least I'm in a position to make changes.

I scanned some receipts for iBotta and hit my $20 mark, I went ahead and cashed out. I'm adding this amount to the EF. I also have $20 with Receipt Hog, but I'm going to wait before cashing out. Nothing like getting some cash back. 😀

I realized that I'm super obsessed with my finances and where I think I should be. It's to the point where it has taken a toll on me.

Yes I've made some mistakes but so long as these mistakes are acknowledged and I'm taking the proper actions to correct, I'm not sure why I am obsessing over it.

I wake up, check my bank statements, read the DR blogs, over and over. This cannot be healthy.

As another blogger posted here, I need to focus on one thing and that is paying off CC5. Goal is to have it paid off by the end of July.

Other news, tonight I'll be having tacos for dinner. Pretty cheap and easy to make.

Tomorrow I start the new job, I was a little nervous but I'm super excited now. I think that I'm finally in the right place. I have my degree in Human Resources but my focus has been benefits, this position is a HR manager's role. It's for a not for profit about $3k more than my old employer, same distance. We will see but I'm definitely going in with a positive attitude.

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?

I'd budgeted $90 for my hair this budget period. Yesterday, I washed and styled it myself, saving me $45. So $25 of this will go towards a graduation gift for a friend's kid and $20 back in the bank. If all goes well next week, I'll do the same, saving me a total $40.

Any one watch the Royal Wedding yesterday? I thought it was nice, not what I expected. Though I'm sure there was a nice penny spent, everything looked so simple. Goes to show, not everything has to be over the top.

My May book is "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki, I saw a poster in one of the DR groups posts about it so I decided to read it. It's okay, an easy and quick read. I agree with some things and some I don't, that's pretty much with any book read, you'll always have some pros and cons. Like all the other books read this month, I can always take something away from it.

Later I'll be adding receipts, and balancing the check book. I'm just in chill mode right now.

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.

I gave my resignation and received a call to not come back. It was hurtful but I'm so thankful that I have another job already lined up. I'll be starting that job next Wednesday as the HR manager. The place that I worked is/was very toxic. I've been considering call the Department of Labor on them, FLSA, ACA, FMLA, Title I and VII violations, you name it they do it. But I always say, you reap what you so.

I'm so thankful that God revealed to me, to get the hell out of there.

In financial news, I somewhat blew my budget, well let's face it, I blew it. Over the last few pay periods I didn't stick to it so I decided to get back on track. June is right around the corner and I haven't put a dent in CC5. Hopefully I can knock at least $300 off by the end of June.

With the new job, I was able to get my salary bumped by three grand but this simply covers my medical deductions, so I'll still be making what I made at the old company essentially. Since I'll be coming in as HR manager, one of my goals is to provide better benefits.

One thing I've been telling the SO is that I never want to be in a position where I can't quit my job or help a friend. God has truly placed it on my heart to save and knock these bills out. Yes I've fell off the wagon but thank God I've been steady. I continue to add funds to my EF. I know Dave says no, but for me to be comfortable I must. I've budgeted $50 a pay check, next month I should be at $1300 and it's a great feeling. Goal is to have at least $8K saved.

SO has really stepped up. I don't know if it's because I stop nagging or what, but he's saving and paying the bills on time. Interesting, I did tell him that I was not trying to blow his momentum but that I'm still thinking we need to part ways, he's gone too long without trying. His response was he was tired of disappointing me. My thing is, it took me some time to wake up. We'll see.

In house news, my brother and his family went to my attorney's office raising hell, all last week (multiple time). I've told my attorney to call the police on them. Apparently they're trying to force my attorney into a contract, I call it extortion. Then my brother's girl friend goes on my Facebook page and post a mean GIF, I screen shot it of course. Minutes later she takes it down. What is wrong with people?
I told my mother, who I thought would be able to get him under control, needless to say that didn't work. Smh
I can't wait for this mess to be over. I'm terrified of guns but I took the class to carry a concealed weapon, I have no clue what he's capable of and my other brother keeps telling me to get one to protect myself. Jesus who would have thought

So my attorney called me today to tell me that my brother was back at his office. I'm not sure why he refuse to call the cops 👮🏼 on him. I told him to call the cops 👮🏼 because I'm afraid of what he might do. I also told him that I'll feel bad if something happens but he can't say I didn't tell what to do.

This is absolutely ridiculous, I am praying that we can get through this lean search and close without any additional hiccups. Please keep me in prayer

I realized that my brother is CRAZY 😜

He and his kids went to my attorney's office in an attempt to force him in a contract with them and for him to take money from them. First of all he has an attorney and should be going through his attorney when discussing anything about the property.

Secondly, you can't force someone to take money from you that sounds like extortion to me. Smh
Going forward if I have to go to the property I'm going with the police. He's dangerous. Not sure why my attorney didn't call the police on them.

I just can't wait for this mess to be over.

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. 😉

Hi all 👋🏾

It's been a minute and of course I fell off the wagon, have to keep blogging.

So I decided to take the job, though it's only $3k more than I currently make it will definitely help boost my career. The position is a HR manager's position, my goal is to work for the company just a year and a half and then look for something much closer to home.

The reason I took the job was because I'm in need of structure. My current employer, is a mess and I honestly see things getting worst with our new VP. I'm so stressed about this job, chest pains, exhaustion and just mentally drained. Everything is a rush. I am not saying that there won't be issues on the next job, but at least I'm transitioning from dealing with 10k+ employees with only two people to, about 400. Not to mention the pay discrepancies. The last person they hired had about 6 month experience in benefits, I have over 5 years, no degree, I have a masters and she made 7k more than me, plus I had to train her. I had to constantly ask for a raise. Finally got it about four months later and they didn't even have the decency to retro. Oh and I failed to mention, I was the senior benefits specialist, and she was the junior, go figure.

I haven't given my notice yet, because I'm waiting on all my background screenings to clear. I explained to the company that I was not giving my notice until everything cleared.

On a budgeting note, well lets just say April was a bust. I'll be crunching the numbers this week.

As you all know, my job is very stressful. I have the opportunity to leave, but it's basically the same distance (30 miles each way) and terrible health insurance ($5k deductible or $2500).

Long story short I'm struggling with what to do. The new position would be a mangers role and less people to deal with but the pay sucks. It's a nonprofit. I asked the hiring manager if they'd consider increasing the salary and she stated after 90 days but I don't know. I'm like I may as well
stay where I have some flexibility

Bye bye Target!

CC4 is officially gone, no more Target bills. This bill has been sitting around like an annoying bug for so long. I'm so excited.

I was having a bad week but to know that this card is gone, is a wonderful feeling.

Now it's on to CC5, hopefully I can get this this sucker gone by June. For some reason I thought I only had five cards left 💳 but I actually have six, 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄.

I hate my job but I am truly thankful that I have one. There's some really evil folks in this place. Everyone has some sort of devotional on their desk. It's sad

Today I prayed for God's peace and ask that he lands me a job closer to home, same pay or even a little higher. Either way I'd love a job much closer to home. I'm really sick of these companies that mistreat staff.

On a different note I opened up a few Capitol One 360 accounts. I notice that having one sinking fund account isn't working for me. I'm constantly using the money for car repairs. So sinking fund 1 is strictly for car maintenance and saving for car insurance while the others is for Christmas, medical and upcoming sorority expenses.

I've updated my side bar to show CC4 is paid off. Tomorrow after I pay my tithes, this sucker will be gone. Thank God! Only five left and this stupid student loan.

I reached out to my attorney to find out what the devil is going on with the sale of my dad's house. We are literally into three months from the court order 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️. He screwed up and accepted a bid without my permission from my brother that was lower than the last bid, he's trying to tell me that's what the judge ordered so I asked for s copy of the order and still haven't received it. I'm really over this and quite frankly I don't care just sell this house and be done with it.

Geesh

I'm so stressed out it is taking a toll on me, I hate my job, want this house sold plus I'm in debt. Dave is right when he says the borrower is slave to the lender. Had I. It had all this debt I could quit that place

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.

Happy Easter everyone 🐣🙏🏾

Today was a great day, for one I spent no money other than the $1.00 at church.

Secondly I made spaghetti 🍝 for dinner. Usually I go all out and have all this food left over that goes in the trash, this year I decided not to be wasteful.

My April goal is to walk 🚶🏾‍♀️ at least 20 minutes a day, I completed day one 😄.

Lastly, I plan on finishing up, "Unbanking of America," first time in a long time that I borrowed from the library 📚 and will not have to pay a late fee, I call this stupid fee.

I finally balanced my accounts so I'll be taking a look at my March spending.

Oops I almost forgot I sold an item on Poshmark tonight, $13 will be added to the EF

I don't know, I'm super happy for a friend of mine who got promoted and is now making six figures. But I just can't help but think of all the money she waste since she's gotten this promotion. New car, $60k+ two homes with mortgages and looking to buy another. And now she's planning trips for the entire family, extended included.
I love her to pieces, like a sister, but I'd rather see her pay down her debt. You never know what might happen. Oh well 😔

As far as for me, well today was pretty productive. I'm still not watching tv 📺 so I was able to get things done. Cleaned my bathroom 🛀 , balanced my checking account, got an oil change and cleaned the rest of the house. Feeling accomplished.

I tried mobile depositing a check to my sinking fund, but I guess I've reached my limit for March, so I'll wait until tomorrow. I never knew there was a limit.

I also set up a Christmas 🎄 account with Capitol One 360 today. I tried keeping everything in the sinking fund that I use for car maintenance and insurance but I keep having to put money towards the car 🚗🙄🤦🏾‍♀️.

The vacation club, though I've struggled with what to do with this money, I'm going to keep it just for what I started it for, a vacation. I've been socking $20 a pay period and I'm now at $140. The plan is to treat myself to a very nice vacation once this debt is paid off. Though I'm anticipating 2-3 years, I figured I'd have a nice chunk of change and maybe I can go to Monaco 🇲🇨 after all, lol. Monaco is so expensive, I don't know if $40 a month will cut it.

4:30 am and the first thing I did when my eyes 👀 opened, was check my Target 🎯 balance. Thank goodness the $349 was processed, I cab now update my sidebar. Only about $347 dollars left, I'm sure they'll be an additional $5 in interest 🤦🏾‍♀️ but that's the price you pay when you use credit cards 💳.

I also received a request to purchase an item on OfferUp, $10. I hope this is a legitimate sale. So many make offers and don't show up. I decided to no longer meet folks closer or easier for them. Meet me at my nearby police 👮🏼 department. I'm sick of folks not showing.

Lastly, today is a busy day. One I want to get at least 20 minutes of cardio in, secondly I have to get an oil change and then other miscellaneous stuff done. I've decided that both Saturdays and Sundays will not be filled with work so on Sundays I'm resting. I may even head to the beach 🌊 tomorrow

Just paid over $300 on the Target 🎯 bill, my new balance is $349.61. I should have this sucker paid off by the end of April, thank you Jesus.

I pulled my credit score with Transamerica and it was 698, not bad. Think my high score was 702. I noticed that as I pay these suckers off it's creeping back up. The jump is due to the decrease in high balances.

Back to Target, I'm going to be really annoyed if my payment isn't posted right away. They have a tendency of holding high payments. They actually suck, you can only make like two payments in a 7-day period, you can't add decimals. For example, I'd budgeted $348.76 but had to round up. No big deal but I like a balanced budgets, no over budget items just under. And lastly they hold large sums of payments. They make it extremely difficult to get your balance down.

It's 3:29 am and I've already spent the following:
* $196.08 Tithes - not negotiable
* $20 vacation club (savings)
* $211 JCP - minimum payment that include my AAA purchase
* $349 Target - debt snowball

Though a lot has gone out and I haven't cut the rent check yet, I'm thankful because one, I never thought in a million years that I could and would be faithful with my tithes. Secondly, with my raise and paying down debt, I've freed up over $500 a paycheck. Right now all you see are the payments but I'm about to add a total of $107 to my savings. All I think about is, when CC4 💳 is gone that will be another $50.

I'm so overwhelmed with mix emotions. I'm upset that I'm on this journey once again and I'm glad that I'm doing what it takes to no longer be slave to the lender.
I know it takes time and that I'll get there

I've played around with my budget so much for the upcoming period that I drove myself crazy.

I realize that I have become overly obsessed with my budget and paying off debt that I'm actually not eating. Usually when I'm stressed I don't eat, I didn't even realized that I'm stressed. I got on the scale and I'm down 10lbs. I'm glad I lost the weight but not how I did it. 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

I finally wrapped up my budget, though I can't, well I opted not to, pay extra on these stupid student loans, I decided to sock it to CC4. The good news is, one I replenished what I spent on AAA service, and I will literally cut CC4 💳in half. Once I get a job closer to home, I can cut the AAA service to the lower plan.

Different news, SO came home complaining about his mother. She was able to pay him his pay check 💰 but didn't give him the money for all the things he bought to do the job.

Long story short, she waste money, doesn't manangement the books appropriately and he refuse to say anything to her because he might hurt her feelings. Me, I'm just over it. So I let him rant, while I thought 💭 about all the receipts he has and that I need to scan them to Receipt Hog 🐷 before the cut off date.

Finally when he's done, I just say, "what's the solution?" He says, " I don't know." I say, "well you've been dealing with this since I don't know how long and you need to come up with a solution." I start scanning the receipts and he says "I guess I'm scared." I say, "fear will always hold you back." I finished my scanning of receipts and walk out. I use to feel bad, but I'm over it and my goal to retire at 57 and to make my dad proud. I can't waste time telling a man to take the business from his mom before he falls flat on his face.