By hope
The past month has been a wash since I paid the credit card, but then I turned around and used it to extract Princess’s wisdom teeth.
However, this month, we are back on track.
| Description of debts | October 2023 Total | interest rate | Minimum payment | Current total | Payment date (Eastern time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC – border | $3857 | 29.99% | $130 | $2,718 | December 2024 |
| Dad – new oven | $2600 | 0% | $0 | $2600 | January 2025 |
| CC – USA | $5000 | 19.15% | $135 | $2,723 | March 2025 |
| Student loans | $22,121 | 2.875% | delay | $22,850 | September 2025? |
| CC – Apple** | $500 | Paid every month | $0 | ||
| CC – AMEX | $894 | 29.24% | $0 | $0 | March 2024 – Closed |
| CC-SAMS | $1,106 | 29.99% | $0 | $0 | April 2024 |
| Personal Loan No. 1 | $2500 | 0% | $0 | $0 | July 2024 |
| Personal Loan No. 2 | $2500 | 0% | $0 | $0 | August 2024 |
| CC – wander | $1,630 | 29.24% | $0 | $0 | August 2024 – Closed |
| CC – Amazon | $1,497 | 29.99% | $0 | $0 | September 2024 |
| the total | $44,206 | $265 | $30,891 |
After paying all monthly obligations (bills plus transfers to savings and investments) and debt payments, I’m left with $586. I expect it to cover the Texas trip. This will allow my savings to remain intact which gives me a great deal of relief.
Christmas on the brain
I’m really struggling with the idea of Christmas. Next week, I’ll spread out the remaining $5 in my Christmas budget and see how I use it. Fortunately, the kids are all great and I know they will be thrilled with anything. I really have wonderful children. The goal is for the Christmas to be made specifically for the three boys and the Texas family so I can avoid any shipping fees. Crossing my fingers. I need weeks to finish it.
Next goal
I expect my next credit card payment to be made in January at the latest. Border card, that is. Then I have to decide whether to focus on final CC or pay my parents. I feel it should be my last personal loan. But my father made it clear that he was fine waiting. So I’m leaning towards a credit card. No promises, but I’m committed to the plan of paying off credit card debt first.
I also have to re-evaluate my tax plan for the new year since my annual income will be much higher than this year. (I’m also hoping to get a bonus this year. I can’t plan it, but I hope so.)
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 three 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.
