Amber's Personal Finance Blog

Well woke up this morning and the tire is low. I'm not upset, just headed back to the tire company that I had purchased the tires from and that I have the warranty for.

Thankfully it appears to have been the valve that needed to be replaced. I ended up staying home and working in order to watch the tire. Thank goodness there's still air, and all looks well. When I spoke with my manager, he didn't seem too pleased but I was not going to drive 30 miles to get stuck.

I received the check of $587.09 from an old 401(k) I had. I know I should have rolled this over but the balance was low, I'd only contribute for four months. I've added the funds to baby step one to bring me to the $1000. Wrote my check of $58.70 for tithes and will put the difference of $76.72 to CC 2.

I readjusted the budget to start adding the money that would have been going to baby step 1 to tackle CC2. I needed a win other wards I was going to go crazy. This has been one heck of a process. It seems like when I didn't have a budget I paid my debt down quicker, I don't know.

I should have funds left in the envelopes, so I'll throw the change into the change jar, and keep the rest in its respective envelopes.

Today was a no spend day, yay! Plus I've saved on gas since I didn't have to drive 60 miles round trip.

Tonight is our first budget meeting I'll keep you all posted.

As a follow up to the above, I typed it out and never posted, so here's an update.

I realized that the actual amount I have left to pay on CC2 is $157.60 vs the $76+ , plus I'll be adding an extra $57+ on Wednesday, this will knock about $200 off the bill. I'm excited.

So the fiancé and I reviewed video 1 of FPU. He asked that we review the video again each week and discuss where we are until we've completed baby step 1 (jointly). I'm okay with that if it means that this will get him onboard. What he said tonight did make me feel good when he said, "it's not mine or your debt but ours. "

So here's the plan, save $1000 jointly. He's aware that it will be a struggle for me since I'm heading into baby step 2 but I'll contribute. We will review FPU video 1 until we've reached our goal of $1,000. He's committed to adding all extra income from landscaping to baby step one for both of us. We've agreed to complete the home work separately and then together. Our next meeting to review the homework is Thursday. I'm excited because I think together we can make some head way.

Now the tire 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄
Well it's low again, so tomorrow I'll be heading back to the tire store. Hopefully I'll get a new tire for free. I'm not sure what the warranty covers. If for anything at least, I have the cash to buy a new tire, if need be 🤦🏾‍♀️

Had the conversation with the fiancé, our budget nights will be on Mondays. We will start the financial peace university class over, at home.

The conversation wasn't an in depth one but at least it is an start. I explained that I really need for him to be onboard if we are going to make this work. We talked briefly about starting the pre-marital counseling class. Tomorrow will be the full conversation, without distractions, to discuss my long term goals are and what he'd like to do long term.

Not sure what's going on with the site, I keep getting logged out. I wish we had an app.

Since I started the 3:10 challenge, tithing faithfully for three months and watching God work, I can say I experience a miracle today.

Woke up to head to church, and the tire was flat. No big deal, drove the fiancé truck with no a/c. Needless to say, miracle number one, it was a beautiful day. We rode with the windows down and enjoyed the nice cool breeze. I'm in Florida and we seldom experience such cool weather.

Miracle number two, well the fiancé pumped the tire up, drove it to the repair shop and low and behold the tire is perfectly fine. Strange, but I'll take that blessing.

Yesterday was a no spend day, first in I don't know how long. Today I spent $15. Not too happy with that, we bought grapes, chips (I could have done without), juice and a pack of chicken. I didn't realize that the extra 5% off on the grapes ended yesterday. I've figured out I cannot go to the store with the fiancé. Tonight or tomorrow evening I plan on having the budget conversation, but this is the week that it will be done. No need in putting things off.

Though I'd love to sock the $500+ bucks to CC2, I'm going to take the advice of Dave Ramsey and everyone here and knock out baby step 1 and fund my emergency fund. Next, I'll be tackling the debt.

In a previous post some of you commented on the wedding fund. I hadn't noticed that the fund was still in my side bar, lol. Honestly, I forgot about this account and haven't added anything to this account since I opened it. I actually had $80.88 in this account and transferred that money to baby step 1. Not sure what happened with the $20. Until the fiancé is onboard with his/our finances there won't be a wedding. New balance for baby step 1 is now at $624.21 😀

I'll still be able to add close to $200 to CC2, so I'm okay with that.

I've decided to remove the salon 💇🏽, $45 , as a line item on my next budget. This is going to be hard because this means that I won't go to the salon except once for the month. My hair is horrible to manage but I'm going to try.

For those of you who follow me, my last post for charitable items were funds that was given to church (God), my tithes. I'm definitely going to continue with that. One, I know it's the right thing to do, two, Dave Ramsey has said it's the right thing to do, lol and three my SA family has also said it's the right thing to do. But seriously, I've always given to church but not my 10%. Our church has a 3:10 challenge. Meaning for three months you donate your 10% to church, any church, or charity for 3 months and if God does not work miracles and bless you, they'll give us our money back. What I like about this challenge, is that they simply encourage us to give and it doesn't have to be to my own church. 3:10 is from Malachi 3:10, in that God says to "test Him" with our tithes, the only scripture in the Bible in that God says to test him. I can say, since I've done this, I've seen a difference in how I feel about my job, I'm no longer worried, tossing and turning at night. And by mid week next week my EF will be funded until I can hit baby 3, to fully fund it. It's strange because now every extra dollar I get, I take 10% off. The fiancé gave me $45 and I took $4.50 off top.

It's a progress but I enjoy telling my money what to do and it not telling me what to do.

I'd budgeted $35 for my contacts but since I didn't order them I put this money towards baby step 1 (EF) bringing the total to $548.33.
I've been wearing my glasses 👓 to save money, until I can knock a few things out of the way.

I'm a little annoyed because I got suckered into a Thanksgiving lunch at the office, costing me $12. One, I don't want to spend the $12; two, as you all know I can't stand my boss' boss ( along with everyone else on the floor); and three, we're down two people and I don't have any help with a bunch of work. Though I'm thankful for my job, this is just the wrong time.

Today was the first time in a long time that I did not have to spend a dime, so I'm excited about that.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day and I'm off. I haven't told a soul because I don't want to be aggravated. I'll wash my car, paint my toes and just relax. I'm really looking forward to this time.

Lastly, I needed some facial wash and moisturizer. Normally I buy the expensive stuff, Sephora or Clinique but I opted for good 'ol Nuetreogena this time and for the two items the cost was $11.95 vs almost $50 bucks. I ordered via iBotta for the 2% cash back. Why not? Sales tax here is 7% so at least I can save on that. Something is better than nothing.
Hmmm just thought about it, though I ordered online, I still spent money. Lol so no spend day for me.

Looking at my spending for the last budget period I am very upset. Though I stayed within budget, there are areas that I can definitely improve.

One pay down the CC so that I'm not paying so much interests, over $300, this is ridiculous. I'm expecting a check for about $600, I'm going to use this to pay off CC 2.





Cable, the fiancé likes all the premium channels plus the HDTV. I'll be sitting him down over the next weekend and having a tough conversation. I can do without the premium and HDTV channels so if he wants them, I'm no longer going to pay half. It's ridiculous, I do like the high speed internet, I'm okay with that but the other stuff, I'm done. Groceries, not too bad, I'm over by $15 in this area. I'll work on this as well. Money gram $39 fee is what was charged to stop payment on two money orders. Not sure why this showed up on the report.
Miscellaneous consists of a plot, I'm paying on, checks ordered etc.

I made both BBQ and smothered pork chops. This will be for dinner and lunch for the next few days. If the fiancé doesn't like it, he can buy dinner.

Went to Target to pick up a few items (Coke, bacon, orange juice, and grapes).

The grapes I usually eat as a snack vs chips but they weren't on sale, so I left them. The bacon I have a slice for breakfast and there was a 5% off. I also have orange juice on the weekends with breakfast, this tend to last a while but I could not find the Target brand in our store that had the 5%. The fiancé insisted that we go ahead and pick up, I hate shopping with him. And the Coke, I pack for lunch. I have one can a day, this is down from about 2-3. I really need to work on this, by drinking more water.

So we make it to the check out and I start to separate my items from the fiancé's and he becomes annoyed and decided to pay for everything. I say to him, I'm okay with that and I'm on a strict budget. Once we get into the car I say to him that he really needs to get onboard with me or things aren't going to work. I made a list and let's stick to it. He always heads in the store and picks up items that A) we don't need and b) unhealthy and expensive. I realize that I may be the issue as well. I try my best not to mention budget but when I go into the store, I'm paying with what's been budgeted and applied to my envelopes, I don't need him picking up $24 bags of candy, $4 cookies etc.

As with DW and Monkey Momma today's dinner is based on what we already have in the pantry. I'm using what we have first. I'm so excited about the journey that I'm on and it's draining when you love someone who you know have the potential to be great, and not struggle and opts not to even try.

My sorority anniversary is coming up. The girls decided to go to an up scale steak house, so I decided to check out the menu and everything is a la carte.

For me alone dinner, will be close to $60+ and I'm not in the mood to spend that nor can I afford it. Even if I budgeted for it, I'd have to cut something else out, and my budget is already tight. I say to myself what Dave Ramsey says, "live like no one else, so that you can live like no one else."

I'm starting early with the Christmas shopping. I found a men sports coat for $37 for the fiancé at Macy's. I buy him one every year. I have a 30% off coupon for tomorrow, but I budgeted to purchase the coat the next zero balance budget period. I was tempted to order but it's called discipline, I'm sure they'll be more coupons between now and the 15th.

I'll be ordering the $25 myPoints Macy's gift card and providing this to my neice as her Christmas gift.

The boys (nephews) I have no clue what to get them. They're ages are 5, 7, 7 and 13. I haven't bought my mom a gift in about 8 years. The woman is so ungrateful and she always seem to manage to hurt your feelings when you do. I'm considering getting her something but I don't know.

Crazy day today.

Rolled a total of $39 in change, adding this to the EF (baby step 1) for a total now of $513.33.

We needed paper towels for the house so I ordered online through iBotta for the 20% cash back, which ended up saving me even more. Wal*Mart provided an extra $1.12 discount for in store pick up. Amazingly the process was pretty easy and quick. I think when I need household items such as garbage bags and cleaning supplies, I'll go this route.

While in Wal*Mart I almost bought waffles but as DW mentioned in another one of my posts, this is not needed, we have bread so I can make toast in the mornings.

Went to Target to get the tissue, I know DW spoke against this but I need it for the job. Sometimes I have to blow my nose and it tends to last awhile. Good thing about this trip to Target I only picked up what I needed and that was one box of tissue. I also took advantage of the $0.05 for brining your own bag, this saved me on the taxes.

Went to the salon, I go only twice a month vs the four times now. This is something I will not cut out and it's okay. I've managed to cut back on the number of times I go, I relax and color my own hair. By doing this, it has really saved me big bucks. By cutting just a few things vs not depriving myself totally, I think it helps me to stay focus and not crashing. I have cut out the pedicures completely, opting for home pedicures.

Thanks to DW's tough love I decided not to hit Target up this Sunday. We have enough meat to last this week coming for dinner so no need to go and buy anything. Tomorrow is Saturday so I have nothing planned, I'll create my meal plan based on what I have. Someone mentioned a meatless dinner so I'll be looking for a recipes for at least two nights this week.

I reached out to my insurance company to get basic insurance for my car. It's fairly old but runs really good thank God. I received a quote that will reduce my insurance about $40 a month. I figured I can do this and add this extra savings to my EF (baby step 1) then tackle my debt.

The fiancé wanted to go out to P.F. Chang's after the game tonight. I convinced him not to go. Honestly; I just didn't want to go, I'm tired. When I called to place the take-out order, we were told 30 minutes. He wanted to wait, I said no. First of all for two of us it would have cost at least $60. Secondly, the wait is always long. And lastly the coupon I had for 15% off was for Tuesday, so that's no good. We ended up getting take out for $18 and I made it home to unwind.

As I'm typing this blog I realize there's some household items I'm in need of (e.g. paper towels). I'll have to check prices and coupons.

That's it for me.

I have gotten to the point where I absolutely hate buying anything not on sale. It burns me up to purchase items at full price.

I went into Walmart for a few items, one being a box of tissues. iBotta has a $1 rebate when you purchase two boxes of Kleenex. I almost purchased the Kleenex, but something told me to check the price of the Puffs tissues instead. Well it turns out that it's cheaper to buy the Puffs without the rebate. I almost threw them in the cart when I decided to check the Target Cartwheel app and low and behold there was a manufacture coupon for $.25 off Puffs. I only need one box anyway so I'll wait until Sunday to pick up the tissue with the Target run.

Next I got four boxes of hand wipes. I buy these anyway and iBotta had a rebate for $0.75 when you buy two. I bought four not realizing I should have put them on separate receipts, ugh

I think I'm going to create a grocery list of items I frequently purchase, so that I know where to buy things and if it's worth it when iBotta or Cartwheel has a rebate.

My goal to to start living frugal, sometimes I think I'm being cheap but I need to sock away cash and lower my debts. I'm thinking about adjusting the budget so that I'm leaving below my means, meaning reducing my check by an additional $100. We'll see, maybe once I get this debt paid off

New zero budget balance period kicked off today. Normally I look at what I did for the previous period and estimate my spending.

I'm annoyed because two items I budgeted were off and I'm generally right on. The JCP bill last month was $119, this month its $121. I didn't purchase anything so not sure why it's more. Though it could be because there are more days in the month this last billing cycle. I know it's only three dollars but it annoys me. I paid the bill in advance so I'm waiting on the statement to review. Unfortunately I can't view online since I'm still receiving paper invoices. And I'm not changing it, ink is expensive.

Next the truck insurance is usually about $80, this month, the renewal, it was about $92, $12 over.

I picked up my mentee tonight and we headed over to the free fall festival at the church. She brought her nephew, who was such a good kid. I enjoyed it and was glad it was free. I have to start looking for free things for us to do, it was getting way too expensive. I don't mind spending the money but not too much.

Last item on my list are the contacts. I tried ordering through iBotta so that I can get the 3% cash back but I'm running into some issues. I did get $0.10 from a Walgreens purchase. I think I might just write them regarding the contacts.

Ordered a photo book online Walgreens.com, I received an order confirmation via email that everything would be ready at 4:10pm. Needless to say, about four hours went by and I had not received my order is ready for pick up email. Called Walgreens, and was placed on hold, then told I couldn't pick up until tomorrow. I explain how important this is, that my confirmation email stated 4:10 and that this item was gift. I'm placed on hold again, then told the order is ready and was misfiled.

Head over in the freezing cold, stood in line for 20+ minutes, then provided the photos of something I did not order. The guy apologizes, then leaves and never comes back. A Megan then pops up, asked if I was waiting on the photo book, I say yes, she then tells me I have to pick up in the morning because no one knows how to create the book and that the person who does, isn't answering their phone. By this time I'm furious, she tells me she'll give me a discount and that the photo guy comes in at 4 am. I'm going to be furious if these photos aren't ready.

Revamped the budget for the 100th time 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄. I realized I did not include CC2 payment of $25 that's due on the 20th. I get paid on the 15th and 30th of every month. I like to pay all bills due within those pay dates, trying to stay ahead of the game. Though the bill isn't due until 20th, after the 15th, as my dad always said, "the best time for a man to pay his bills is when he has the money."

Well a new zero balance budget will start tomorrow. I decided to keep what's left in each envelope with the exception of the change ($4.45). Total left over was $66.45, not bad. I added the $4.45 in change to my change jar to be rolled up and deposited to the EF fund (baby step 1).

I went back to Target, to get my $5.00 back on the coupon I failed to provide yesterday, as well as my $0.76 for the pork chops I bought. I feel better now about yesterday's meat purchase. Over all I think I saved $7 on my meat purchases.

I went into JCP to find a scarf for a colleague who is leaving, I really didn't want to spend more than$10. I found some lovely scarves, but I just did not want to spend the money. While in Penney's I shopped around, and found one scarf for $2.52 and the other for $4.20. Not bad. I love a great deal.

Our court hearing had to be rescheduled due to an emergency 🚨, im waited this long so it shouldn't matter for a few more weeks.

Revamped my budget for only one box of contacts vs the 90-day supply. I'm really struggling with this but I'm running low on a few household and personal items that I need to purchase, I had to add these items to the budget. So it is what it is. For me it's all about sticking to the budget.

Following Dave's plan I have a choice of things to do with what's left over in my cash envelopes. One, fund baby step 1. Two, keep the funds in the envelopes as is. And three (this is my own idea), take what's left and divide amongst all envelopes and EF. There'll be about $60 left, that puts about $8.50 in each envelope and towards baby step 1. I somewhat like this idea since the next two week's budget is super tight and it gives me a little extra in each envelope.

Or maybe I can put the funds towards my sinking fund (Christmas). Ugh the pressure.

I have a change jar, full of change and decided to roll them. Well I was only able to roll about $22.50, I didn't have any holders for the dimes so I'll roll those later. I'm adding the $22.50 to baby step 1. I can't wait to hit step one, so I can start tackling the debt.

Our Target run was okay, we got 93/7 ground beef for $2.89 pound (purchased 3lbs) and 4.55 lbs center cut pork chops for $15.15. I didn't think this was a great deal on the pork chops but I needed to prepare for this week's meals. I did return the coupon organizer and got the $8.55 back. I forgot to scan my Cartwheel bar code, there was 5% savings on both the strawberries 🍓 and the grapes 🍇 . When I went to return the organizer, I got the $0.38 back on the items (strawberries and grapes 🍇 ) . Once I got home 🏡, I realized I didn't get the 5% on the pork chops either, nor did I use my $5.00 coupon. I hate shopping in a rush. The cashier was standing over me, I think she thought I was going to steal one of the items. I use the envelope system, so I pay for things separately. She reminded me, I didn't pay for the item, I told her nicely that I'd be paying for the item separately. Needless to say, l'll head back tomorrow, for both my 5% off on the pork chops and my $5 coupon.

I found out that Target gives $0.05 for every recycling bag used. I'll start brining my own bags. It's not much but hey, something is better than nothing.

We ended up in Publix, BF spent $82. Mostly on things he liked (e.g chips, cookies 🍪, ice cream 🍦). None of the items were eligible for ibotta rebates. I told him that we could get a $1 back on French's ketchup, but he insisted on Heinz. He was annoyed with me because I kept looking for things that may have a rebates, that he was purchasing, so I stopped. It's his money. I did manage to get $0.25 for uploading the receipt. I really wish my fiancé would get onboard with budgeting but he won't. I have told him, that at the rate we are going, we cannot get married. I've explained that finances are a huge issue, for couples and me.

Tomorrow is the day, we go to court about selling my dad's house. I'm just putting things in God's hands, what ever happens happens.

That's it for now.

I have always wanted to learn to sew. I'm still teaching myself but I think I am mastering the envelope throw pillow. Made this little doozy for a colleague whose favorite color is blue and she's leaving.



We decided to buy blue items and put in a basket as her going away. Basically we're going to be blue without her, is our theme.

In financial news, I went to Wal*Mart, I needed some breakfast food. I noticed that iBotta had $0.50 rebate on waffles plus $0.25, for a store receipt. So I bought the waffles for $2.38, earning my $0.75 in rebates, over all cost of the waffles was $1.63, not bad.

Mom gave me an 18-count of eggs so that saved me a few dollars. Tomorrow is my Target run, I'll return the coupon book and hopefully get some great deals on meat. Last week nothing was marked down and I'm running low on meat. I'll try a few meatless meals if there aren't any deals. Thanks for the suggestion SA.

On a different note, I realized that the external drive I have plugged into the computer is the culprit as to why I am having computer problems 💻. Now I know that once I back my files up, I have to unplug it.

My old boss is still rude. She came into the office and I said good morning twice and of course she didn't speak. I told my new manager and all he could say was, "she lacks management skills." For two weeks she's had a colleague in tears and no one in upper management or employee relations has addressed the issue. I've applied for a payroll position in the company, hopefully I get it and get from under her wrath.

Well I thought I'd have a few extra dollars left over, but I realized that's not the case. I forgot about my plot bill, $50. Oh well it was great thinking that I had the monies left over lol.

After remembering about paying for the plot, I was trying to figure out why the bank account when balancing was short $16. Well I ordered checks. After the money order debacle with the land lord, I decided to send her a check each month. It cost me $38 to stop payment on two money orders. Had I written her a check it would have been $25 for one check. I don't use checks for anything else. Now that I do have them though, I think I'll use it for my tithes at church. That will mean 3 checks a month and I have a 100 checks so that will last me a while. I'll put the $16 back this pay period. Ugh now I have to rework the budget. 🤦🏾‍♀️

Meanwhile, I'm wrapping up a few loose ends before payday Tuesday. This has been a really crazy last two weeks with spending. It was mostly gifts, ugh! Though I knew these expenses were coming and I had budgeted for it, it's still annoying that over $150 was spent on gifts. Christmas is coming and my budget is $300, that's it. So the next few pay periods I'll sock away for it. Good thing is, I have mypoints points for a gift card for my neice, my nephews are small so I can get little things that they'll like. And the BF will get cologne and a sport coat, that's it. Wish I'd started earlier with my budget but hey.

Lastly; as I am updating my debt snowball spread sheet, I realize that what I pay in interest is far more than what is applied on the principle. Though I knew this already, I think it just annoys me to see it on paper. My ahhh haaaa moment. I've got to get this stuff paid off or I'm going to die a slow death in debt.

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's Target run, wasn't too great. We got two pounds of 96% fat free ground beef for about $8. I only buy meat that's on sale with coupons. I was somewhat disappointed but hey, something is better than nothing.

I also ended up picking up a coupon expandable organizer for $7.99 to use as my cash spending envelopes. I think this will be better than the actual envelopes I use. I'm always looking for the right envelope to take the cash out of, sometimes I take from the wrong envelope, and so on. So this may help in the budgeting area. Hmmm as I'm typing this blog, I realize that the Dollar Tree, dollar store, may have the item for a $1, if that's the case I'll take the other one back.

After Lucky Robin's eye opener about my pedi, I decided to revamp my budget. First I'm taking 10% off the top for my tithes at church. I will add to the EF for baby step 1 and then the remainder towards everything else.

Follow up.
Well I wrote the first few paragraphs earlier, so here is what happened since then.

I found the coupon book at Dollar Tree, I'll use for a few weeks before taking the other back to make sure it holds up.

I have updated my zero balance budget, putting my tithes first and then the EF. I had to cut my pocket/recreation funds but I'm okay with that. I'm loving this zero balance budgeting, the envelope system really works.

Thanks for holding me accountable everyone as I take this journey to financial peace.

Computer back up, yay. I'm going to back everything up. I usually backup any way but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I estimated $60 at the salon and that's exactly what I spent. Saving about $30 by simply doing some things at home.

I decided to try a cosmetology school for a pedicure. It's $10 vs $20 not including a tip if I'd gone to a normal salon.

So I go to the school, walk in a thought this place doesn't look that great. Needless to say I sat in the pedi chair, and the young woman came out with a foot spa. I'm okay with the foot spa but the fact it wasn't clean (appeared not to be), through me for a loop. Then she came out with the pedi kit that didn't look clean as well. I'm thinking hmmmm. Finally what did it for me was the dirty towel she had. I took my feet out of the spa, grabbed my purse, gave her $2 for her troubles and left. I'd rather pay the $20 for a pedi than $10 and an infection.
So I ended up spending $24 on a pedi. I'll stick to the places I know of.

Well looks like the computer crashed. When we turn it on the screen remains black. I've unplugged, restarted etc and nothing.

It's not in my budget and I'm not considering it an emergency so I won't be replacing it. I may just wait until Black Friday and search for a laptop, unless I start saving for one. Wal*Mart has laptops for less than $200. The good thing is, the job provides us a laptop that I can bring home, sign in and use a Google spread sheet to track my expenses. I'm going to miss the MS Money software I use for tracking spending, but the spread sheet will do until I get my own.

Normally I'd use the credit card and buy one but I refuse to go into debt when there is an alternative. Not sure what the fiancé is going to do because he uses the computer to print his bills for clients. I'm sick of making a way, while going into debt. He needs to step up to the plate. I've told him I am not marrying him if he can't step up.

Different note, mom paid me back the money she owed me. She likes the idea of paying her bills online but doesn't know how to do so. Lol. So she tells me to pay the bill and gives me the money. No worries about her paying me back, she's great with money. So I added this $80 back to my checking account.

I purchased the last item through the checking account today, contacts. I'd budgeted $30 for contacts but it turns out they were $39. After I crunch the numbers, I'll have $57.98 cents left in my checking account. Not sure what I did because I created a zero balance budget and their shouldn't be anything left. Strange. Either way I'm transferring this to the EF, baby step 1.

Lastly, I got home really late. We have a wedding to attend so I'll be going to the salon tomorrow. I did budget this cost in. I'm in need of a hair cut and color, but there is no way am I going to spend almost $100 tomorrow. So I permed/relaxed my hair, and colored it. That's saving me about $35-$45. Tomorrow I'm estimating $60 for services, that will include the cut.

The wedding, I budgeted $50 as a cash gift but I'm going to check out their registry tonight to see if I can find items for about $25 total.

That's it for me right now.

It's the end of the week and I reviewed my spending. I'm happy to say that I'm within my budget for this pay period.

The only thing that jumps out at me and I've said this before, are those darn credit cards. $744.01 in minimum payments 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄



Cable is high so I'm going to have to reach out to the company to reduce the service.

I have a 2002 Toyota Camry, 200k+ miles with full coverage, I am thinking I should just get the state required, that will cut my bill down. I'm always nervous about not having enough coverage but the car is only worth about $3,000, if that.

I've applied for another position within the company, it's more money and exposes me to payroll. I think with my benefits background coupled with payroll it would give me a little more leverage. Fingers crossed 🤞🏾.

The boss had an employee in tears three weeks ago, me about two weeks and this week another colleague. It's crazy but they keep her. Hopefully I'll be gone soon.

The church will be hosting another FPU class, so I have signed up again. I really like the class and it's really making a difference.

That's it for now.

Well my new boss (J) has come to the party, he realized that our old boss (D), is a nut.

He came into our office complaining about her. Smh. It's sad because J is a super great guy, very knowledgeable but once again, D can make you feel little. I'm praying that J stays but something tells me that if D continues on the path that she's on, he'll be gone.

I've been applying for jobs, but honestly, I love what I do and the people I work with, it's just D. She was promoted, not due to her knowledge or lack of, but who she knows. Sad, just sad.

On a financial note, we went out to happy hour/dinner at Bone Fish yesterday. I had the $15.99 meal with a $3.50 drink, total $19.49, plus $5.51 tip. Oops I did not calculate the tax. I was going to treat my colleague but I thought about my envelope and spending the $25 I had already accumulated, it actually annoyed me, so I opted out. Dave Ramsey was right, when money leaves you it hurts.

Today we all went to chili's and I spent another $20, thank goodness for my budget envelopes. Even though I'm within my budget I hate spending money eating out. I told the girls that was it for me.

So I'm updating my spending spread sheet and balancing my accounts. I realize I have $66.68 in my checking account that I have for fun. So I transferred $30.68 to EF, that's for baby step 1. I would have transferred all funds but I like leaving a little something in this account.

Ive signed up again for Dave Ramsey's FPU. I'm really enjoying the class and need that extra support

First day in weeks that I did not have a day in that I spent money. I'm soooo happy. 😀

I looked over my budget and what I've actually spent, so far I have over budgeted by $10.44. Hopefully I can continue on this trend for the remainder of the month. What ever money is left from budgeted expenses, I'll just add it to the EF.

Though I haven't cut up the credit cards 💳 yet, I've given them all to my BFF today. I told her that no matter what do not give me those cards 💳. One thing with her is that she is great at keeping me accountable. I can honestly say I haven't used the cards since April until the hurricane in September. I told her that if a storm comes and I ask for it, she should remind me that, that's what the EF is for.

This journey is tough but I know I can do it

Sitting at my desk updating my spending spread sheet and realized I spent almost a grand on paying CCs.

It is absolutely ridiculous what I pay in credit card debt. This pay period alone I paid out $744. I'm so disgusted. I don't even know what I bought and when. 😡🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

$744 can be used for other things like saving for a house, car and retirement and I'm paying this amount on DEBT!

I think the positive thing out of this situation is that I realize it's ridiculous, I've stopped using the CC and I at least have money to pay the bills every month.

Once I hit baby step one of the Dave Ramsey plan I can start tackling this debt, I can't wait.

I've upped my saving amount from $30 to a $100 the next pay period. Reducing spending in other areas.

Budgeted $80 for my hair but it should have been $90, so I decided not to go this week and will go next week only spending $45.

Today was a crazy day, yet slow day. I had a sorority meeting that I just didn't feel like going to so I stayed home.

Secondly, did some shopping at Wal*Mart for a few items and a gift card for a baby shower. Would you believe they only had gift cards for restaurants? 🙄 So I had to go to another store.

I never did make it to the baby shower, and then the fiancé and I headed out to get wings.

I decided to wash my own hair, I was thinking I should had the $45 I would have paid today had I gone to the salon, to my pocket money envelope.

Now I'm just here, watching Alabama beat up on Arkansas. 😀

Last year I was really slacking with my finances. I wasn't balancing my accounts and Go Daddy charged me $180. Didn't catch the charge until about four months later. I thought, I had cancelled the service, but low and behold they charged me again. Ugh! Thank goodness I'm on top of things now, I jumped right on the phone and called them. Now I'm waiting for my refund.

Meantime this charged caused me to go over my limit on the CC incurring another fee😡. I'll be reaching out to BoA to get this taken care of first thing in the morning.

Some good news, I took a look at my spending habits for the last two weeks and I did pretty good for a first time budgeter (new word)lol.

The pluses (+) mean that I actually had money left over and I did not go over my budget.

The negatives (-) represents the amount I went over what was budgeted, so here we go.

Charity +$20
Groceries under budgeted by -$3.57
Savings balanced
Housing balanced
Utilities -$5.56
Personal +$40.85
Debt CC +$26.00
Insurance +$63.36
Medical +$35
Transportation balanced

I'd say I did pretty good as a first timer. I prefer the per pay period/zero budget vs by month, that seems to work for me and provide me a sense of accomplishment.

Another good note I received my Wal*Mart Saving Catcher credit and was able to get my nephew tablet for his birthday for free. Not bad.

Received my $14.84 check from Ebates today, I'm adding this to the EF.

Well tomorrow starts a new pay date and a new budget. I'm so loving this budget thing. I can't believe I've never actually created a budget and stuck to it.

Just eyeballing the numbers, it appears as though, I have over budgeted a few items and have about $200 to play with. I can't actually add the extra to the EF but at least I have few funds to roll over since it's going to be a tough few weeks for me when it comes to money. Pay day is tomorrow, but following that the next paycheck won't be until the 31st 🙄.

For example, this last budget period, I budgeted $80 for transportation. I'm at little less than half a tank of gas right now and tomorrow's pay day. Due to the extra week in October this budget period, I had to add an extra $20 for gas. I spend, about $40 a week on gas 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄. So this applies to all other budgeted categories.

I can't wait to see how I did after the first two week's of budgeting. I'll be crunching the numbers Saturday.

For some reason I'm annoyed.

So I had $20.76 left in my gas ⛽️ envelope. Went to Murphy's, gas there is $2.42 per gallon. All the lights were on at the station but when I tried to go inside, the doors was locked and the attendant stated they were close. I noticed that people were using their cards, but I vowed to not do that.

As I was leaving, I saw a gas ⛽️ truck and figured I'd come back after Bible study 📖, maybe they were low on gas. Who knows?

After Bible study I passed a Wawa, $2.42 a gallon. Went back to Murphy's because Wawa was too busy and of course the location (Murphy's) was still closed. I headed north to a Wawa closer to my house, gas there was $2.44 per gallon. Two cents more, but why am I so mad about it? It's only two cents, but I'm ticked off all the same.

In other financial news, I'm on track with my two week budget and am preparing for the next three weeks, since pay day is on the 31st.

As you all know, I do my Target runs on Sundays and create my meal plans based on the meat 🍖 I get. This week we had chicken breast wrapped in bacon 🥓 . OMG 😲 it was delicious 😋. Tonight I made hamburgers and tomorrow I'll make something with the chicken breast we have. This passed Sunday, there weren't much mark downs, I hope🤞🏾 this coming Sunday there is.

I love this site. I feel like I can share things that I can't share with family and friends when it comes to my finances.

Everyone here has something to offer whether you've always gotten it right or trying to get it right when it comes to finances, you all offer sound advice without judging and I love it.

Earlier today I posted about not spending $80 that I'd budgeted for a bill I had already paid. Well Credit Card Free reminded me that I need to be gazelle intense while tackling baby step 1, so I added the $80 to EF account. SNAFU suggested that I review my gifting for the holiday season last year so I'll be taking a look at what and who received gifts last year and making some adjustments.

Honestly, I'd really like to stay away from the gift exchange at the office. I'm going to review my zero balance budget for the next period to see if I can start earlier (wish I'd started earlier) socking away for Christmas. I think $500 should cover everyone. Maybe less, we will see.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all your help.