Amber's Personal Finance Blog

Though eating out appears to be less expensive, in some cases, than eating in, I have managed to eat at home since August has started. 

I'm hoping to reduce my food bill this month. I shopped yesterday at Trader Joe's, which is far less than our local grocery store. 

Things have gotten so expensive. It's times like these that I really miss my dad, he grew all sorts of fruits and vegetables, I don't have a yard to do so. I think I'm going to look into a raised garden. 

Well on my way to visit my friend I felt water dropping in my foot. I’m two hours away from home. I pray this is not something serious. I’ll call the mechanic on Monday. 

wendy to check in at the hotel and my reservations were not made. It looks like I never hit saved. Thankfully we got a room. 

When it rains it pours 

I’m going to visit a friend who has cancer, as I mentioned before, fear often holds us back. It’s a two-hour drive and I’m fearful to take the ride alone so my ex is going. I’ve got to jump out on faith and just do things. 

I rented a room for one night, which cost $82. I could have stayed with my friend but she has cats and I can’t stand them. 

I was lucky to get a room at a reduced rate using a few points. Well my ex wanted to go early, and leave yesterday, I told him if he wanted to go early, he need to foot the bill for the room, which was 100+ dollars and I needed the money upfront if I was booking. 

Well as you can see we aren’t going early. One he doesn’t have the money, and two, I’m no longer footing the bill for anything he suggests or wants, nor am I  waiting for him to reimburse me as he always says. I was always booking the trip and he’ll give me the money back supposedly but it’s either I never see the money or he’s short when he pays me.

I foot the bill for a trip to NY a while back that he was supposed to pay me back which I never got. This is not happening to me again.  Nope. 

I bought my home a few years ago, and ever since I’ve started making payments, I always pay a little extra extra towards the principal. Sometimes it’s $10, $800, $60, it’s always something. I swear this was/is the best decision I’ve ever made financially. My goal is to have my mortgage paid off early, and I think it’s going to happen. 

When mortgage rates were low, I refinanced. I was nervous as hell to do so but I did. I did some research on why I should, spoke with two friends who are financially savvy, I think I also posted here. Either way I got some good advice, and understood why it would be beneficial to me yo do so. 

I ended up getting my rate down to 2.75% and reduced by $200 a month. The money saved from the refinance,  I used to help throw at my student loans. 

I’d shared with my sister to refinance her mortgage and shared why it would have been beneficial, she refused. Once before she’d done this and locked into a balloon mortgage and lost her home (2008). I told her she was wiser now and to ensure that the rate was fixed. She now regrets not doing so, especially with rate hikes in Florida’s homeowners insurance. That’s a different story. 

I can’t help but wonder how fear hold so many of us back, myself included. 

Once I get these student loans gone, I’m going to throw that amount at my mortgage. I can’t wait to do so. I honestly think I’ll be debt free including my mortgage in 10 years. I’ll see. 

today I'll make my September mortgage payment (I like to pay early), for now I’m going to continue to add extra to mortgage, I’m averaging about $60 a month. 

One of my goals for 2023 was to knock out 1/3 of my student loans. I am way benhind on this goal, I've paid just over $2,000. This really ticks me off. I've had so many expenses come up, I can only think that had I not had these this thing would be gone. 

Nothing like crunching the numbers for a reality check. Starting September I'll throw about $1000 a month to it, that's about $4,000 by the end of year. I'm estimating that it will take me two years to pay this thing off. 

Fingers crossed 

I'm not saying I'm perfect, Lord knows when it came to finances I made some mistakes; however I'm taking those mistakes and learning from it. 

I was chatting with my ex, thank God he no longer lives with me, and he was telling me how hard he was hustling to come up with $700 to fix a roof. $700!

 I don't know why but I felt so bad for him. All I can think was that you are 51 years old, in a job that is high risk that can cause you to stop working in a split  second and you're struggling to come up with $700. It's really sad. 

he always have the nerve to say "I've never been in this position."

I had to remind him that he's always in that position and that when he gets a check he needs to put something aside. 

Poor guy, he's got a big heart, but what he's doing, taking on caring for his mom 100% without preparing for his future, is a huge mistake. 

I’m still crunching the numbers but I can say dining out was my second largest expense for July, first was home repairs. 

I’ve committed to eating out less this month. With the exception of visiting a friend who was diagnosed with an illness, and a planned vacation the end of the month, I do not plan on eating out. I’ll post the numbers early next week. 

I’ve screwed up badly, I have no idea where my mind is. First I write a check for the fence on the wrong account which bounced, costing me $25. Next I use my CC to pay for the fence since the check was written on the wrong account, then paid the CC bill from the wrong account, causing an overdraft 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄. I’ll call Bank of America to make sure I’m signed up for overdraft protection. I never signed up because I never overdraft. First time for everything. 

I’ve got to slow down. I don’t know why I always feel rushed. This behavior has cost me.

Physical news. My blood pressure is slightly elevated, the company I work for reimbursed me for walking pad (treadmill), and I’ve been working to get this thing down. I’ve been exercising daily; however, I need to change my eating habits. 

I’m slowly but surely getting my feet wet with investing. I’ve opened an IRA, not much, however, I contribute monthly so that I have funds to invest with. 

I only purchase stocks of those organizations that I’m loyal to, some pay dividends some don’t.  I can honestly say, that they’re (stocks) doing pretty good, even in these times. I am happy because I  feel like I made some good choices. I still have a lot to learn though. 

My best performing stocks is Walmart and Costco, my worst, Nike. Nike was also my first ever purchase. However, for the most part I’ve seen a positive gain over all. Sometimes I can kick myself because I hadn’t purchased more, especially of the Costco stock. 

I’m proud of myself for stepping out. I am way behind the eight ball and I’m looking forward to getting this student loan down, so that I’ll have more funds to invest. 

I’ve decided that for every $5k paid off on the student loan I’m going to increase my 401(k) contribution by 1%. I should have the loan at $30k by December. It sucks that the student loan interest is starting back up. For me it means I have to decrease my IRA contribution temporarily and throw the funds at the student loans. 

I’m not going to lie, it would have been a huge help had the loan forgiveness went through. I’m glad I kept paying when the interest rates were frozen. I wish I could get another year, lol but oh well. 

For me the ability to throw $2k or $5 at a time on my loan felt great. Now I have a payment of $319, I’m readjusting my budget so that I’m ready. I hope others are as well. 

Student loan payment kicks back up in October. I wish I was in a position to be much more aggressive with paying things off but hey, I got this thing down to just over $32,0000 when I was close to 90k, so I’m happy with that. I’ve been throwing extra when ever I can, sometimes the amount is as little as $8, by doing this for the month of July I paid $584 towards my student loans. 

My fence is falling apart so I had to get a replacement, HOA requires it. I was able to pay cash (half down) to get the job started. I also took the money out of my money market account and paid off my shutters and kitchen. It stung, to take $8k out but it’s better than paying interest on a CC, and I still have enough saved to cover my expenses for about 6-8 months. 

I feel like everything with the house is falling apart all at once. I had to replace my water heater, refrigerator, cabinets, and now the fence. 

I also decided to do something fun for myself once a quarter. I know I should throw at debt; however, I need these breaks. Good thing is, I’m able to pay cash. 

So basically I’m just bracing my self for the student loan payments to start back up. 

I crunched the numbers and I realized with every pay check I’m saving about 45% of my income.

Though most of the savings go towards future expenses (e.g. mortgage, HOA, Christmas fund, vacation fund) I’m still saving.

I remember when there was a time when saving wasn’t an option for me. 

Though I beat myself up regularly, I'm my worst critic, I need to remind myself of where I've come from. It's been a long short journey. It felt as though I'd never see the day where my debts were low and cash was saved, yet it feels like I just started this journey. 

One of my biggest weaknesses when it comes to my finances continuing on the right track. I get sidelined easily. 

I noticed when I’m not blogging, reading, watching, or listening about finances I accumulate debt. Shamefully I used my Home Depot, and BoA credit card to get some much-needed repairs for the house, and used my house savings. I do believe that I added more to the BoA CC, matter of fact I know I did. So I did the thing took the money from my long-term savings, $8000, and paid the card off.  

I also decided to start back blogging, reading, and basically staying engaged with my finances. I haven’t quite figured out my triggers. 

I am glad that I aggressively paid down my student loans,  I’m still paying on them not as aggressively, my salary slightly reduced but I’m back at it, paying just over $300 a month. 

I'll update my sidebar later. 

Back for now. 

I was out for a work conference all all the ladies carried, Gucci, YSL, Fendi or Louis Vuitton handbags. I'll admit I felt ashamed, out of place. I hate feeling like this. 

I said a little prayer and asked God to take the need/want of having what others have away from me. It's hard. 

I'm so happy to hear that the Supreme Court has allowed the $6 billion student loan debt settlement. There's still another case pending but this is good news. 

I've been privileged enough to knock my debt down from $80k+ to just over $30k during the freeze on interest. I also consolidated my loan. I'll continue to pay and if I'm granted a forgiveness, I'll be thankful and if I don't I'll still be thankful because over the last two and a half years I accumulated no interest. 

I don't know why people have a problem with this loan forgiveness but hey. I still think that the student loan debt guarantee needs to done with. Lenders would be more cautious with lending if this wasn't the case. 

I haven't updated my sidebar but will do so over the weekend. 

Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Whew, this has been a pretty productive week. 

I’ve managed to knock everything off of my to-do list. 

Today I received my final payment from my former employer. I was able to save some funds for my car, sinking funds, and EF. 

I also added $500 to the credit cards and $100 to the student loan. In addition, I get an extra 300+ dollars to use towards what I want from my employer every quarter, a nice little perk, so I’ll be adding that toward my student loans. 

This week I feel as though I'm making progress 

I’m happy because though I’m nervous about my role, things are still coming together. My official training kicks off next week, wish me luck. 

I just got word that an employee with my old company was terminated today. The executive director and another director were not going to stop until they terminated this employee. I shared my concerns with my regional manager who did nothing. While there I pushed back on this because it was indeed retaliatory in nature. 

I wish I could tell the employee what I know. 

The primary reason I left was due to this mess.  

Working in HR is tough. There are some cut throat managers out there, and often as HR professionals we advocate for the employee however the final decision is the manager’s even when we don’t agree. 

Sadly, I’d love to see more legislation on bullying and harassment in the workplace, it sucks because this can be touchy; however, situation such as this makes me really want to push towards it. Sad just sad 

We 

It’s been months since I actually looked at my spending, needless to say , it was out of control. Primarily my spending was on things for the house. 

Since quitting that toxic job that made me too exhausted to do anything, tonight I was able to catch up on balancing my accounts and entering receipts. I still have a few more accounts to reconcile but at least I’m in a much better place than I was a few weeks ago. 

I also updated my planner, so that I’m on a work schedule, working from home can go sideways if you don’t stick to a schedule. 

It feels good to be getting back on track. 

Lastly, I had the opportunity to meet up with a few friends this weekend, we haven’t seen each other in 20 years. Though it was sort of planned but not planned, meaning I didn’t budget for it but knew about it, just learned two weeks ago about the meetup, I’m glad I went. I only ended up paying for my lodging and gas. 

oops I failed to mention, last month was my SA anniversary. I've been blogging on this site now for 17 years 

Talk me off the cliff. I am getting the new car itch. I just paid over $2k to fix my car, actually close to $3k and I have almost 300k miles on it. She runs good and the mechanic told me it’s a good car. 

It sucks because I recently used my CC it redo the kitchen, the under-sink cabinet collapsed and all others were falling off the hinges. If I could have held off I would have, but when the base of the cabinet collapsed I knew it was time. I have the cash but I feel like it wasn’t an emergency and I knew things were collapsing so I should have saved. I also got hurricane shutters, another none emergency but I can’t seem to find anyone to help me put up and take down the boards whenever a storm was coming. So having the ability to close and open works for. I cleaned out my home fund paying toward the shutters. 

Back to the car, last week I went to a formal event. I had no choice but to the valet park. As I sat and watched all the new cars pull up I felt a sense of shame. Why? I don’t know. I didn’t want anyone to see me get into my car, I was so embarrassed. Since I’ve been on this journey, I haven’t felt this way but now the more I look at my car the more I’m not liking it. I’m not sure where this feeling of shame came from. 

I am planning on adding a fresh coat of paint, which I think will help. I just hate that I’m not in a situation to buy another car. 

In other news, I’m still throwing money at my student loans and working to pay off my kitchen, which should be paid by June/July. I’ll update my side car later. 

Lastly, I quit that toxic job and landed a fully remote position. It’s about $10k less but when I factor in the benefits, fully paid medical, dental, vision, up to 45% match 401(k), unlimited PTO, bonus, it’s way more that I was making. 

So that’s it 

Closing out the year in a not so good of a shape. 

I added both the kitchen remodel and shutters to my credit cards, brining my balance to just over $7k. One card, Home Depot, is interest free until December 2023. Shutters still isn’t complete, I have a call to company. Once complete it will be another $3k, remaining balance. 

I didn’t hit my EF savings goals of $5k, I just made $4k, new balance is $18k. Goal for next year to get to $27k. 

My bank account was hacked for about $18k but I got the money back and changed my account number. 

Since starting this new job I’ve been all over the place with my finances, no budgets no savings etc. I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’ve been looking for work. I hate I didn’t continue with the consulting. 

I took the least expensive route in redoing my kitchen, hired a friend. Though it looks okay, it is costing me more. One cabinet isn’t on properly, crown molding not added, under mount sink is hitting against the pipe, drawers are on wrong, it’s just been a mess but I’ll make do with what I have. Kitchen needed to be done because the under sink had collapsed due to water damage and other cabinets were falling apart. 

I’ve still been paying on my student loans but not as aggressively as I’d like. 

I am so ready for 2023

The application to apply for relief finally opened and I applied. Fingers crossed that I get something. In the meantime, I'll keep paying 

I think I may have received partial student loan forgiveness. I had applied to consolidate the last two loans in hopes that I would receive the full $20k, my consolidation app is still in progress, but when I logged in to make a payment my new balance was $29,999.92; down from $35,500. I'm a little bummed but thankful. I'll take whatever. 

I'll follow up on Monday and continue to make payments. It's strange that the balance is low but no information is provided as to why.  My goal is to be done with this loan sometime next year. 

Thank goodness the storm passed us by, we had a few tornadoes and a ton of rain with fierce winds; however, our west coast friends did not do much. 

There is massive damage on the west coast. I’m thankful it didn’t hit us but I’m also sad it made landfall in another area. 

Keep Florida in your prayers. 

Well prayerfully we won’t get hit with a storm. 

I literally just got an estimate on hurricane shutters, $6k for all windows. The good thing is I won’t have to run around trying to get plywood, nails and someone to put them up once they’re installed. Not to mention, I think I also get a decrease on my homeowners insurance. I’m thankful I have the cash to pay for it. 

With the storm approaching I’m also thankful I locked in my price prior. Things tends to go up around here once there is a hurricane. 

Last week at work was much better, I’m still looking for another job though. I decided to put my foot down and not let that nitwit administrator run my department. S/he’s an idiot, and is now officially on my documentation list. I shared with my assistant that s/he isn’t to have one conversation with him/her without me as a witness and vice versa. I hate when things comes to this, especially since I’ve only been there a month, but this individual is trouble so I need to cover my 

a🤬 until I find another job. 

Everyone complains about this individual, but won’t share with the executive. I’ve shared my concerns with my executive and it’s whatever, well at least it appears that way.

Other news, I’ve applied to consolidate my student loan today. This will give me more bang for my buck if I am eligible for the loan forgiveness, it will allow for the full $20k pay off.  I’m just shy four years for 100% loan forgiveness, I worked at a nonprofit for about 6 years total 

I started this job and it is complete chaos. I really want to quit but I have nothing else lined up. 

First, the so called training was inadequate. Next I didn’t have access to things I needed to get my job done, then they hired an assistant for me, one who has no skills in the profession or even computer skills, so not only am I learning my role but I’m also training someone else on HR and computer things such as Adobe, Excel etc. don’t get me wrong, I really like my assistant, however, I need someone who has some bit of knowledge. 

Its grand central station, even with a sign that reads do not disturb meeting in progress hanging on my door people will knock at the door until I answer. There is one deadline after another. Its crazy. This place, though they’ve been around for years, is like a startup on steroids and I’ve had my share of startups. Noting compares to this. 

Friday I left early because my blood pressure was sky high and I had a nose bleed. SMH 

Needless to say that after 30-days of working there I am back on high blood pressure medication. 

My predecessor lasted four months and his/her predecessor lasted a year. 

I am going to take a look at my finances. First I have to consolidate my student loans, that way I can reap the benefits of the full 20k forgiveness. 

Next im going to have to find out the cost if health insurance. Now that I am back on meds I can’t go without. 

I hate this. Weird thing is something told me not to take this job. 

Just dropped $500 on my student loans. If feels good to be able to start this back up aggressively paying it off after a few months hiatus. 

Though I’d love to see my lower balance loan knocked out, it makes more sense financially to tackle the larger loan since there is interest involved, and payments will resume in January. I’m still hoping I see some forgiveness but if not at least I know I’m working on it 

I wish there was a change in the repayment practices though. It makes no sense to make payments for years only to see the loan increase. Ridiculous 

I'm confused about which student loan to tackle. 

student loan 3 has a balance of $7700 with no interest. Student loan 4 has a balance of $27,600 with interest. 

I don't think I'm eligible for the loan forgiveness and I'm not upset about it. However, my dilemma is whether should I pay the loan that has no interest or the one with an interest balance in hopes that I do get forgiveness. 

Another part of me is telling me to knock this $7700 balance out quickly 

Lord, I pray that I'm eligible for the student loan forgiveness. 

Biden made the announcement and I have no clue if I'm a part of the eligibility group. 

Fingers crossed s 

Started the new job last week and it’s been wild. I’ve been so busy that I can’t even come up for air. 

The first week I really struggled. It was crazy busy, a bit unorganized and my manager kept bugging me. S/he wants to make sure I’m “happy” and yet I find him/her a little over bearing. I also dreaded heading back to the office. 

Week two, still crazy but I’m starting to get the gist of things. 

Though it’s crazy, I’m happy. Everyone is nice, not saying there aren’t problem children but for the most part it’s good. 

The salary is a tad bit lower than I wanted, $105k a year, however it’s still doable. Take home I’m estimating $2500-2700 bi-weekly. Benefits, medical I’m paying less $90 a month, there’s a 50% 401(k) match up to 6%, and the company contributes annually to your HSA. Benefits kicks in day one. I also have my own parking space, and lunch is provided daily. 

I’m looking forward to getting back on a budget.

lastly my kitchen is still a mess 

Looks like I’m just going to go with Home Depot on the cabinets. People are t showing nor are they responding. I’m not sure what is going on but this is really frustrating. 

I applied for one of their credit cards, it’s interest free for six months. So I’ll buy the cabinets and pay cash to have installed. 

I started the new job today. It was great but I’m depressed. I realize I don’t want to work and I’m in no shape or form to even consider this option. I can just beat myself up with all the financial mistakes I’ve made. I hate it! 

I hope I get out of this depression mode real soon, I have no clue what I need to do at this moment. I haven't been depressed in a long time. Thankfully I'm not having suicidal thoughts, so I guess that's a good thing 

I’ve been bummed about going back into the office but I’m also excited about the income I’ll receive. 

Tuesday I start the new job. In the middle of all that I finally got one of  the calls I wanted and landed a contract for $2500 a month. 

Had I got this call prior to being offered the job, I would not have taken the job that is paying the $105k a year. But God works in mysterious ways. 

I was hesitant about letting the new client know I’d taken another role but decided to do so. My conscious was nudging at me. Anyway it worked out, they still want my services and all I can think about it goodbye student loans. 

Leading up to my new job, I decluttered my house with the exception of the kitchen and living room. My kitchen cabinet (sink) finally collapsed, others are on its way. It’s been hell trying to get them replaced. I finally decided to just go with Home Depot. Yes it will be a bit more expensive but guess what? It will be done. I’m finding that Independent contractors either don’t call back, don’t show up, when they do show its radio silence afterwards, or its a combination of everything. Honestly I’m overwhelmed by it. Never thought that trying to replace cabinets would be so difficult.