By hope
I started to see and feel progress. But I didn’t exactly achieve my goals. Here are the current numbers.
| Description of debts | October 2023 Total | interest rate | Minimum payment | Current total | Payment date (Eastern time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC – Amazon | $1,497 | 29.99% | $48 | $743 | June 2024 |
| Personal Loan No. 1 | $2500 | 0% | $500 (starting April) | 1000 dollars | July 2024 |
| Personal Loan No. 2 | $2500 | 0% | $500 (starting April) | $1500 | August 2024 |
| CC – wander | $1,630 | 29.24% | $75 | $1,605 | September 2024 |
| Dad – new oven | $2600 | 0% | $500 (July begging) | $2600 | December 2024 |
| CC – border | $3857 | 29.99% | $131 | $3,530 | |
| CC – USA | $5000 | 19.15% | $135 | $2,742 | |
| Car loan | $19,581 | 12.69% | Gymnast pushes | $16,038 | |
| Student loans | $22,121 | 2.875% | In postponement | $22,541 | |
| CC – Apple** | 500 dollars | Paid every month | $0 | ||
| CC – AMEX | $894 | 29.24% | $0 | $0 | March 2024 |
| CC-SAMS | $1,106 | 29.99% | $0 | $0 | April 2024 |
| the total | $61,186 | $1,389 | $52,299 |
the details
I realize it doesn’t seem like I’ve done much this month. However, there are things these numbers don’t tell you.
My USAA CC was paid in full, so no interest was charged. But then he turned around and used it, so the balance is less but still significant. But it didn’t cost me anything this month. Woot, woot! Details: My car insurance is set to auto-draw from this account, which it has been for a long time, and takes care of the monthly payment as well.
I had a list of car maintenance I needed to do which I was slowly doing. It has new filters (I did it myself so there was no work), it has a refrigeration service, a transmission service, a serpentine belt replacement, and has a few other things to do. We hope that by June, all 100,000 maintenance things will be completed. Just a side note: always check your mechanics bill. I’m supposed to get free tire rotations since I bought tires from them (2 years ago). They charged me for it this time and I didn’t get it. It’s a pain trying to get a refund especially since it’s an hour drive so it’s handled over the phone.
Focus on saving
Beauty and I had some conversations about money this week. She’s eager to get a car again, and get out on her own again. Fortunately she’s slowing down and trying to make better decisions this time. She is more willing to listen. It’s a savings, even though I forced it. But I think she sees how easy it is and how much confidence it gives her. How does it not harm memorization? You just have to do it. I am very proud of her.
On the other hand, I should follow my own advice, and slow down, too. I have to provide better!
The princess and the gymnast (and even the twins) were forced to save 10% of their total income while growing up. So far, I’d say this lesson has stuck a bit, especially with the two younger kids. They do well on their own with their money. I can honestly say, they both knew more about money at 18-19 then I did at 30-40. I give myself a pat on the back for that. Their eyes are wide open. Knowledge in this case is truly power.
But back to me…
For the past couple of months, I’ve been focused on getting out of last year’s hole. I failed miserably at memorization.
But that stops now. With my next income… June, I plan to apply the same rule to myself. 10% of total income will go directly to savings, untouched. This means that my debt repayment will slow down a bit. But I’ll build that cushion/safety net back up.
This is where we are now.
a job
Work is steady. I absolutely love both my jobs. I am very confident that my 6 month contract will be extended. Last week the owner asked me what I wanted to work on full time. So we’ll see!? I keep my fingers crossed.
Hope is a creative, solutions-focused business manager who helps clients grow their businesses and operate more efficiently by leveraging expertise in project management, digital marketing, and technology solutions. She has recently become an empty nester as her five foster/adopted children spread their wings. She lives with her five dogs in a small town in northeast Georgia and prefers the mountains to the beaches any day. She has the travel bug and does her best to help each of her children finish school and become independent (but it’s hard!) She’s been running her own consulting company for nearly twenty years! Hope began sharing her journey with the BAD community in the spring of 2015, and feels like she’s finally in a place that allows her to truly focus on making wise financial decisions.
