Well I finished my second book 📚 of the year by the skin of my teeth. Lol, didn't think I would so I buckled down the last two days.

As I listen to Dave Ramsey daily, all I hear from millionaires is that 1) most only have a bachelor, I have my masters; 2) all live below their means, I just started this and 3) they all read something like 20+ nonfiction books a year, I'm not even close on this one.

So 2 out of 3 isn't bad lol. I'm trying to get there and I think it can be done, so long as I have a vision with goals.

This month I read Michelle Singletary's "21 Day Financial Fast," most of her teachings are pretty much the same as Dave, except that she tells us to add money to the EF, even if it's $5 a month. I do this, it drives me nuts not to add something. I just cut other areas.

Next, I'll be reading "Stop Living Paycheck by Paycheck." The book had great reviews and I'm excited about it

Adulting is a termed used by those who are being responsible, I guess I finally made it lol.

Today I printed out a W4 at work and actually read through and made my adjustments. Rolls eyes 🙄

When I first started working, 30+ years ago I was told by an adult to always place zero on the document so that my tax refund would be nice. And so for years I did. Then I changed my withholding to two. But I sat down out of the blue and decided to read and follow the instructions for myself on the form and my actual withholdings should be three.

I'm so frustrated, not with anyone in particular but the fact that I was never taught about finances, not by parents, educators or mentors. I mean indirectly my parents always said to save and pay your bills, and I pay who I owe on time, but never taught about money.

I sit back and I reflect on the following
* taught myself how to balance a checkbook after always bouncing checks (early 20s)
* Mid 40s finally decided to review my allowances
* Paid off debt due to being frustrated but five years later back in debt, what did I learn?
On thing I was taught, and that was to do my own taxes. I've never paid anyone to do my taxes since I was 16. My economics teacher taught us how to complete a 1040EZ. I would go to the library pick up the documents and instructions for free. Now I use turbotax to complete my returns but I'm thinking of going back to good old pen and paper, it's free.
It's just amazing.

To change the subject we met up with some friends yesterday. They asked how the wedding planning was going, I said it's not going because the SO refuse to get on a budget and do right financially, and that he waste money. The SO said that I'm getting to be too cheap. They laughed but I didn't find anything funny.

So this couple goes on to tell us how they decided to put a $1000 away a month, I thought that's great, I'd love to do that. But then they go on to tell us that they purchased this new truck, Volvo, with all the bells and whistle and paid an extra $15k because they wanted the 2018 vs the 2017. Now mind you this truck starts at about $46k, I couldn't help but think I would love a new car but I don't know about spending that kind of money. They went on to tell us that they bought a condo, that's not rented in Vegas and it's only about $700 a month. I don't know a part of me was happy for them, jealous and then sad all at the same time. I couldn't help but wonder how much debt they must be in.

Well, my word for this year is gratitude. I have to remind myself that things (debt) do not make me happy. And though things may look great for others, and they may very well be, it's just not my season.

Things I'm grateful for, not in order of preference :
1. A roof over my head
2. Paid off car 🚗
3. Paid off 3 CC 💳
4. This group
5. Time spent with dad
6. Eyes finally open about my finances
7. Clothes
8. My job
9. My health
10. Family and friends
11. God's grace and patience with me
12. No more depression, thoughts of suicide- haven't had this in a while, thank you Jesus
13. No more getting upset when things don't go my way. I'm not saying I'm not disappointed but I just don't dwell on it

Yesterday I applied for a pre-approval for a mortgage and was denied. Though my score was high I had too much debt vs my income. I was down but not to the point in that I was worried or very upset. I don't know why, but I wasn't. I just figured, God was not ready for me to purchase yet. Or he's teaching me that things don't make me happy, it's the freedom that he wants us to have that does.

Basically, I have a house in my name, and student loan. But was told if I pay off the cards and close them all is well.

So once I get the money from the sell of the house, I'll be paying off every single credit card.

Yesterday I received a $7k a year raise after I spoke with the bank and being told I don't make enough. I changed my withholdings so that I have more of my money to do what I need to do vs Uncle Sam and getting a nice refund each year. I've never done this before, because I'm always afraid that I'll owe. But I realize it's better to have my own money, pay my debt vs Uncle Sam. Not to mention, I plan on changing it back around in August so I should be fine.

Today I checked and my tax return should hit my bank account next Wednesday, that means that CC4 will be pretty much gone. Then it's on to number 5. I also sold an item on Poshmark making $16. I'm excited about this. As you all know I've been having a hard time selling things.


The SO finally gave me the money for the plot that he owed, I mailed a check off last night, so he's caught up and that means next Saturday I can transition the debt to him, freeing up $2k. Ugh this has been a nightmare but at least I can get rid of it now.

I realize that a credit score is simply a debt score as Dave Ramsey says, it means nothing if it's high and you make no money. You're just in debt 🤦🏾‍♀️

Finally CC3 is gone! This was the City Furniture bill, over $6,00 in furniture that the SO only help pay twice, I think, once I know for sure. Never again, will I finance furniture. What I have now will last me the rest of my life. Lol

I went to bed, and dreamt about paying this card off today. It's pay day so I'd budgeted to have this bill paid. Good thing about it is the new bill actually generated last night that included any finance charges, so no surprises next month.

OMG! I'm finally free of this debt. Onto CC4, Target Visa. I should have this one paid off by the end of March. My goal was to pay off one CC per quarter and it looks like I'll have two in the first quarter of the yearpaid off.

In other news, my sister called wanting to know if I'd pay the closing cost, if she purchased my dad's house, I told her no. I'm not getting into that, you want it, you pay for it

I spoke with a loan officer, and she told me to hold off from paying my debts off too quickly, I thought this was weird. If I have the money, I'm paying them off

Hi all 👋🏾

It's been a minute but I have a lot to post.

Finally went to court and got the approval to sell the house. Could have sold it to the investor the same day but my big mouth sister got up and started crying and carrying on so the judge opened it up for bidding. Now I have to wait 30 days for offers and close with in 45 days. 🤦🏾‍♀️

Next I fell off the wagon with my budget, buying planner stickers 🤦🏾‍♀️

I finally got around to starting my taxes and it looks like about $1500 will be received, I'll finalize everything this week but if that's the case all is going to CC4.

This week, thank God CC3 should be paid off. I worked in this next budget period to knock it out. I'm so happy this mess will be gone.

I met with a realtor regarding the condo and what the owner is asking, she informed me that the $140k is below market price so it looks like this is the place.

I started my February non-fiction financial book and it's pretty good. It's Michelle Singletary's 21 Day of Financial Fasting.

Lastly, my manager was fired so literally we are on our fourth manager within one year smh. I had to start the process over asking for my raise. I was told that I should know by the end of the week, prayers please.

That's it so far

Rolled my coin today and have $27.50, this is great because I've already paid tithes on this money.

I only need about $3 to have my BS1 back up to par, so I'll add the money for that.

I was thinking about adding the difference to CC3 but I think I'll add it to my sinking fund. I have the car insurance coming due in April and another pre-Dave event that I paid for early last year coming up 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄.

I posted the tennis hopper with balls for $15 for sale, hopefully it sells. I have three more items (2 pair of jeans 👖 and one dress 👗) to post. I'm slowly but surely decluttering the house 🏡, while hoping to make some money.

I also, applied for a job today. I've exceeded my goal of two a week. Hopefully the right job will come along. I'm looking for a great manager, close to home and decent pay.

Update: received a response on the camera I posted for $40. The buyer wanted to meet at the mall but I said nope, police station only. She agreed so we will be meeting later. $40 to the snowball or sinking fund 😊, not sure yet. I'm just glad that I was able to tentatively sell an item. $4 of course will go to tithes.

Just thought about it, I have to add the funds to the sinking fund. Chipped my tooth last week and have a dentist appointment to have it fixed. Last night it started to give me a little trouble

I was able to cash the check, thank goodness, this was a nightmare (see Sprint post) and glad it's over.

After paying my tithes from the check received, I can add about
$190 to the EF bringing the total to about $994 just $6 away from my mini EF.

I was so stressed out last week about taking the money out of the EF; however, I'm a true believer that it was all God. I made it a point to pay my tithes with every extra income I had received and though I'm upset for a few minutes when things occur, a calmness then comes over me. The only thing I'm anxious about is getting out of debt and saving money.

Today we're having a chapter meeting and was asked to provide non-perishable items. Normally I'd go out and buy items, I simply took what was in my cabinet that I have not used and don't plan on it any time soon, and bagged it all up. Loving this being intentional with your money concept.

Annoyed as all get out.

My boss has not said one word to me about my salary, I was suppose to know something last week.

I finally received the Sprint check for the full refund, they did not charge a restock fee but it's written to my middle name. Hopefully the bank will cash it. I can throw this money in my EF and that will put me back at the $1,000.

Today was payday, and I was planning on paying off CC3 but since the whole break thing, I couldn't, so I'm bummed about that.

I realize today that the woman never called me back about the plot, so it's on my to do list.

So that's it in a nutshell, hopefully things will start to look up.

Whew with the money SO gave me I used and paid $90 on CC3 , new balance $299.00.

Now I'm just waiting on the Sprint check to come to hopefully pay this sucker off. No more financing furniture for me.

My boss is suppose to be submitting a request for a raise for me, we will see. I do have an interview next week paying more and closer to home.

What a day!

Completed my daily devotional, went to church to serve for a bit.
Tried taking those earbuds back and was told to comeback because the store did not have cash, what!
This so annoyed me, going back tomorrow. Stickers for my planner, and went to both Aldi's and Publix.
All items were budgeted so I'm okay with it.

Tomorrow I'm back to the office. The good news for me is that mean/idiot woman of a manager was let go today. Though I hate for anyone to lose their job, she needed to go. I'll be asking for my raise that she cheated me out of.

SO other keeps bugging me. I say to him, when are you going to figure it out that I'm not happy? Until this foolishness of wasteful spending is under control and my expenses that you're responsible for is caught up it will never work. I tried having a conversation and he just walked off, saying "okay". WTF!
I then say this is the issue, you never want to talk about finances that is the problem that I have with you. 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄

Tomorrow I'll be retiring those stupid earbuds and adding to CC3 hopefully this will knock it down to about $239
Edit:
Out the blue SO came over said he wants to get married and he understands my frustration. He says he heard me the few 100x before. He goes on to say "are you sure you want me on this ride?" I explain it's not about me. He has to want better and live better and that it's up to him and I will not marry, or continue to live like this. I'm done, you can say what you want but actions speaks louder than words. I guess he's thinking it's my birthday and I want gifts 🎁 . Only gift I want is the debt gone.

On to other news, a really good friend sent an invite for a birthday bash on a party bus. Though I would love to go, I'm not. It's $30 for the bus and then I would have to turn around and provide a gift. Nope not doing it. I'll regift a bottle of wine 🍷 that was given to me, and say happy birthday. I'm done ✅ with doing things that throw me off track.

I did it, I used the buffer in the checking account and paid $112.67 on CC3 to knock the balance down below the $400 mark, new balance $399.00.

I'll admit I'm nervous about not having the buffer but, I want this card 💳 gone! Over $6,000 💵 in furniture purchased with no help, as promised, to pay for any of it. And now, today, it's just under $400. OMG! I thought I'd never pay this bill off, now it looks as though late January I can say goodbye and good riddance.

Next on the list, is to head over to the grave yard and remove my SO account from mine, I'll even eat the cost if there's one to get his name off. For about eight (8) months when we first purchased I paid, I finally had a breakdown and he started to pay but he's always late. I told him I was not going into the new year with this mess, his mess. I'll be lying 🤥 if I didn't say a part of me feel bad 😔, but it's the right thing to do, other wards, I'll begin to resent him. It's for this best, especially for the move.

Last night we were chatting and I'm not even sure about what and how the subject of money 💰 came up but it did. I said something to him along the lines of, " do you realize that if something was to happen to you, that I couldn't take care of you or me?" He then said, " I could do it." I said, "How? You have no money saved and you pay nothing on time." He then said, "wow talk about putting me down." I felt bad but thought 💭 , why? It's the truth. If he got hurt and couldn't work, there's no way I could take care of both of us. Hell when I wasn't working, I depleted my savings because he couldn't pay the household 🏡 bills by himself let alone my other bills.

It's a tough journey but I have to stay focus.

Instead of saying I want, I'm now saying I will retire at 57. Plus you all do a good job at not sugar coating things, and keeping me accountable.

Good riddance CC3 and plot!

Bought my one ticket for the season game, SO didn't give me his money, but he has until the 5th to lock in at the current rate. Either way I had my money so I bought my ticket. I was thinking about holding off purchasing the parking pass, but opted to go ahead and do so since I budgeted the money for it already.

Honestly it felt weird, only to buy one ticket, not using a credit card and sticking to my guns. However; I realized that the only way he'll take what I'm saying and doing seriously is if I actually show him that I mean business.

I went ahead and transferred the $74.33 from the EF to my checking account to apply to the CC, new balance $511.67. I'm waiting on some things to clear, and making sure nothing pops up before I use some of the checking buffer funds to knock this card down to about $400. I want this thing gone.

So far I've posted 3 items dirt cheap and no takers, ugh. I'll be posting at least one item a day, as I declutter the house. Hopefully I can get some takers.

Lastly, I received a free calendar from the grocery story. I'm going to stick this to the refrigerator and note when the joint bills are due, that way they'll be no excuses. Not sure why I haven't thought of this before.

New budget period started today. Added the funds to my sinking fund ($117.70 first time ever), I couldn't help but wonder if I should add this amount to CC3. I did pay an extra $114, knocking CC3 down to $586; however, I want this thing gone!

If I add the sinking funds to the CC debt instead of saving, I could have this credit card 💳 paid off by mid-February. My 2018 goal is to pay off a CC each quarter, so I know that this will be gone soon. However, the drawback of using the sinking fund is that, I wouldn't be socking away the car insurance, and will continue to pay monthly, that I hate. In addition, I wouldn't be putting away for car maintenance, dues, and Christmas/birthdays. What would you do? Put the money towards debt, and then catch the sinking fund up? Or keep adding to the sinking fund, while paying extra to the debt?

So after the good laugh, things went a little sour, for me anyway.

The SO other bought me some PJs from Victoria Secret, two pairs for about $50 each. Trust me I thought about asking for the receipt and taking those back.

So I showered and put on a pair. He comes out and start rubbing on my back saying things like, "don't that feels good, nice and soft. Should I have gone to Walmart and bought you a cheaper pair? Should I have taken these back?" I immediately began to feel bad. I bought him his PJs, $5 at Penney's for the bottom and $5 for the top at Walmart.

I then said to him, "you don't appreciate anything nor do you understand the struggle. I'm in debt, and I no longer want to be!" This whole thing, really got to me, to the point I had to write in my planner, "let no one make you feel bad enough that you lose focus. Retire at 57!"

I'll be the first to admit, I'm sad, disappointed and a tad bit discouraged. Every year I use credit card to purchase things for him, I honestly didn't want to exchange gifts. I told him that and he insisted. This was the first year I cash flowed Christmas as was feeling great about it and here he comes with the negative vibes. My birthday is next month, I'll let him know not to buy me a thing; however, if he insists I want cash.

Fast forward, we realize that our cameras aren't working. SO other calls a friend who tells us that we have two choices, call Samsung or go o Amazon and buy a box.
Well after the friend leaves, I tell him, I'm not purchasing a thing. I'm still paying on the CC from 2 years ago when I purchased these cameras that he shows every Tom, Dick and Harry when they visit and haven't given me one cent on the purchase. I can guarantee you, he won't replace the box, he's broke from Christmas. I can replace with my buffer funds but won't, I'll be replacing when I move. I wanted to say, those $100 PJs don't look so nice now don they?

Woke up this morning setting goals and crunching numbers.

After listening to the "Millionaire Next Door" I realized that I'm broke. I knew I was broke but not BROKE! If that makes sense.

Here it is my goals, it's going to be tough but I can do it!

Life Time Goal is to retire at 57.

My 2018 Goal (yearly) is to pay off four ( 4 ) CCs 💳 by the end of the year. Basically one each quarter. The total amount due on the four (4) lowest CCs 💳 is about $6867. To pay four off over the course of the year, I need to throw $286 each pay date to the CC. Back to crunching my zero based budget for the next two pay periods. I got to find the money somewhere. What's good about this is CC3 should be gone by end of January freeing up some money. And then a little tax return to throw at CC4 to free up some funds as well.

My first monthly goal,January 2018
is to not eat out, for anything, that includes, breakfast, lunch, dinner and the vending machine at work. No dining out, period.

My daily goal is to check off an item on my chore list daily.

Next I realized that my sinking fund is missing some items 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄. I decided not to add those items because I realized by doing so I won't pay off any debt. I just need to learn to budget those items in.

Sinking fund
$1200 car insurance
$100 Birthdays
$600 Christmas (includes gifts and holiday party)
$500 car repairs (e.g oil changes)
$425 Sorority Chapter Dues
Yearly Sinking Fund Total $2,825
To be Deposited each pay period, $117.70

In other news, SO.
For Christmas be bought me these $200 ear buds, $100 perfume I like and maybe about another $100 on PJs from Victoria Secret. He gave me the gifts in front of his mom. I really hate when he does that because it means I have to open them. Well I feel obligated to.

Long story short I did not want to open the ear buds, his daughter ended up opening everything and putting it together. I knew if it was returned there'll be a restocking fee. When we got home last night I asked him what he paid. He gave me the receipt, $213. I told him to take them back. I said to him, there's a past due cable bill again, rent is coming due and just the other day he said he didn't have any money. Well he tells me he's not taking them back, that he was alright and wanted to do something nice. I'm like he just don't get it.

Today he took ten people, well nine (I didn't go)to breakfast because his dad use to do it when he was alive and now he feels obligated to continue the tradition. This cost about $180 plus tip, so call it $200. It's ridiculous; but I can't tell him how to spend his money, I'm just not going to participate in rubbish. I have an interview today and used that as an excuse.

Prior to leaving, he tells me he had a dream that the mother's car was repossessed. Well we know she's just as bad at paying bills as he is. I asked him if he paid his mom's property taxes, he said yes then goes on to tell me how difficult it is to run two households. I don't say a word at this point, he refuses to sit dow create a budget and take over the business. I'm not sure what he's going to do, this will be the first year he pays taxes. He has yet to meet back with the accountant to go over things. It's going to be an eye opener for him. As for me, I just start back looking at my goals and crunching numbers, not much else I can do.

Hopefully with a new job paying more I can make some traction.

Checked the balance on CC3 and it was $729.16. The $29.16 annoyed me so I added this amount to the card 💳, new balance $700.

I'm hoping to get this card down to $600 before the new year, maybe even $500. My next two budget periods are very lean and I have a $300 buffer in my checking account. I know, but for me this gives me a peace of mind. I'm so afraid that if I don't keep a buffer I'm going to use the CCs 💳. I'm also afraid to cancel them. Once I hit the $3,000 mark in the EF and pay off a few more CCs 💳 I can say whew, close out the accounts and not keep the buffer.

The buffer is primarily because I live with the SO, and most of the time he doesn't have his share of the rent until the second or third, that drives me crazy because it's due on the first. I'll be the first to say, I'm no pro with money, but I've always been super good about paying my bills on time. I hate paying late, and any late fees associated with it.

One thing that I'm excited about is, this is the first time I ever created a sinking fund (saving for a want and need); and come January 3rd I'll be using the funds to purchase my season ticket, cash. Notice I said "my" and "ticket" meaning one ticket and with cash.

Normally, I'd purchase both mine and the SO tickets using a credit card, I'll tell him and he'll say, "I'll give it back to you." Months go by, no money and I've racked up the credit cards, I've done this three years in a row. I've shared and reminded him that his share is due by the 3rd. The thing about it is, if he has his share it will save me $30 . For six tickets it's $60 plus an additional $60 for the parking pass, total $120. If he buys his, the grand total then turns to $180, We would split this in half to $90. Either way I'm prepared. It's cheaper to buy the parking pass than paying upon arrival.

I can guarantee you, he won't have his money. I'll admit I'm a little nervous but this is a tough lesson he's going to have to learn. I cannot and will not keep footing the bill. I know him, when he learns that I only purchased the one ticket he'll say "wow" and think that I'm being selfish, not realizing that at the age of 45 soon to be 46, I'm teaching him a valuable lesson, as well as myself.

I cannot wait to get out of this hell of a relationship.

Today the SO gave me back the $400 💵 he owed me. Almost three months later 🙄. I told him on Friday I wanted the money before the new year.

He goes on to tell me that he had over $400 in Christmas bonuses from his clients that he let his mother keep. Then he tells me that he gave his two youngest daughters $250 each, mind you they are 16, for Christmas 🎄. I don't say a word, I just listen. Besides I got my money, so I can careless and am working on my 2018 planner.

Now he's talking about how he wanted to pay what he owed before the new year, I'm still in my leave me alone mode while I get ready for 2018 🙄. Then he hits me with the "I'm so broke right now." I'm like wth! You gave your mother, mind you who is running the business in the ground close to $500, plus your two teenage daughters a total of $500 for Christmas. And did I mention he gave one (daughter) an additional $50 bucks because she cleans the house, what! She lives there. Apparently he pays her every week to do so. Total $1050.

Now he's whining about not having any money, as if he wants me to feel sorry and say here you go. Sorry buddy, I'm utterly disgusted with you.

First of all, as I have said in the past, and I'm done talking, I was simply thinking 💭 the following:
1. Your license is suspended and you just provided $1,000 to family in Christmas gifts
2. You have a pass due balance, again on the cable, of $136, and you just gave out $1,000 in Christmas gifts
3. You just spent close to $500 on a house Christmas party and gave away almost $200 of liquor that you could have returned and did I mention the $1,000 in Christmas gifts?
4. You're off for an entire week and won't get a check, mind you, he barely gets one from the mother, rent is due and you just provided a $1,000 in Christmas gifts 🎁

I'd say your priorities are all screwed up. The new me, can careless. I have goals in that I'm trying to accomplish like one, getting out of debt; two buying a house; three retiring at 57 and four traveling in my retirement. Can't do that with a person whose priorities are all messed up. Who continues to live like the Jones, who doesn't respect me enough to know how important it is reach these goals.

As he talked I just listened and worked on my planner. His voice reminded me why it's so important to pay down this debt, sell the house and move.

Pushing forward and not looking back

Wow, created the new budget for January 15th pay date and things are tight. I start back paying the student loan next month 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄. I was thinking about postponing this but thought the interest is mounting so go ahead and take care of it.

While creating the budget, I had to make sure that I sock away money 💰 to the sinking fund. I want to be able to pay the car insurance in full for the next six (6) months upon renewal.

I didn't budget any fun money, hair or personal money that's how tight things are. I probably need to look at the 28th budget period and adjust here to pay one of the loans early.

Different news, I've been scanning every single receipt I come across, adding to the Receipt Hog 🐷 app. My SO gets upset if we're out because I pick up receipts as I see them. I'm only on week three and have over 730+ points. Once I hit 1,000 points, I can cash out for $5. Not much but hey I'm throwing it at my snowball. Maybe I'll wait until I hit 2,900 points to get the $15 or just wait until the end of the year racking up points, and then cash out. I even have my mom saving me all her receipts. Decisions, decisions and more decisions, lol.

Update to post. Revamped the 28th budget to include one of the student loans, this helped out tremendously. By doing this I was still able to make it work paying extra on CC3, sock away funds to the sinking and family trip fund, as well as having myself a little splurge money. I know but I find that I need this, it really helps with not busting my budgeting.

Who would have thought that I could create a budget and stick to it. In the past, I would try to create a budget but would get frustrated. Taking FPU and having the zero balance budgeting system explained to me made a huge difference, it was truly an ah ha moment, it was like a light bulb 💡 went off.

It's a slow process but I do see myself making progress.

Though I went over budget with the holiday party I had an ah ha moment and I'm super proud.

This is the first year that I have actually cash 💰 flowed both Christmas 🎄 and the holiday party 🍷 🎉 .

I did not realize it but I cash flowed everything, not using one credit card. I'm super duper proud of myself. Every year I tack on an extra $600+ on the CCs 💳 but not this year. 😀

In financial news, I transferred the $165 out of the 52 week challenge account and will use this money to throw at CC3. I was planning on using this for an upcoming expense but with a little budgeting and saving I didn't have to.

I also returned some plywood to Home Depot that was to be used to board of the rental property, got $80 back. So I'll add a little to EF, sinking and CC3. I'll update later.

Lastly, I created my last zero balance budget that will carry me over into the new year. I calculated the car insurance/maintenance , birthdays, Christmas and sorority membership for the year (24 pay periods), total to add to the sinking fund $117. Though I'd rather not do this I know how important it is to sock this money away so that they'll be no stress or credit cards 💳 used.
* Car insurance for the year $1200
* Car maintenance $500 as needed
* Sorority $425 annually
* Christmas $600 (included holiday party)
* Birthdays $100
Total $2,825
24 pay periods $117.70

I know I'm missing something, just can't think of it right now, but hey, I can always adjust the budget 📝.

Oops I almost forgot, so far there's been 9 no sped days for December, can't wait to add this ($9+) to my snowball

Not sure what happened this budget period but I only had $11 total left in my cash envelopes. I know I paid extra on CC3 but I thought I accounted for it. I'm not going to worry about it but I will make sure this next period I'm up to date with things.

I did find $5 in my purse, so totally I have $16.

I completed, well revised, the zero based budget for the next period, I have $90 to play with. I budgeted extra on CC3 since CC2 is paid off, plus the BiNGO number ($34), total it's about $60 extra. Another good thing this period, is that I didn't have to use any of the sinking fund to pay for my renewal of my license or registration but I do have the sorority renewal coming due and that ain't cheap so I'm thinking about using the money for that. I know I know sorority, that's a long story I'll share another time.

I used $100 of the sinking/52 week fund to renew my HR certification. So glad I took care of this now vs January, when it's due. I don't know what made me look but I needed to know the cost, I was thinking close to $200. Well I realized that if I'm a member with SHRM, $50 is knocked bringing the total to $100. Well my SHRM membership ends in January and I'm not paying$200 to renew it next year. The ROI isn't worth it. I will however continue the magazine subscription that comes with membership and that's $70. Well worth it.

Had a great phone interview today. I'm getting call backs so I'm happy with that, hopefully the right one will come along.

We went out for lunch $12.59, including tip, plus I bought breakfast this morning $4.51, I ended paying for this because $18 went towards CC3, new total 863.00.

I'm too tired to up my sidebar so I'll take care of it tomorrow

Got my first Dave job!

It's been on my mind to start a cleaning business. My mom had one when I was a child and I hate to admit it but I hated when she cleaned houses. I always wanted her to have a "good" job. Now that I'm older I realize it was a great job. She earned a honest living, we never went without, and she bought a modest home, not to mention she retired early. If I know what I know now, I would have kept that cleaning business going.

Well a friend posted that she was looking for someone to clean her office, and I jumped right on it. $20 a hour, should take me a hour but hey. It's a start. I'm hoping that this would be a weekly gig. I asked her to refer me to others.

God really answer prayers and open doors. Feeling so thankful

Listening to the "Millionaire Next Door," has truly opened my eyes. My God, at my age, my net worth should be about $206,000 and I'm nowhere near that. Ugh I'm so embarrassed.




My goal is to pay off these debts in the next year or at least have 80% paid off by the end of 2018 and to sock away 25% of my income.

The book discusses to set the following goals:
* Daily goals
* Weekly goals
* Monthly goals
* Annual goals
* Lifetime goal

I've listed mine below
* Daily - apply for a new job
* Weekly- complete a task similar to those of the Millionaire Next Door
* Monthly - reduce CC debt by 25%
* Annual - Pay off at least four debts
* Lifetime - visits all 50 states

I don't know why but it was bugging me that I had hair money and not applying it to the snowball. So I paid $40.05 CC3 brining the new balance down to $920

Can't wait to receive my retro pay, so I can get the CC out of my hair.

Temptation is a real thing and we/I have to stay strong.

So last night the significant other came home and mentioned that he wanted me to look for a hotel in Naples or St. Augustine for us to take a vacation over the holiday break. He said if I didn't want to do it, he'd do it. I thought about it and said okay, because I'd love a vacation. This is the first year since we have been together that we haven't taken one.

Fast forward to today. I started thinking a hotel over the holiday will be about $120 per night, that's about $480 for four nights. If we rent a car, that's an additional $300, so call it $800 total to go on this little vacation. I currently owe $960 on CC3, wouldn't it be better to pay off CC3? Hell yeah!
When he comes home tonight, I'm going to informed him that I did not look for this hotel or rental and that I'd like the cash to pay off my CC. That will be the best Christmas 🎄 gift 🎁 ever.

I called the bank about the $12 bounce check fee and am waiting on a callback. So we will see. Update, I got the $12 back. It was Chase Bank that returned due to the time frame. The bank rep suggested that I call the bank for a new check. Thanks for the tip everyone.

Today was a no spend day, so this is my third day 😊. $3 so far will be added to debt snowball at the end of the month. No frivolous spending for me.

I realized that my end goal is to retire at 57. That's just right around the corner but it can be done, so long as I live like no one else.

I normally budget $80 for groceries , I'm thinking about reducing this since I always have money left over each budget period.

This new budget period, I had budgeted $70 for groceries, but I'm going to use $20 for a gift card for the single ladies at church.

I was trying to cancel/reduce some of the cable services. I see that the SO is onboard now. I told him I was going with the lesser plan other wards he can pay the difference. He said to do what ever makes me comfortable. I informed him that I'm good with what ever he decides and to just know I'm not paying for the premium channels for cable. Needless to say he told me to cancel. The bill is still high but it's much cheaper than before. I was told that we'll get a $43 credit on the next bill, that should bring the first bill to $94. Split by 2 that's about $47, yay 😊. The difference of about $67 I can add to my snowball.

Between the two of us, going forward after the credit, the new monthly bill should be about about $80 a piece. The extra $30 I'm saving every month will be added to the snowball. I'm going to look at getting a Firestick, so that I can cancel everything. I'm feeling accomplished.

I had to call Att&t twice to get this done but I hung in there.

Budgeted $65 for an oil change, had a coupon for 3k miles for $19, total with disposable fee is $24.03. I figured even if I got an oil change in another 3k miles it's still cheaper than what I would have paid for the 5k mike oil change.

$41 is left over and I know I should be adding all to CC3 but I'm dividing it up three ways, 10% to the EF, the next 10% to the sinking fund and the rest on CC3

Here is the break down
$4.10 EF
$3.69 sinking fund
$33.21 CC3

New balance on CC3 is $960.05. 😊

I know I know but I keep hearing my dad say, "Amber, what ever money you get, put a little up, even if it's ten dollars. Once you see it get to a certain point you're not even going to want to touch it." He did something right, retired early, rental property etc.

Update to this post, ugh.
Just was told that there are a number of things wrong with my car 🚗 . I need to replace the timing belt, gasket, mounts, and some miscellaneous stuff. Total estimate is $1,020.73, over my EF 😡. This I'm sure is accurate I haven't replaced any of the things mentioned before.

I had to take $25 out of another envelope because the place where I got the oil change did not have change. I guess everyone uses credit cards 💳 . Well I went to Walmart to get change for a $100 and was told by the cashier that she could not open her till. I purchased a pack of gum, then returned it so I could get the change and boy was she mad. Oh well no need to spend money on an item I don't need.

I'm putting off the car repair until January. Only reason is that I'm due a two percent raise that will be retro'd back to July, the end of this month, and I should see a couple of hundred dollars. Murphy sucks but hey. Just glad that I will be able to cash flow the repairs vs using a credit card. I've got to look for coupons on the repairs and maybe get an estimate elsewhere. As I'm typing this Jack the mechanic at the shop hands me his card and says he does side jobs if I'm interested. That made me feel a little better but I don't know.

Oh and the $30 spent on the game that the SO was to give me his $15, well he's not going because he's working today and I never got my $15. Lesson learned, get your money up front.

I couldn't wait until Sunday so I pulled next week's debt BINGO number and that number was 20. I applied this amount ($20) to CC3 and got the balance down to $999.26. The goal was to get this debt below $1000 before the end of the year. I'm so excited. My new goal is to be at $500 by the end of December, with a pay off in mind for January. I can't believe that I would have three CCs paid off by the end of January.

I hate I fell off and racked up CC2 the late part of this year but at least I got back on the tracks and am trucking along.

I noticed the SO seems to be really down. I don't push the issue any more about the budget and getting on track. He's paid out this week almost a $1,000 and and I think he is feeling the pinch. Today the rent is due, along with the electric, water and plot. I normally feel bad asking but it is what it is. I need the money to send off the payments. When I get home today, I'm simply going to ask him for the money so I can drop the checks in the mail, not my problem your mother is running a business and not paying you.

Update to this post.
Today was suppose to be a no spend day, the free blue Berry pancakes 🥞 were disgusting so I ended up spending $4.53 at the office cafeteria. Next I had a craving for a soda so that cost me $1.50. I added $6 to CC3 for the wasteful spending, new balance $993.26.

The SO came home with his share of the rent, electric ⚡️ and water 💦 bill. I was actually floored and was tempted to ask how he had pulled it off but opted against it. I ask and then there is a sob story making me feel guilty, I then say don't worry I got it until XYZ ,next thing I know I'm annoyed. I'll pass, give me your money and I'm done. I'll remind him that the plot bill is due (6th).

I'd budgeted $65 for an oil change, glad I waited until the next budget period to do this. Tire Kingdom sent me a Black Friday coupon for $19 plus $3 for a disposal fee. It's 3k but hey, I can add the extra $40 saved to CC3. My goal is to get a job much closer to home so that I can reduce the maintenance on my car.

God is right, patience pays off. Everything I've waited to purchase until I've budgeted for it, the price has reduced. It's hard but I read something that said, stop waiting on the elevator and take the stairs.

Balancing my cash envelopes and I had a total of $187, here's the break down:
* recreation $24
* Personal $25
* Groceries $88
* Cleaning $11
* Transportation $39

I added $1.01 of change to my change jar for a new balance of $19.12

Today was a no spend day, so a buck was added to the snowball fund. Hopefully tomorrow is as well.

This budget period is a little tight, so I'm rolling over the $39 in the transportation envelope, the $24 in the recreation envelope and the $11 in the house envelope.

$113 will be added to the holiday party fund. I know a holiday party? This was something that was already planned pre-DR, nothing else (cash) will go to this. We generally have a few friends and family members over to the house the weekend before Christmas, we eat and play cheesy Christmas games. The good news is that we have drinks left over from last year, and crackers left over from the hurricane supply.

I'll be creating a list of items to purchase and sticking to it, spending only whats in the envelope. This is something I, personally would like to continue and I'm sure next year I'll be in a better place. I would cancel but we have people who have already booked to come down months ago.

Other news; the SO went to court, the ex wife changed the child's address at school and presented it at the courts as if the kid lives with her. Smh because the SO was told in August to bring the documents in and the child support would stop, he had the document but he was too lazy to do it. Honestly as he was telling me, I didn't even feel bad, I was thinking when will you finish so I can balance my cash envelopes?

He said he had to pay $500 court cost, personally I didn't care and was thinking oh well so long as you have your rent I'm good. I don't know, I'm just at the point that I want this debt gone so I can move.

Went on the interview, thought it was strange the guy only ask why should he hire me. Oh well it is what it is. I'll keep looking.
I reached out to a friend who works with small businesses to let him know that I am looking for some cleaning work and to keep his eyes open. I either need to get a new job with more money or get a part time gig to pay this debt off quick.

And I'm not even considering

So the checks cleared, super excited.

I deposited $8.50 to the EF
$3.83 to the sinking fund, and then paid $72.68 on CC3, my new balance is $1024.91 😀. The goal is to have the balance below the $1,000 mark by December.

I really think that this will happen, matter of fact I know it will, Thursday is payday, and I've budgeted an extra $67 on the snowball😀.

I really feel like I am making some traction. One of my colleagues wanted to go out for happy hour, I thought hmmm why not but then I said nope. I have $25.50 left in my fun money and I've decreased this amount for the next budget period so I'm not wasting it on dining out when I have leftovers.

I'm trucking along solo. I asked the fiancé if he was ready for the budget meeting last night, I was planning on asking those questions I think Credit Card Free, DW or Out of the Dark had mentioned and he said no. Oh well, he can't say I didn't try and that he wasn't told that I was not marrying him if his and/or my finances weren't in order.

I can say this, when you have a budget, pay your tithes and stick to the plan, the raise you've been wanting and haven't received is no big deal. Things are falling into place and I'm excited. I know I have a little way to go but CC3 will be paid off in January, I can tackle CC4, the house will sell in February and most of the debt should be gone 🙏🏾