Amber's Personal Finance Blog

I paid the $900 on the JCPenny card. The last statement there was a balance of $1069.10, I have since paid the minimum of $35 and now $900. If I'm not mistaken by time the new bill arrives the balance should be about $140, that is sure to be paid off. This would make three CCs in less than one month paid off, while working on CC4 that has a balance of $1500.

If everything works out and I get the $800 from my employer for tuition reimbursement, plus $120 for my mileage reimbursement, I can have CC 4 paid off by mid February.

Everything seems to working out according to plan, as long as I stay blogging I'll stay on track. I can tell you the truth, it sort of hurt to hit the send button for the $900 knowing that this CC hasn't been paid off but knowing that it soon will be helped a bit.

I was suppose to meet a friend tonight for dinner for her birthday but after spending the $900, $20+ at dinner isn't doable right now. I feel bad but as my dad would say " I have food in my refrigerator"

So for the $20 challenge/debt I am proud to add the $900 brining my total to $2647.36

Okay, I have about $900 I can either pay off 1CC that currently has an introductory rate of 0% until about August (I always pay extra on this CC anyway), or I can add this amount to my EF and be half way at reaching my $2000 saved for the year, or pay the $900 on CC 3 that has an interest rate of about 20% and the balance due is $1500. If I pay the $900 on CC3, I should be able to pay the remaining balance of $600 by the end of the month.

Oh geez I forgot, I have a BoA CC that earns cash back, right now the balance is $4600 I was thinking I could pay the $900 on that card and free up a little money that way anything charged on thus card I can earn cash while paying the minimum along with what was charged in full each month, that way I could earn some extra cash as well.

I'm taking any suggestions at this point.

Well today was almost a no spend day until I went to Verizon. I ordered a hotspot for my tablet but soon realize it was cheaper to add the service to my cell phone and more convenient thancarrying another device so I took the jetpack back.

Only to be told there is a $35 restock fee however since I was within a certain time span it cost me $13.81, saving me $21.19 (of course I added this to my challenge) .

Today's total to challenge saving $29.19
$2 breakfast
$2 lunch
$2 dinner
$1 workout
$1 Bible read
$ 21.19 Verizon

Well as you all know I paid off CC1 and 2 totaling $1747.36, the sad part is I owe over $11, 000 in CC debt. Goal is to get this debt down by half by August.

On a diffrent note, I received an email from HR requesting that I submit my grades, hopefully I'll receive the $800 I was originally approved for being that I have since changed my major. Please keep your fingers crossed.

In the end here's today's total:
$3 Car wash

$20 Challenge
--$8 added to savings ($2 breakfast, $2 lunch; $2 dinner; $1 Bible reading $1 weighted hula hoop)
-- $1747.36 Debt

All in all today was an amazing day.

Woke up this morning and paid off CC1 and CC2 total cost for both, $1726.63; well worth it.

Next I emailed our HR department. I was offered tuition reimbursement but I have since changed my program degree and wasn't going to ask for the money. But a thought came you could use that money , about $800 to pay off CC3, so I asked. Now I'm just in wait mode, the least they could say is no and I wasn't expecting the money anyway.

So today's challenge a whopping $1726

Whew, super busy. First day back to work and we lost a coworker who was terminated last week. Honestly, she wasn't great for the job but I also think she was set up only because she was handed a mess and wasn't properly trained, the Agency failed her.

After work I hit Wall*Mart; not one of my favorite places, but I needed some items. Keep in mind I end up in a line with a problem and a manager was called. Next I went to another line to be skipped and the woman ahead of me held the line up checking price after price after price, only to tell the cashier she did not want the 15 or so items.

Next I made it home, updated my MS Money, made dinner, hula whooped for 20 minutes, completed the required professional development quizzes for grad school, read a chapter in my Bible, showered and now finally in bed. I am super tired, it seems as though there aren't enough hours in a day.

All in all I was able to add $18 to my challenge, giving me a grand total
of $26 since the start of the new year.
-$2 breakfast
- $2 lunch
-$ dinner
-$ 1 Bible read
$-1 work out
-$10 weekly $10 deposit to challenge.

Today ended on a good note. I am using ghee tablet, so I do not have my daily spending amount for today ( added to MS Money on the laptop).

I used the weighted hula hoop for about 35 minutes burning 207 calories.

I've decided to start slow and hit the gym twice a week , with a little cardio and strengthening.

$20 Challenge update:
$2 breakfast at home
$2 lunch at home
$2 dinner at home
$1 workout
$1 Bible read
Total $ 8.

Not bad for day one

Wow this day has hit a lot of bumps.

First my cellphone no longer works, and cost me $105 to upgrade. I do not buy the insurance because usually what I pay a month, adds up to more than if I upgrade after two years.

Next I went to Wal*Mart to purchase a new case and film cover (old one would not fit); cost, about $30.

Then I headed to Sam's to have my tires rotated, but they were closed

On a good note, so far I've had breakfast and lunch at home, so I will add $2 to the challenge. Next I used my weighted hoops for twenty five minutes therefore, $1 will be added to the Challenge.

Now it's time to relax a little before I tackle some things for school.

Happy New Year everyone!



Well it is day one of the new year. So I have decided to list my goals.

1. Pay off CCs 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Save $2000
3. Visit any state and tour
4. Get all As this semester
5. Purchase the villa I'm currently living in
6. Graduate with my Master's in Human Resource Management
7. Land a much better job
8. Do a little bit more networking and community activities
9. Cancel gym membership by 2/15, if we are not consistant

I think that's it. I made these so simple but doable

Went to visit my dad and my brother gave me $20.00
I simply added it to my challenge. This was a really nice surprise.

Well I'm bringing in the new year alone , the BF decided he did not want to leave his mother alone. I think I'm being selfish but it's almost a month since his dad has died and he has spent all his time with his mother, so much that I asked him if he'd like to move in with her.

Even his other siblings has gone about their day to day activities.

I am aware that things change when death knocks but , don't forget I'm here too.

Just needed to vent a little.

Have s happy and safe new year's.

Tomorrow is the 31st and before the year has ended I'd like to pay off CCs 1, 2, and 3. This will mean that the EF will be a little bit low but atleast I'll have three CC paid off and half way to paying off the 4th.

I asked the BF for the $400 he was short and received it. I told him what the bills average a month and the day I'd like the funds (25th) each month. At this point I explain I do not care how he gives me the money so long as he has his share by the 25th.

Well I plan on having a heart to heart with the BF. He has to do better financially. He spends money foolishly and now he is short $400 for this month's up coming bills.

The day after Christmas he took his entire family to breakfasts and spent $200 because that's what his dad use to do and he feels responsible to take care of the family. That's fine so long as you can afford it but you can't. I know he is grieving but he has to think rationally.

Next he finds out his 16 year old daughter is pregnant and I have made it clear she cannot live with us. Now if he wants to move out and help raise his grandchild that is fine with me because I'm not going to foot that bill.

This year is ending on a sour note. My BF losses his dad last night and it was unexpected.

Please keep him and the family in your prayers

Wow my boss was fired, I personally do not think it was right but who am I.

The job is very demanding, we are all working beyond what we should for hardly any pay or benefits for that matter but I am thankful for a job.

I'm a little sad about it though.

I am not sure where the weekends go but this one zoomed right on by.

Friday wasn't a good day, my boss and mentor was terminated. It really saddens me. Yes what she did was wrong but the demands that was put on her, I believe and everyone else with the exception of the CEO believes she had no other choice. I'm really sad about it. A written warning should have been provided.

On a different note, I haven't been to the gym since Thursday
Today I bought dinner, so I added $20 to my challenge/debt. I also forgot to add the $9 from yesterday so that was also added.

We put our first tree up and it came along pretty well so I'm excited about that.

We also attended out local community's tree lighting, that is always fun.

I can't think of anything else so I'll end it with that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well that's it in a nutshell.

Well I thought today was going well until...

The BF mentioned he needs to borrow money. I don't know how much, so no answer was given. I'm leaving it at that for now.

On a different note (more positive that is) I did not eat out today so $6 was added to the $20 Challenge/debt (CC1)I also went to the gym so I added $2 to the $20 Challenge/EF account.

School is whining down and I'll have a little break after the 8th, whew.

Other than that, that was my day in a nutshell

Well today was a good day, added $6 to the Challenge (CC1 debt) because I had breakfast at home, packed my lunch, and had a home cooked meal for dinner. $6 is a lot less vs. had I gone out and bought breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I also used coupons today; saving $1.50, so I added what I saved to my $20 Challenge/EF.

Lastly, I didn't make it to the gym but I did work out at home using my weighted hula hoops for 15 minutes burning 104 calories

I'm really proud of my self

Made it to the gym, so I'm adding $2 to the Challenge.

Also bought dinner, $18 so I added another $18 to the challenge.
Grand total $20 plus $4 from earlier was $24 added to my challenge, all of which was paid on CC2.

Bad news BF just said to me he will need for me to pay rent this month coming, I am not a happy camper about this.
He really needs to get his crap together. I know I've complained and some will say leave or shut up but like anything else it's hard but I'm really considering moving into my own place vs. renewing the lease in February.

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

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

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

Last night the BF and I had a date night, we really needed it. Dinner, my treat, was just a little over $30 and the movie, his treat, was $14 plus $3 for popcorn. I brought in my own drink. We saw "Lincoln" and I enjoyed it.

On a different note, he has managed to get himself screwed up again with his child support. I have told him time and time again to simply send an extra $100 a month to catch up but for some reason he won't. However, he can give his kids what ever they want (i.e. laptop, new cell).

I think it's hard for me to understand being that I don't have children but I believe it's okay to say no, especially when it's not a must.

So with that said, I'm back saving, paying down debt, and focusing on grad school.

I'm not sure what God has planned but I'm sure it's for the best.

Now I'm heading to the gym (3xs this weekend) and adding another $2 to the $20 Challenge (CC1 debt). So far this weekend I have paid an extra $6 on the CC. I figured, on average I should be adding an extra $10 a week that equals an extra $40 a month paid on the CC by simply going to the gym. Works for me

Started the day off with a nice little work out at the gym, then used my weighted hula hoop and a light breakfast.

Now I'm just spending my Saturday relaxing. The BF went to team up with his family for a photo so I have the entire day, at least for a little bit, all to myself.

Being that I went to the gym today I added $2 to my challenge, goal is to pay off CC1 by December 31st and it looks like its going to happen.

I finally went to the gym this morning so I added $2 to my challenge.

I have been paying for a gym membership for some time now and can count on one hand how many times I have been.

I asked the BF if he wanted to go and of course he said no, glad I was already dressed and ready to go because I might have changed my mind.

Hope everyone is enjoying their day.

Today, I simply stayed home and prepared a very small meal. Just not in the mood to go anywhere.

Mom called out of the blue and invited me over, very surprising (we haven't spoke in almost a year). So I went by for a few minutes.

I have a lot to be thankful for that is for sure.

Enjoy the rest of your day everyone.

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

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

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

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

Hi all!

Since my last post, I have started grad school and it is challenging yet rewarding. I started in August and will be graduating in August of 2013.

For the last few months I have stuck to my goal of socking away 4% of my take home pay to my IRA and EF

However on a different note, I wrecked my car in a parking garage ( hit a pole) and it will cost $950 just to paint one side but I'm going to get additional qoutes that seems a bit high for me.

Also I'm still looking for a better paying job

Still not speaking to my mom and the back pain has not subsided.
I called the ortho to schedule a MRI

That's it in a nutshell for me.

Walgreens is offering a free 8 x 10 photo today, you must use the "zeroprint" code at check out.

This is great because I saved $2.99 on our vacation photo, that I am adding to the challenge.

I headed to the gym today, had breakfast and lunch at home, then dinner at a friend's

The only spending that took place today, was the $25 donation to the bridal shower of a friend.

I was able to add $4 to my challenge

Trying to stay focus

Day 2 and once again I had breakfast at home, packed my lunch and had dinner at home

So I have added $6 to the challenge ($3 for the EF and $3 on CC1).

On different note, I just received a call from one of the girls who is in my friend's wedding with me asking for $25

I have never been in a wedding where the bridal party pays for a bridal shower. All I can say is I can't wait until this wedding is over.

I say this every time I stop saving, but if I do not blog I do not save. For some reason, I feel obligated and guilty if I spend foolishly while I am blogging. So I'm back again for the 100th time this year.

Starting off fresh. Today I had breakfast at home, packed my lunch and just prepared dinner; so I have add $6 to the $20 Challenge ($3 to EF and $3 to CC1).

School starts in a few weeks and I am excited about that. I am still employed but am looking for a more challenging job, so please keep your fingers crossed.

As now that's it for me, getting ready to watch the Olympics. Lol, I am cheering for two countries; the U.S. and Jamaica.