End of Year Update and 2015 Goals

Been a weird year.
Had insurance covered hernia surgery, it was much worse than I could have imagined, had two huge hernias and needed mesh and the works.
And, looked amazing for maybe two months, and it came back.
Sigh.
According to doctor it's not weight related, but according to common sense it must be, so before I go under the knife and back into hell, I need to be at a much lower weight.
Financially, paid off the mortgage at the beginning of December, just waiting for the paperwork to be filed with the county.
And the house needs work, some cosmetic, some structural, all expensive.
And, dental surgery for youngest at the beginning of the month, around $6k.
Got two big hairy goals for this year, with one long term three year goal.
Max out Roth Ira and Roth 401k, 25k, yearly from now on.
Second, bi-monthly complete projects to get house up to par for a decent sale price.
Third, three year long term goal is 100k for a down payment, so if and when house sells no contingent agreement in the contract, and then just plow sell price back into the new mortgage, with the goal being a totally paid off new home. or one with a tiny mortgage.
Never thought I'd be consumer and mortgage free, and achieved that, so this I guess I'll see.
M.

Financial Thoughts

What a difference six months makes.
I have some recent cc debt, due to yet another surgery and dental bills, interest free for six months on Discover and will have it paid off within two months or so, so meh.
What's left is the mortgage, only $13,500, steadily paying that off.
My next huge financial goal is three fold.
I need to put aside 20k for my surgery.
Would like to start a sludge fund for a new to me gas efficient car, my minivan is not only a gas guzzler has well over 100k miles on it, the repairs are getting a little more expensive each time something goes wrong, and starting in June will be driving a lot more, so looking at maybe 15k.
Last is that I am still trying to get into a bigger house, which requires a down payment of roughly 80k.
This house needs a lot of repairs, updating, and I keep going back and forth between putting it on the market as a fixer upper or sinking funds into it, which is sort of counter intuitive with Rainman's  banging behaviors.
All of the above costs money, of course, so my plan is:
Pay off the cc debt.
Start setting aside $500 a week no matter what to start chipping away at the total needed of 115k.
Just wanted to get this down somewhere.

Money, Money, Money.

  I am roughly still in debt for 35k, student loans, mortgage, everything, which isn't bad, considering where I started.
  In order, I need to pay off:
  SallieMae $8350.
  NationalEd: $5676.
  Mortgage: $18,365
  Credit Cards: $3000, interest free, pretty much paying off monthly.
  This week, need a plumbing problem looked at and fixed, so that will make my balance increase.
  When I get a quote on that, will pay that off first, then transfer SallieMae to a 0 balance transfer, then NationalEd.
  Then it will be only the mortgage, and as I pay that off, will be throwing money into fixing up the house, still need to do gutters, eventually windows, then see where I stand on selling and what I can afford for a new house.
  M.

I'm back :)

Total Debt $59,640

Since last year, it has gone down, by quite a bit actually, but not as much as I had planned. 

Plumbing emergency (which is going to need another expensive visit as the problem is ongoing), medical bills for my youngest for a surgery that was considered "cosmetic" but without it she couldn't walk without extreme pain and blood, upcoming dental visits for same one that may necessitate her going back into braces and definitely will require an expensive implant, and the usual expenses slowed me down, but seeing how far my total has gone down in a year, can't complain too much.

This year's belated goals are to pay off what's left of the student loans and the transferred to Visa private loan (a little under 40k total),and then I'll only have the mortgage, which is roughly 21,500.  My taxes are coming up, I need new gutters that I've been putting off forever and this year I need to replace my mattress and bed, the fridge, and the living room set that has been jumped on way too many times. 

Yeah, we shall see.

Meal plan for the week: 

Sunday:Pizza the Ex pays for, for lunch, then dinner is usually leftover pizza and get yourself some fruit or veggies.

Monday: Roasted carrots and red potatoes, crockpot skinless chicken breast (food allergies, I cook the chicken with just a little olive oil, and let each kid season it as they want), mac and cheese for Rainman.

Tuesday: Chicken fajita roll ups, side of brown rice (just me and babygirl).

Wednesday: Steak and roasted potatoes and carrots (just me and babygirl, she's the one with the worst food allergies).

Thursday: Rainman mac and cheese, me and babygirl cranberry walnut chicken salad with spinach.

Friday: most likely just me, so steak and spinach salad most likely. 

Saturday :Me and babygirl, veggies (of course) and a clean the fridge meal.

Goal is to bake blueberry muffins and oatmeal cookies for snacks. 

Me. 

 

Meal Plan Monday

The joys of motherhood ;)
I used to be fun.
Monday: Crockpot Chicken with red sauce that two will have on sub rolls, and the other two with spaghetti, and side salad.
Tuesday: Pork Chops and baked potatoes with broccoli medley
Wednesday: Crockpot Southwest Chicken with quinoa
Thursday: Spinach steak and side salad.
Friday: just me so easy.
Saturday food shopping, don't know yet.

What's for dinner and a quickie update.

Total: 83604.
Credit Card: 10,004.
I am about to have a root canal (never had one and am really scared), and this will have to go on my Discover, then will do a balance transfer at 0% to Visa, so my balance will go up roughly $2000.
Ouch, but it's needed to be done for a long time, and if I put it off any longer, I am afraid I'll end up like poor quest and her painful expensive root canal.
Should have done this post after February 1st, as the total from credit karma as usual is higher than what I actually owe, but it's close enough.
Menu Plan Monday:
Monday: Spaghetti with red sauce and meatballs (Rainman approved)
Tuesday: Chicken Fajitas
Wednesday: Cheesy Chicken Bake with mixed veggies on the side.
Thursday: Crockpot Hot Sauce Chicken with potatoes carrots onions clean out the veggies.
Friday: just me, so leftovers.
Saturday: Food shopping.
Yes, I am in a dinner rut, and the younger two will start complaining soon, need to experiment with some of my go to food bloggers, like the go to blog to avoid eating out and the OMG I love this blog foodie site.
I made blueberry muffins last night, and will make apple muffins Wednesday, for breakfasts and snacks. :)

2012 Goals

Pay off $10250 credit card debt.
Goal June 1st.
Next is pay off the private student loan that NEVER goes down.
Access Group:$18570.
From June 1st -if I then apply my credit card payment to Access, it'll be roughly ten months, so roughly April 1st 2013.

My other two student loans are due to be paid off in less than two years, but they are federal and had low interest rates.

That would leave the mortgage.

Debt hell has a light at the end of the tunnel.

Menu Plan Monday

$84,158 is what credit karma has that I owe, but that's lagging, as I paid off my car loan and and the credit card balances I charged for Xmas (and paid off as soon as the bill came in), are showing as not paid off.
$10,250 ish is what is still owed in CC debt.
Pay off goal is June 1st.
Menu plan Monday:
Monday: Tacos
Tuesday: Chicken Fajitas
Wednesday: BLTs
Thursday:Hamburgers, french fries, apple bake
Friday: Just me, so easy.
Saturday:Food shopping

Debt, not just Credit Cards.

$12500 is roughly what I owe in CC debt.
I am getting semi -discouraged, because I am throwing a good amount of money at my overall debt, and when I see my CC debt stagnant or even increase, makes me want to dive into cheesecake.
No bueno.
I am keeping the focus on CC debt, but hoping that seeing the big number go down will help fight off debt fatigue.
After Rainman slammed the already rickety exterior front door, the want to replace went to the damn thing won't open need to be replaced.
As the back exterior door was one good Rainman slam from falling off, ordered through the Home Depot, and after the usual Home Depot incompetence, three weeks later I have new doors :)
I raided the ING house improvement fund (deleted it pretty much), and am waiting for the payment to post to my Discover.
I also hope to pay off the balance on my car loan this Friday, which will make me smile.
Working on Christmas presents.
Forrest is largely done, mostly DVDS (he had a long list), maybe a new DVD player and a DVD or two that hasn't been released yet.
Rainman is next, I've only got him one VHS tape only (he always wants older vids that never made it to DVD), and I need to pick him up mostly inexpensive toys and art supplies.
I need to pin down the other two, Bathboy will most likely want XBox games, and game related gifts, while my daughter has just got her permit and may want money for her car fund.
I know this is a common lament, but Xmas comes way too fast every year.

Menu Plan Monday

Yes, using this as a virtual to-do list.
Monday:Steak, Seasoned Fries, Spinach
Tuesday: Steak Fajitas, Halloween Cake
Wednesday: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Spinach
Thursday:Spaghetti, Meatballs, Red Sauce
Friday: Chicken for the Lazy, roasted Veggies
Saturday: Chicken Fajitas
Yes, I am in a rut, but balancing the finicky auties with the need for sameness and the more sophisticated palates of the neuro-typicals leads to enough battles as it is.
Plus, I really need to eat out of this freezer.

Massachusetts Child Support Enforcement is a joke.

$12,364. is my debt.
Got to love when you get a call from the Department of Revenue about back child support and even they are shocked at how much is owed.
Another six months has passed without even a penny in support paid, two court appearances with the Judge doing absolutely nothing, and another $5000 or so added to back support owed.
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue does not take child support enforcement seriously.
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Division overall has been useless in collecting unpaid child support for my children.
As of 9/23/11, not including unpaid medicals, anything we were supposed to go half on, the money he owes to the other family deadbeat dad has a son with that he doesn't see either, or the years of back support that I gave up on, the total child support enforcement order $27,219.
The child support enforcement rep I spoke with on Friday actually had a heart, and explained that with the back load of cases, they can't even get a court date for me until a year or 18 months.
She suggested I file on my own.
Great, file on my own to appear in court against a family law attorney?
Um, no.
It's disgusting.
What did happen, after years of him not paying, there does seem to be a consequence, that went into effect Friday.
His driver's license was suspended.
Most likely, he will appeal, and the child support enforcement judge will reinstate it, but please send positive thoughts that she will at least make him pay something before she does.

This is taking forever............

$12737.
I just keep focusing on the fact that by this time next year, all my credit card debt should be gone.
As well as my car loan.
Then I can kill Sallie Mae and her two ugly sisters.
Then I can get a bigger house.
Then my life can begin ;)
Yes, it's a pity party sort of day.
Trying to get my thoughts for the week together, and this is my virtual menu plan to do list.
Monday: Cheesy Chicken Casserole/Fattening, good, and I need to use up shredded cheese.
Tuesday: Spaghetti &Meatballs
Wednesday: Chicken for the lazy, roasted veggies.
Thursday: Rice, leftover chicken, broccoli
Friday: Leftovers (just me, most likely)
Saturday: Beef &Broccoli stir fry
I really need to get some other kinds of meat, but I have a deep freezer bursting with chicken, so chicken it often is.
Salads served with the above, as well as Rainman's special foods.
I also need to make blueberry muffins, apple bakes, and some cinnamon raisin bread for snacks.
Oh man, the diet for Mommy will be fun this week.

Surfing Credit Card Debt

$13214.10
New D-day October 1, 2012.
I did a balance transfer, and put my high rate Discover balance to a 0% Citi transfer offer with a 5% fee, for 18 months.
It should help me pay it off faster, but Mint doesn't like it.
I also had a very expensive start of the school year, spending more than I wanted, and as my income took a dip due to less work, I put a most of it on a credit card, so with that and the balance transfer fee, not a good debt pay off month.
I am focusing on my cc debt, and I know it's a marathon not a race, but my car loan feels like it's going down by leaps and bounds, although my student loan debt seems to be dragging along.
Just got to keep swimming.
Menu plan for the week:
Sunday: Leftover take out pizza from lunch (ex pays for this as I take the twins back early)
Monday: English Muffin Pizzas
Tuesday: Crockpot Chicken, potatoes, onions, etc (trying to get rid of some root vegetables).
Wednesday: Cheesey Chicken Casserole (eating from the freezer)
Thursday: Spaghetti meatballs red sauce.
Friday: most likely just me, something easy like salad.
Saturday: Digiorno pizza from the freezer, salad.
Looks not so healthy, but on the side is always veggies, salad, etc.
And I have a lot of stuff that will soon go bad if I don't use it up.

With the weather getting colder, I will be filling in with snacks such as blueberry muffins, baked apples, and there are so many inexpensive bread recipes that I really want to try.
And I may even get really ambitious and start taking pictures ;)

Keep on chugging...........

$13,365.
D-Free Day Sept. 1, 2012
Seems like I throw a lot at it, but it's just slowly going down.
I started a sub account at ING for house stuff.
Going to try to direct money into this account for house repairs.
It sounds goofy, but the best way for me to save is to earmark money into an account with a purpose, to not touch the money at all until it's time to buy.
Along with paying off cc debt (my number one goal, although student loans are up there), like any house, mine needs work.
I also plan on selling in maybe two years, closer to three, and I need to really amp up the curb appeal.
By November 1st, I need to replace four doors, two exterior and two entry.
Rainman keeps slamming them, and the front entry door has a full glass panel that is one slam away from shattering.
The others have born his stimming and kicks, and the exterior entry door is essentially duct taped in one section.
My goal is to divert $1500 by November 1st for the four doors plus installation, which I think I should be able to manage.
My design options are limited, as the doors are all odd sizes, which is a blessing in that I don;t really have a luxury door option.
Ten weeks, give or take, that I need to put $150 per week in the pot.
With my cc repayment, it's going to be even tighter than usual, but putting it out there for accountability.
MJ

Menu Plan Monday

$14,535.
Sept. 1, 2012. D-Free Day.

I need to get veggies tomorrow.
Monday-Meatball Subs, Caramel Apple Crisp (plus need to make some Blueberry Muffins for snacks and breakfasts while the apple crisp is baking)
Tuesday-Cheesy Chicken Rice Dish
Wednesday-Chicken Broccoli Stir fry
Thursday-Chicken for the Lazy
Friday-Leftovers, most likely just me with maybe a random offspring. Chicken Salad, greens.
Saturday-Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce, salad.

Personal Finance Blogger Rant

$14984.

Although my credit card debt has not gone down, my other debt, such as student loans, have.
Oddly, I'm proud it didn't go up, because the buy out of my former good paying contracting company has been horrendous.
For what little work there is, I've been paid, but there simply isn't enough to feed everyone.
It's extremely frustrating, as I can see what the new people are doing wrong, lots of beginner mistakes, and when I and some of the other more experienced contractors say, hey, this is a big mistake and if you do this, you get the exact opposite of what you want, there's a lot of, WE are in charge.
Yes, you are, and aren't you the ones complaining that you don't understand why profits have tanked?
And when you get sandboxed by Google for doing idiotic shit, for doing shit after you were warned not to do it, you seriously can't understand why this is a problem?
The new middle men are sending some of the other contractors my way for help, which would be fine, if I was getting any sort of income from it.
If anything, showing them how to do things the right way means even less assignments coming my way.
I had a stellar week income wise last week (the best since the merger), and instead of giving me any sort of monetary bonus (which had been customary with the former owner), I get an email with "good job".
O rly?
I had been putting serious feelers out for the last month, and got a lot of, we'll keep you in mind, love your work but not looking for new contractors, etc.
But, one of the places has just decided to contract me!
I have one more hurdle, but a firm start date.
This place has a very good reputation, and is a perfect match for my skills.
It pays slightly more than I make now, just have to see if it's steady enough to make it my main place.
Wish me luck :)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: English Muffin Pizzas/Mac and Cheese
Tuesday: French Toast
Wednesday:Steak Fajitas
Thursday:Chicken Stir Fry
Friday:Just me, something easy.
Saturday: Cheese bread, salad, steak
Sunday: Mashed Potatoes, Chicken wings, not sure.
It's a crazy week, just want to have a blue print.

Menu Plan

Going to try to stay out of the food stores until next Friday.
Thursday: Buffalo chicken rice.
Friday: Should be only me, so leftovers or something light.
Saturday: Chicken for the lazy, roasted veggies.
Sunday: Leftover chicken, mashed potatoes.
Monday: Steak Fajitas with rice.
Tuesday: Beef and Broccoli
Wednesday: Spaghetti with Alfredo sauce, side salad.
Thursday: Steak/Mashed Potatoes
Friday: Food shopping so have to see.
I pretty much always serve some kind of salad on the side, and Rainman always has Mac and Cheese.
Credit Card Debt: $14,952.

Frugal Kitchen Tools

Penny has an interesting post up about frugal kitchen tools.
I cook.
A lot.
Bake, stir fry, roast, whatever you want to call it, I do it.
I am not the most frugal food shopper, and it is something I am working on, but I suppose my costs would be even higher if I didn't have my frugal kitchen tools.
In no particular frugal order, here are my favorite frugal kitchen tools:
KitchenAid Mixer : Man, I love this thing. It makes mixing everything from potatoes to cakes to muffins to cheesecake so easy. I also use it to keep Rainman busy (loves to follow recipes), but this is definitely my toy.
Dutch Oven: I got mine at BJ's Wholesale for under $40, right around the time I became one of Dorie Greenspan's disciples (her chicken for the lazy is amazing), and I use it constantly. Stick in a chicken, vegetables, on a bread bed, forget it, and your kitchen smells mouth watering. The finished product is even better. ;)
I have a few kept out of the way sharp knives, and I agree they are indispensable, but I picked mine up at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, or BJ's.
And I won one at Eat At Home Cooks.
There are two things I am keeping an eye out for, when I see a good sale/price.
One is a pressure cooker.
Not sure where my fear of pressure cooker comes from (almost as irrational as my fear of clowns), but I've always shied away from them.
Ice Cream Maker: This is something I really would like to get before summer. This is a want, not a need obviously, but I see this as fractionally money saving but definitely better nutritionally (I can control what goes in, as well as what doesn't).
I love to get a glimpse into others kitchens, so please comment :)

Back in the saddle.

Been missing in action, but had one of those periods where I put in a ton of effort and am only starting to see results now.
The past few months since my last post where filled with uncertainty, with me not adding debt, but no real income coming in from what had been my steady pay.
I worked on another source, and it helped immensely, but it's still not what I was bringing in.
That needs to change.
Also, between ER visits for two of the offspring (concussion, fractured ribs, deep cut to toe with ear infection) and the fact that everyone has a deep hacking cough that is viral as opposed to bacterial, it sucks to be me right now.
Tomorrow, at least three of the offspring will be home, including Rainman, which makes it next to impossible to get real work done.
And, I definitely see yet another doctor's visit tomorrow, looks like conjunctivitis is in the house.
But, new month and all, and here we go.
I need to get back to meal planning, but right now, it's eat what stays down.

The Saved Quarter Challenge:
Credit card debt: 14952.
Goal by June:13500.
Retirement: $650 (Random, but I have an account that is specifically earmarked, and that's what I made from it and will get a deposit within a week or so).
Goal to be made this month for June:$1000.
I also will attempt $45 toward Xmas, and $50 savings per week.
Feels good to have a goal again :)