I could not wait to get to the bank today to deposit my findings of $85.00. I called the bank yesterday and was told, that so long as there wasn't a cash by date, I should be able to cash the checks.

One was actually from 2010, that was the postal money order, same as cash I suppose. The other was from AFLAC written in 2013. The transactions are on hold, so I am waiting for everything to clear before I add this to my snowball (CC3). I am super excited about this .

Today was a no spend day, so I am taking a dollar out of my fun money to add to CC3. I figured for every day I do not have a day in that I spend money, a buck goes towards the debt. I'll keep doing this until the end of the month and add the total to the snowball.

My fiancé said that it was my turn to treat for breakfast, woke up and cooked breakfast 🍳 . No need to spend $35 eating out. We usually rotate but this debt has to go. When asked if I was really cooking breakfast, I said yep and reminded him that I have over $78,000 in debt and that I'm Dave Ramseying. He didn't say a word, and just smiled. I've learned that I can only do what I can for myself. I'm still going to have the weekly meetings so long as he wants to and ask the recommended questions.

In financial news, I saved $55 by washing and coloring my hair, I did the following with the money saved:

* $5.50 EF
* $4.95 Sinking
* $44.55 CC3

Next I was so excited to start the debt BINGO game, that I couldn't wait to pull this week's number, that was $15. So I paid $15 on CC3.

I know the Total Money Makeover states to stop at a $1000 to the EF but I am so scared that something will happen and I'll be back to the credit cards 💳, I want to be able to cash flow everything. I'm only adding to the EF, if I save money like above or come into extra cash. No funds are earmarked for the EF when I create my budget.

The sinking fund I had to create, insurance is due in April and in January my HR certifications are due, I want to have something towards these things.

Went by mom and picked up the pink bows, there was no way I was going to buy any.

Reviewed my envelopes and I have $346 left in all. Not sure what I started out with because a few dollars rolled over and I forgot to jot down how much. I know for the new budget period I withdrew $400. So I can say I've only really spent what carried over. A new period starts on the 30th. The goal is not to let this balance go under $300.

Every week I transfer the loose change to the change jar, this week it was $2.33. So I can say I'm doing pretty good.

I went to JC Penney's because they had men's holiday pajamas for $5. Every year I buy the fiancé a pair as a Christmas gift, I usually spend about $25.

Prior to heading to Penney's I visited the Ebates site because I wanted the 4% cash back, but then noticed the store was charging close to $4 to ship to the store and $9 to ship to the house. Since I was heading to my mom's and Penney's was on the way I stopped by. Picked up two pairs, one for next year. If we're not together I'd give them to my nephew as his gift. I'd budgeted about $100 for him for Christmas but so far has only spent a total of $22. We agreed to keep things at a minimum. I tried to get him to go with the no gifts, but since he's just starting on this process of saving and budgeting, I knew I had to give a little or I'd lose his interest. Compromise 🙄.

I do have one other item to purchase for him, either a watch or cologne and I'm done. I'm sure I can get a good deal on the watch for about $30 leaving me with about $50 to throw at CC2. The kids ( nephews) are getting magazine subscription for $15 each a total of $45 and my neice gets the free $25 MyPoints gift card. My other nephew who is older will get a $25 gift card and I still should have $25 left to throw at the CC2. Though I budgeted $150 total, this is 4x less than I normally spend, I'd like to stay under $125. Next year they'll be a sinking fund for the holidays.

All in all it was a pretty good day. I don't plan on leaving the house for the next two days, saving on gas ⛽️. I also picked up dinner for the next few days from my mom, so I'm good.

Now that I'm Dave Ramseying , lol, I've been on every money site, blog and Facebook group page there is. I saw this yesterday.



It's a BINGO card to save money, each week you pick a number and dump it into your savings. For me challenges are my motivation, so rather than throwing the funds at savings I'll be throwing it at my debt (CC2). There's even a zero to give you a free pass. So starting Monday, I'll be doing this. I realized that the money will be coming from my fun money.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finally started the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class. It was truly an eye opener.

First thing I did was stop my 401(k) the goal is to save a $1,000 (baby step one) and start it back up again. We also had to list our debts, something I never really done, I was surprised to see I have a total of $77,000 in debt, this include $60,000 student loan 🙄

This was also the first time I sat and completed a budget. It's s simple budget as the class refers to it but hey.

I'm excited, I'm hoping that it changes my fiancé's view and understanding of money as well as mine.

This was our first week and Murphy decided to visit and my fiancé said to me, "wow everything that was spoken in class I experienced, I'm listening and ready."

I'll keep you all posted.

Started Financial Peace University with my fiancé on a Sunday, it was definitely an eye opener for both of us.

I'm excited about learning more, paying down debt and being stress free.

After creating budget and looking at all my debt and not just credit cards, I realize this is not what I want my life to continue to be like.

I'll keep you guys updated with how things are going.

Started Financial Peace University with my fiancé on a Sunday, it was definitely an eye opener for both of us.

I'm excited about learning more, paying down debt and being stress free.

After creating budget and looking at all my debt and not just credit cards, I realize this is not what I want my life to continue to be like.

I'll keep you guys updated with how things are going.

So over the holidays 🎄🥂🎁 I purchased jeans👖 , very expensive jeans using my CCs, racking up debt that I don't need. My mind told me they're on sale so they're not that expensive, never mind that I simply don't need them.

Needless to say, they didn't fit and I needed to exchange them. I was contemplating returning them but I really liked them and opted to do an exchange. So I trucked on to the mall, first to Macy's for my exchange, but they didn't have any in my size so I returned them, $60 back on the CC. Then to Nordstrom and low and behold, they didn't have my size, so another $60 was added back to the CC.

As I was leaving, I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in years. We chatted and she asked if I wanted to meet for lunch. I thought about it, and remembered my meal plan and said no. I'm not in a position to eat out this month. I told her let plan something later on, that way I can budget next month my dining out expense. Proud of myself, think I might add the $20 saved to my challenge.

I'm glad to be back blogging, it keeps me in track.

I paid off two CCs and decided I wanted to add $5 a week to my IRA until I can get a control over this debt, I figured something is better than nothing. For each CC I pay off I'll add $5.

Actually, I think I'm going to change this to $10 since I paid off two CCs

New year so I'm going to attempt the 52 week challenge, even though I'm unemployed I'll at least try.

I decided to work the challenge two ways, one, starting with week 1 and week two at the same time.

Here we go
Week 1 : $1 paid off to CC3
Week 52: $52 deposited to saving account

Balances:
CC3: $1
Saving: $52

Okie dokie, I paid off CC4, CC5 and CC6 today. Yay just a little over $2000.

Unfortunately CC3 that I had paid off in January and the BF used for a rental car (and never gave me the money)I had to pay off again ($228.00) so I did not count this one. I am not going to complain about this because it was a birthday trip I wanted and we agreed I would pay for the hotel and he would pay for the car. However, I ended up paying for everything, oh well you live a learn.

But I am super excited, I have paid off a total of 6 CCs since January and it feels good, not mention I have freed up about an extra $180 a month in minimum payments. The plan is to sock $100 away week to the EF and to pay about $40.00 a week to CC 7 and CC8 hopefully cutting these balances on these cards to half by the end of the year.

Once my raise kicks in, in August I can probably double the amounts saved a week and paid to the CC

Hi all!

I know I am not blogging as much but just know I haven't charged anything on the CCs.

Even though, I am not blogging I am somewhat hanging in there with my finances.

I am on week 23, of the 52 week challenge, trying to stay ahead. I also made a $5.00 contribution to my IRA. I usually contribute anywhere between $20-35 a week but last week was the first of the month and so many bills are due; however, I wanted to make sure I deposited something vs. nothing.

I am hoping with the extra money, from my most recent raise that I can pay off CC4. My student loan disbursement should be received and if it is what I am thinking of I will pay off CC4, 5 and 6 socking away the remainder to my EF. Starting next month even though I am not schedule to start repayment of my loan until September, after graduation, I will make $25 a week payments to my student loan. I figured that would be about $250 paid on the principal. My employer mention paying off my student loan or a portion of that, so keep your fingers crossed.

Other good news I have managed to sock away $6000 to my EF, I'm hoping to have this up by $2000 in June

In addition, I love my new job. There is just one-person who drives me crazy, but I think he means well, I just have to figure out how to deal with him.

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

Just wanted to say thank you very much for all the welcome backs and support it means a lot. I'm in the process of paying down approximately $20,000 in debt. I went from owing $0 to 20, 000 with nothing to show for it. Well no need to dwell on should of, could of, so to begin today was a no spend day and I added $2 to the $20 Challenge (a buck to my CC with the lowest debt and a buck to savings). This method helped me to pay off debt in the past, so it should work. Once again thanks everyone i really appreciate all the support

At the rate I am going I should have atleast $10,000 by the end of the year in my challenge account for a new house. I figure if I can hang in there with my mom for about 3 years and include all raises and bonuses I should have about $36,000 for a down payment. That is a nice chunk of change. So let the count down begin.

I just added my bi-weekly deposit brining my new total from $1416.05 to $1563.90 I will definately meet my $2000 mark for the month

So far for the year I have contributed $1281.51 to the challenge

I have really surprised myself the last few years. I mean I always talked about getting serious when it comes to savings and debt but never really did and last year I paid off debt started saving and now there is a real possibility that I may be a home owner in the next few years it is an exciting process

Finally I am totally debt free I got my tax return (not much but thankful) and paid off my last student loan which was $767.93

I am soooooo happy, no cc no student loan, no car payment. Now I can start socking way for my house

Part of my challenge was to pay off debt, last year I used the funds to pay off cc and only two months in the year and my student loan is gone. I am sooo excited I can not stop grinning

I finally feel like I am making some progress. My EF is at a little more than a $1000 and I just made a $25 deposit to my IRA which pt me over a $1000 so I am happy with that. The challenge/house fund is growing as well and I have money to get my eyes check (with out borrowing or using a cc) and I still have no CC debt, month number 2

Even though my cc are finally paid off it seems as though I am not making ends meat. I mean I am able to set aside most of my check but I am saving for a ton of things. I have an account set up for everything and it seems like it is not working maybe I have way too many accounts. I have a EF, Misc account (for MD appointments or anything miscellaneous), a tuition/education account (paying for books, supplies tuition etc) a new car account (my car is a 89 Toyota so I am not sure how long it will last) a personal account (for things like gas, groceries and other personal items) my IRA and a bill checking account (solely for bills). I guess I am wondering how I should allocate these funds so that I can see some fast progress. It seems like as soon as I save $100 the car gives out, insurance is due or like now I need to have my eyes checked I just have no idea, I was trying the 60% solution but it is just not working

Ok today was payday and I paid every bill I think of as well as socked away some. It is amazing that when you don't have cc debt you cn see the bulk of your money so here is what i did:

$200 EF
$25 IRA
$10 Misc Account
$20 New car account
$20 Tuition account
$20 Fun Money
$100 $20 challenge/new home
$20 Offerings
$21 $20 Challenge/Debt
$28.08 Gas
$60.52 Verizon
$15.00 Prescription
$8.50 personal care
with over $200 left I am so happy I feel like I am living now (not living check to check)

When I first found this site early 2006 was actually participating in the 60% solution in which you limit your spending to 60% of your total income or less. Some where down the line I stopped, when or why I do not know. But for the New Year I have decided to start back at it again especially since I really want a house with out any debt..including a car payment. Thank God my card is paid for with very little problems. Here is what I plan on doing it's a little different than what's posted on MSN:

Total income
-10% savings
-10% irregular spending(tuition, insurance, etc)
-20% long term goals (new home)
-5% IRA
-5% fun money
50% other expenses
-----------------
100%

I got this in my inbox today from Bankrate.com and decided to share with everyone. I am sure you are aware of these steps to becoming debt free but just a reminder to 2007
1. Live below your means. You cannot become debt-free if you spend more than you earn. It's that simple! Financial stress relief is called "money in the bank" or "positive cash flow."

2. Decide where you want to spend your money. Don't let others decide for you. Know how much money you are bringing in, how much goes out and to where it goes. If you are not satisfied with the answers you get from this exercise, now is the time to change your spending habits. You (and your significant other) are ultimately responsible for how your money is spent.

3. Pay your bills on time, every time. Managing monthly bills is an essential part of staying debt free and maintaining a good credit rating. If you find this difficult, come up with a system to ensure that bills are not paid late.

4. Set financial goals, both short- and long-term. Having goals in place makes it easier to make the necessary spending cuts to get what you really want. Without reasons to cut spending and save, you will constantly be under pressure to spend money you don't have for things you don't need.

5. Use credit only as a tool and with a plan. Figure out how and when you will pay the balance. Imagine building a house without a plan or blueprints. That's what your financial house will look like, too, without a plan. Your goal should be to pay for credit card purchases within three months. Remember, unlike wine, cheese or my wife, debts do not improve with age.

6. Have an adequate emergency savings fund. Life will throw curveballs at you, ranging from the need to replace a worn-out washing machine to a temporary job loss. Three to six months' worth of bare-bones living expenses should shield you from most of these problems. Can't do three months' worth? Start with three days' worth and watch it grow as saving becomes a habit.

7. Learn how to invest your savings. Your money has to earn more money to keep you out of debt, especially in your later years. Take a class, find a referral to a great adviser or just start reading. Do it your way, but do it; and start now!

Last year my goal for 2006 was to be debt free,well I have pretty much come close...there is no cc debt but I still have my student loan. Now the goal is to pay off student loan and save $10,000 by December 2007 as a down payment for a home. The goal is to save the 20% by the end of 2008 and with no cc debt and student loan that should be really easy as long as murphy stays away

I am so happy I paid off my high interest CC (30%) I am so happy ( I keep doing that). I took a look at my account and I had little more than a $10000 just sitting there earning about $3.00 a month and this high interest CC paying about $40 a month in interest so I said pay it off and I did. My goal is to be debt free by December 31st and atleast $3000 in the EF. Now that this CC is paid off I can really start saving. I am going to write the CC company and ask them to remove any activity on my credit report regarding this cc. I was never late always paid on time as well as paying more than the minium, but I closed this account which I am sure will have a negative affect on my score...we'll see

Previous CC total: $2255.91
New Ttoal :$1242.93

Well I added $19.28 to my EF to make it an even $1400.00 this is the most I have ever saved since I can rember. Other than tax returns I have never had over $200 in my savings account just sitting there..this year has really been a year of accomplishments and I am so happy. I also paid $15.88 on cc reducing my overall balance to $2287.83...wow I feel like I will be reaching my goals after all. I am hoping to have atleast the cc's paid off by December 31 and $3000.00 in my EF so I can start socking away my checks for a house

Wow, it's payday and I had a total of $49.00 left over I also paid all my bills that are due next month and now I have $200.00 left even with the extra $172.20 on cc's so I am tapping myuself on the back

well as you all know I got a raise last pay period and I made some changes this week, I decided to save the difference, which is about an extra $60.00 a paycheck. So I changed my automatic transfer from
$75 to $150 EF
$30 to $10 Misc Account
$20 to $25 IRA

I never experienced paydays when I am not broke. Since I have taken on this seriousness with my finances I always seem to have some cash left over until the next pay period. I just checked the bank and my funds are there from the part-time job ($234.90). So to even everything out I paid $34.90 on the cc debt.

Previous total: $2584.36
New total:$2549.26
Challenge total:$393.15

I went to the mall to get my free undies and past through Macy's I kept looking at one particular dress and then placed a skirt on hold, but I did not get them Boy did this take some discipline but I am happy I just kept asking myself "need or want" " no cc debt or cc " house or live at home the rest of my life" needless to say I will not be back tomorrow to pick up the skirt. They'll be others

Today is July 31 and I must say I think I did pretty good this month, here are my totals:

Total income $1829.58

expenses
Gas:$121.05
Bank Charges: $133.00 my mistakes
Interest Paid (cc) $77.33
Fixed Bills:$118.98
Charitable Donations:$21.00
Clothing $9.50
Dining Out $43.81
Gifts:$33.10
Groceries:$207.31 ;( I did not use coupons
Healthcare/insurance: $221.65
Household Cleaning/laundry:$18.70
Hurricane Supplies:$9.88
Job exp (non Reimburse) $5.99
Leisure: $8.24
Misc: 30.54 this is way down
Personal Care $43.36
Sales Tax: $9.52
Federal Income tax: 164.32
Medicare: $25.64
SS $109.66
Total: 1482.58

Income VS Spending Difference: +$397.08
So some things I went over but a lot of things were cut. Atleast I have funds saved

I do not care what any one says D. Ramsey's plan work. I think working from smallest to largest paying off debt works. Yes it is a mind thing but it keeps you motivated. I paid off another CC ($650.28)and got 1 more to go and then I will work on the charge off (445.00 cc) and the cell phone ($750.00, I go t this for my ex, never again will I be a fool for love)

Now I will be unable to add my weekly $25.00 to the challenge and $20.00 to my personal/me account but at this point I do not care because my cc is paid off


New CC balance:$1999.76

I am soooooooooo happy