Amber's Personal Finance Blog

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. 

I have been living in my home for about 11 years, it’s only been the last three that I’ve actually owned it. 

Well nothing broke during the time I was here and renting but now it seems like everything is falling apart. 

I’ve mentioned my kitchen cabinets before and have been holding off. Well yesterday, underneath the sink, it collapsed completely. SMH. There was some minor water damaged but I think after the pipe debacle it got worst. So I just decided to go ahead and replace the cabinets. I’ve reached out to three organization’s for quotes. I’ll be buying the cabinets from Home Depot, vs having custom cabinets made and having them installed. 

Next I think my fence needs to be done, it’s leaning a bit, so I’m planning and preparing for that as well. The fence is a must, required by the HOA. 

When it rains it pours. 

Other news, I signed the offer letter. I want to pay off the remaining student loan and my mortgage. This new gig should get me there. With the potential to bonus $15k a year, I should be able to do it. 

Well I got the job, not the work from home position but hey. Salary, $105k a year with the potential to earn up to 15% bonus. 

I was confused about which job to take but this one, though in office, I was leaning towards since the role paid more. 

There’s still a chance that the other company may make an offer. If so, I can weigh my options. Though less, my earning potential is greater because I can pick up additional clients. 

Other news, I didn’t win the Megaball, lol. I see it’s now at a billion dollars. I did purchase advance tickets so I don’t have to stand in long lines. I normally don’t play lotto but since the pot was so large I said why not. 

I’m still trucking along with decluttering, the laundry room and guest bath are all now clutter free. Time to tackle the office. 

I spent quite a bit getting my house in order and you know what?  I don’t care. 

I couldn’t figure out why I was depressed. 

Why I wasn’t in any mood to do anything. Then I read a post/article, oh no it was a book about your space and how it could depress you. 

Things in my home looked cluttered, messy, I felt unorganized, drained, exhausted for no reason. 

Then I decided to hell with it, get this bedroom in order, then it was the linen closet, next my main walk-in closet then my bathroom and the guest bathroom. 

I’ll admit my walk-in closet have me anxiety, I was afraid to even start but it took me only two hours, that I broke up, to complete. These last few days I’ve had more energy that I’ve had in a while. I even slept better. 

The most rewarding feeling was being able to quickly find things that I need now in my bathroom and room. I feel liberated. 

By doing all this purging, decluttering and trashing of goods, I realize that I spent way too much money on junk, in the past, most of this stuff was old. 

I think I want to embrace the minimalist lifestyle. I no longer find the urge to have a 100 pair of jeans or a ton of shoes. It too much stuff. I have friends who turned spare bedrooms into closets, I can’t believe I even considered this. 

While in target, hmm I think it was  TJ Maxx, either way, I had the urge to buy this cute little dress. I immediately thought, if you buy this dress, which dress would you get rid of? I couldn’t think of any so I left it. I no longer what stuff. 

Anyone here a minimalist? 

After creating a clutter free clean space, I feel and slept great. The last few nights are the best nights I’ve slept in a long time. I finally got my bedroom cleaned and clutter free, Thursday I completed the walk-in closet. Today I’ll tackle my bathrooms and laundry room. I’m so ready to live a clutter free and clean lifestyle.   

The painter is scheduled to come today to complete the hallway and guest bath. I’m feeling great about this, nothing like a fresh cost of paint. 

Other news, I completed my third interview with one company, the executive director is eager to get me on board, meantime I have my fourth interview with the company I really want on Monday. The second company is moving really slow though . 

I finally heard back from a potential client, fingers crossed that I get this gig. If so, that puts me at about $3k a month extra. That’s contingent upon taking job offer one or two. You know where my mind is going, student loans. 😊

Hope you all have a great day 

I got the call for the fourth and final interview. I'm so excited. This job would be everything I need and want. Fingers crossed. 

The interview with the teaching gig went well. This would be a part time contract gig, I submitted my writing sample today. We will see how it goes. 

I also sent over my proposal on a contract so fingers crossed on that one as well. I'm pretty sure I have that one. 

In financial news I earned another $100 gift card,  tomorrow I'll wrap up another article and that will be an additional  $100 gift card  

Lastly I started on the closet,  it looks good,  I tackled the top shelf, and tomorrow I'll tackle one side of the closet.  Though I want this space decluttered like yesterday, I'm taking my time cleaning this mess, I get anxiety when working my way through this junk

Third interview went well. I’m super excited about the potential of joining a great company with great benefits and making a pivot in my career. Everyone I interviewed with was awesome! 

In addition to my third interview, I also landed another freelance HR gig, I’m looking forward to tackling this project. It’s a small organization that need to put some policies and practices in place. 

Tomorrow I have an interview with an organization to potentially teach a HR business course and Friday I have a third interview with another organization. Things are looking great. 

I also did a little decluttering again today, clearing out three sections in the bedroom. I’m so excited to have gotten these things done, the room is coming along nicely. The weekend I plan on tackling my closet. This space is so cluttered it gives me anxiety but it has to get done. 

My accountant finally completed my taxes, I’ll be meeting with him today to review, the amount owed is $2500. I like him and he’s great at what he does but he’s extremely slow and it drives me nuts. 

I normally do my own but since I had the business I opted to let him do it. 

Other news, I decided to paint my vanity, I’d been looking for one and thought hmm why? You have a perfectly good one, just clean it up and paint it. You know what? I’m glad I did, because she looks great! 

When I bought the furniture, I only bought one nightstand and a dresser. Well I’m going to try and paint the old nightstands. If they turn out as good as the vanity, I’ll stack them and place in my closet vs. buying a new (or used) dresser to go in there. 

I tell ya, since I’ve started redoing my room, I’m in a much happier place. The clutter is gone and I feel so good about the space. 

Lastly, I have a meeting with a potential client today and a third round interview, wish me luck. 

Checking in, it’s been a wild week. 

Many of you know I’ve been saving to get new bedroom furniture, well every time I save the money, I threw it towards my student loans. 

Well this time, I just couldn’t do it anymore. The drawers were falling apart, the headboard wasn’t attached to the bed, so it kept moving, some of the drawer bottom pieces were collapsing. 

This set was given to me almost 13 years ago and the owner had it for about five years then, so it served its purpose. 

One furniture store had its Black Friday sale so I took this opportunity to purchase a night stand and dresser, cost, about $1000. I tried Facebook market place but people were not responding, and I also tried a few thrift stores, with no luck. 

One thing  I’ve learned while shopping for furniture, the drawers aren’t as deep any more, and there is a fee to deliver and a fee to bring your furniture into your home. That’s right, you’ll pay to have your furniture brought into your home. Ridiculous! Of course I didn’t t pay this, I figured the SO and I could move it in, but when the delivery guys came, I gave them water, we chatted a bit (they were from where my parents are from), and they brought it in, and I tipped them which I was planning on doing anyway. Insane to deliver furniture to leave on someone’s front lawn. 

Next, I have great news, I’ve gotten third round interviews for two companies. One is at a skilled facility as HR Director, a position I’ve wanted since graduating college. The other is a full time consultancy position with benefits, working remotely. Though for years I’ve wanted to work in a geriatric facility, and I’m excited about this opportunity, I’m more excited about the remote work. It’s more aligned with what I want to do now and that’s HR system (HRIS/HCM). Plus the company pays 100% medical, dental and visions, there’s a 401(k) match, $400 month stipend, they pay my internet and gym membership, and other miscellaneous benefits. Total reward package is about $95k. In addition, this role would allow me to keep my clients and do additional project work. 

Also, I am meeting with a potential client that will bring in $1k a month, it’s a catering company that need a few things done, and they’re looking at a  long term business relationship. 

I am still writing articles, last week I made another $100 in gift cards. i also competed a User Review for $25. 

Outside of that, not much has happened. Fingers crossed I get the remote position, my COBRA ends next month and it would be perfect. 

Just wanted to share that I landed a mid-level contract on Thursday and a lower-level one on Friday, both are remote.  So I should be able to net about $3500 a month. 

I also had an interview for a full-time remote position on Friday that went well and I’ll be moved to the second round, just waiting to hear from the recruiter, regarding scheduling. 

I’m also scheduled for two additional second rounds with two other organizations. One is in person $100k a year the other is remote $85k full benefits, honestly, I’ll take the remote job over the office, it’s not about to pay for me. It’s more so my peace of mind and the $100k role sounds toxic, I’ll explore and see what the CEO has to say. 

In other financial news, I’ve been able to make about $400 in gift cards submitting content for HR professionals. This has allowed me to significantly decrease my grocery, household, and personal budgeted line items. I wish I could use it for gas, but I’ll take this. 

I also had to pay close to $700 to get my car fixed. I’m glad I have the money in both my car fund and baby EF. I paid using my credit card for points and will pay the bill today.  I’m disappointed I had to tap into the funds though. I think I’ll take the funds from the baby EF since my six-month car insurance renewal is coming. 

Tonight is my class reunion, so I washed my hair and colored it, saved me $55 I’m adding this towards my EF. My goal was to get to $20k this year, and I’m $3k away. 

Lastly, I paid an extra $50 on the student loans. I’m praying I get one of those remote gigs because if that’s the case I can pay number 3 off next month 

I’m back from vacation, the islands were beautiful. 

Now that I’m back it’s time to buckle down on my finances, I got a little side track but I’m ready to get back serious. 

All major bills are paid through September, this gives me time to look for a job or new contract. 

Prior to leaving I had two really great interviews but no response. I hate being ghosted by recruiters, especially if you contacted me. 

Upon my return I knocked out a few applications, and next week I have two interviews lined up. Fingers crossed that something pans out. I get the feeling the job market will be switching to the employer. 

My COBRA ends in August so I started shopping around. I found a few on the exchange but the deductibles are high, about $8k. Hopefully I land a gig and can get group insurance. 

I took the night to up date my spending register and balance a few accounts. Of course travel and food were the budget busters. I’ll finalize every tomorrow. Net worth is still trending positively and I’m finally starting to earn some dividends on my investments. 

Though small, I’m loving how I’ve gone from being scared of investing to loving learning all about it. I know they say don’t watch daily, but doing so has helped me get a better understanding on what’s happening. Tonight was the first time I actually balanced my IRA account. 

Slow and steady wins the race. 

Tomorrow is Juneteenth as well as Father's Day. My dad never celebrated the holidays, and I miss him dearly. I would still visit with him on this day, I’d do anything to talk to him again. 

I decided to treat my ex-fiance to lunch/brunch. He has had a rough 2022, the poor guy is literally in tears almost daily. Since it was Juneteenth and I also wanted to support Black-owned businesses, I thought, why not brunch/lunch? I can kill two birds with one stone, take him out to get his mind off things, and support a small business owner so it worked out. 

He finally realized he needs to get his crap together and that the mother is toxic. I heard him snap at her, sadly rightfully so, something he never did. Even his daughter says the mom is toxic. 

In other news, I haven't heard a thing from either of the companies I interviewed with, I have been ghosted, I absolutely hate that. I was hoping to get some idea of my status before my trip and nothing. Not taking any chances, I paid myself for July. Paid my tithes, mortgage, a $100 on the student loan (boy do I wish I could do more), and my internet bill. I hate not being able to throw more at this student loan. Interest will start up again in August, which sucks. 

I also applied for another remote-jobs, hopefully, something will come in before August. 

Yikes, I forgot. I finished up three articles for $300 in gift cards. I can use this for gas and groceries, hopefully I'll be published this week so that I receive payment. 

I'm so glad that I had the free at-home COVID test. I've had a headache for a few days and that's a symptom of COVID. I was able to take an at-home test and I'm glad to say it's negative. 

I've gotten a little lax with my mask and numbers in Florida are on the rise. This is a reminder to take the necessary precautions 

I have the potential to make $150k a year with a recovery center, the position is on site and three miles away. I provided a range of $120-$150)

My issue is that I do not want to work on site but the money looks good. 

I have about one year of expenses saved, my only bills are my house, student loans (currently paused) and every day bills such as electricity and water. 

The interview process is moving quickly, things seem chaotic and the recruiters can’t answer any of my questions. 

I’m thinking if offered, should I take it for a year then quit? By this time I can knock my mortgage down to half and pay off my last two student loans. 

On the other hand I’m interviewing for a job that’s 100% remote, all benefits are paid, salary max is $85k to start, I’ll get a stipend every month for office supplies and my internet paid for. The position is what I’ve been looking for 

What’s your thoughts? Do I keep looking for a job similar to option two ($85k) or if offered and I’m almost certain I will be take option A ($120-150k)? Thanks

This was a pretty good week, here are my wins. I finished another article for $100 in gift cards, just waiting on the editor to review. I still haven’t received payment for my last article which is weird so I’ll reach out to them. I’m trying to complete as many articles as possible so I don’t have to use cash for anything.

I removed and trashed a few items from the attic. I’d put this on hold because I’m so disgusted. My sister has a bunch of crap on my attic that she needs to come and get. Pretty soon I’m going to take it to her. Get rid of it, you’re not using it. 

I also made $75 in credit card cash rewards that I added to my EF and I landed my first job interview. 

I’m so excited for this interview, it’s everything I’m looking for, 100% medical and dental, monthly office allowance, internet bill paid, fully remote and professional development. My only drawback is max salary is $85,00, I’ll see if it’s negotiable. In addition to all this, it’s the role in looking for. I’m over HR and want to move into the technology side. I’m speaking it, I’m getting this job! 

oh and a contract that was renewed was extended until next month. 

Finally closed my books and I was right, I went way over in the travel category last month due to poor planning. I can't beat myself up over spilled milk, I just have to make adjustments, primary adjustment, be involved in the planning whenever there is a trip. 

Other than that, I either broke even or came in under budgeted. There were a few unexpected home repairs, it happens and I was able to pay all expenses  in cash. 

I decided to run a few more reports and found that in October of 2021 was when I hit a positive net worth. I never really looked at this number, disgusted I guess, but now more than ever I'm so interested in tracking. It's a goal to get to six figures, just as much as it is to pay off my debt. 

As of today, my net worth is $39,799.17 with a credit score of 845, and total available cash $41,852.90. I would have never thought I'd see this day, never in my life I could have imagine a thing like this. Wow! 

I am going to keep pushing, my goal is to hit millionaire status  one day and I think I can do it.  

Over the last few days we got a ton of rain. Just so happen I had a bucket out side and water was collected. I’ve decided to use this to mop my floors. 

I’m thinking about getting a rain barrel to catch water. 

Anyone have one? 

Super happy. Though I have some items to complete to ensure that today was productive, for the most part it was a good day. 

I went ahead and booked my Photoshoot for my upcoming trip. I noticed that my BoA is offering 20% cash back for booking so that’s a savings of $44. 

This trip I took the bull by the horn and made sure that I planned for those things that I want to do. By preplanning, I will save a ton of money. Last time everything was fly by night so we spent way more. 

Day 1 I already listed and mapped the places I want to see. I’ve secured a driver, and his rate. $30. The sites I'm going to, are free. 

Day 2 is an all-day tour, that include lunch, caves, plantations and beaches, pick up, drop off and ferry rides to two other islands  $260. 

Day 3 beach day and photoshoot, with a little shopping, $179. I might make this day an all day beach day and skip the shopping. 

Day 4 beach day and relaxation. I may toss in a massage but I'm not sure yet. 

My goal was to spend $500, I'll have to bump this a little because of food, and souvenirs. I already identified the souvenirs (and cost) I want. Silver necklace ($60), and a beach bag ($20). 

I think this will be a much better trip. Though I'm flying in and out with others, I've planned for myself to do what I like and am interested in. 

By the way, though I used the CC to book, I paid the bill immediately, so cash 🏧  was used to foot this bill.