$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.
Showing posts with label credit card debt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label credit card debt. Show all posts
Monday, September 19, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Food Hoarding
I was personal finance blog hopping, and came across an interesting personal finance blog "The Quest for $85,ooo".
On an older post, she wrote about overspending and food hoarding.
It never occurred to me that there was such a thing, but it really resonated.
There's a real problem in general society with food insecurity, and for those of us who've spent times without enough food, there's nothing like an overflowing pantry, fridge and cupboards filled to bursting with food.
And many personal finance bloggers recommend stockpiling groceries, but that's not in keeping with the way I'm shopping (fresh fruits and veggies).
But, I do end up throwing out a lot of spoiled food.
I always have fruits and veggies on hand, and I want that to continue, but I am definitely over buying.
With my small kitchen (which has a fridge and chest freezer), opening any kitchen door or cabinet pretty much guarantees food will jump out at you.
For the rest of February, I'm going to make a concerted effort to meal plan around what I already have.
Friday accountability:
Health Insurance paid today.
Still need to pay car ins, mortgage, and aiming for the $400.
Waiting for deposits to clear before I can pay the above.
Credit card debt: $15,465.
$100 to E*Trade.
Goal: $100 week for food.
On an older post, she wrote about overspending and food hoarding.
It never occurred to me that there was such a thing, but it really resonated.
There's a real problem in general society with food insecurity, and for those of us who've spent times without enough food, there's nothing like an overflowing pantry, fridge and cupboards filled to bursting with food.
And many personal finance bloggers recommend stockpiling groceries, but that's not in keeping with the way I'm shopping (fresh fruits and veggies).
But, I do end up throwing out a lot of spoiled food.
I always have fruits and veggies on hand, and I want that to continue, but I am definitely over buying.
With my small kitchen (which has a fridge and chest freezer), opening any kitchen door or cabinet pretty much guarantees food will jump out at you.
For the rest of February, I'm going to make a concerted effort to meal plan around what I already have.
Friday accountability:
Health Insurance paid today.
Still need to pay car ins, mortgage, and aiming for the $400.
Waiting for deposits to clear before I can pay the above.
Credit card debt: $15,465.
$100 to E*Trade.
Goal: $100 week for food.
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Saved Quarter Challenge Monthly Update
Hello to all my fellow Saved Quarter Challenge getting out of debt peeps.
My goal is to get on autopilot with my savings and debt repayment.
Oddly, the savings part is coming easier than the debt repayment part.
Transferred $100 to my IRA, and will deposit Bathboy's $45 paycheck (I cash it for him, giving him half and putting the other half into a savings account for him, then deposit the paper check for myself) into my semi Xmas fund.
I only put $300 toward credit card debt (this week), and increased the total owed after paying my IRS screw up from last year.
Overall, this is how it looks for the first month of The Saved Quarter Challenge:
Started January with $16,600.
Now $15,711.
Credit Score was 671.
Now 678.
$300 toward retirement.
$200 toward Xmas fund.
Overall, this month was ok, and would have been great if not for the IRS mix up.
I need to keep my eyes on eliminating the credit card debt, as once that's gone, so much cash flow will be freed up.
Anyone else rocking The Saved Quarter Challenge?
Great Blog: Gail Vaz Oxlade
My goal is to get on autopilot with my savings and debt repayment.
Oddly, the savings part is coming easier than the debt repayment part.
Transferred $100 to my IRA, and will deposit Bathboy's $45 paycheck (I cash it for him, giving him half and putting the other half into a savings account for him, then deposit the paper check for myself) into my semi Xmas fund.
I only put $300 toward credit card debt (this week), and increased the total owed after paying my IRS screw up from last year.
Overall, this is how it looks for the first month of The Saved Quarter Challenge:
Started January with $16,600.
Now $15,711.
Credit Score was 671.
Now 678.
$300 toward retirement.
$200 toward Xmas fund.
Overall, this month was ok, and would have been great if not for the IRS mix up.
I need to keep my eyes on eliminating the credit card debt, as once that's gone, so much cash flow will be freed up.
Anyone else rocking The Saved Quarter Challenge?
Great Blog: Gail Vaz Oxlade
Monday, January 24, 2011
Menu Planning Monday
Some meals from last week got moved to this week.
The joy of snow days and hectic schedules.
Monday: Angel Hair Pasta, Red Sauce, Meatballs, sub rolls, salad (used up the last in the fridge).
Tuesday: Chicken Fried Rice Stir Fry.
Wednesday: Pork Chops, Salad, Au Gratin Potatoes
Thursday:Baked Ziti (this is Rainman dependent, if he requests it we have it, if not, we shall see, because I have ricotta cheese I really need to use up).
Friday: Soup/Salad (most likely just me).
Saturday: BLTs
Sunday: Fend for yourself
I have all of the ingredients in the pantry, except for salad, which I'll pick up later in the week.
I took the advice of Penny at The Saved Quarter, and called Visa.
They dropped my interest rate 4 points, which isn't great, but it's almost paid off, and it's better than nothing :)
Especially when work is deader than dead.
Credit Card Debt: $14,339
Great Blog: Eat At Home Cooks
The joy of snow days and hectic schedules.
Monday: Angel Hair Pasta, Red Sauce, Meatballs, sub rolls, salad (used up the last in the fridge).
Tuesday: Chicken Fried Rice Stir Fry.
Wednesday: Pork Chops, Salad, Au Gratin Potatoes
Thursday:Baked Ziti (this is Rainman dependent, if he requests it we have it, if not, we shall see, because I have ricotta cheese I really need to use up).
Friday: Soup/Salad (most likely just me).
Saturday: BLTs
Sunday: Fend for yourself
I have all of the ingredients in the pantry, except for salad, which I'll pick up later in the week.
I took the advice of Penny at The Saved Quarter, and called Visa.
They dropped my interest rate 4 points, which isn't great, but it's almost paid off, and it's better than nothing :)
Especially when work is deader than dead.
Credit Card Debt: $14,339
Great Blog: Eat At Home Cooks
Friday, January 21, 2011
Debt Progess
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.
I find myself saying that quite often, these days.
Especially like today, snow day, stay home from school day for everyone but Rainman, who wants to simply drive for hours to stave off the no school tantrum.
I really have no idea how he's going to handle not going to school every day when he ages out in three years.
Got a surprise child support payment (my younger two's father rarely pays child support), and put that toward Visa.
Not a great week income wise, but that's where the swimming part comes in.
Paid myself $100 into E*Trade first thing ( as suggested by Penny at The Saved Quarter Challenge) and while it's not painless, it's the only way I save.
Going to bite the bullet, and as Grace at Thrifty Cheapskate suggested, just pay state taxes and use the mistaken federal tax payment towards 2010 federal.
This sucks, because it's $1400, and since it's not planned for/budgeted, there's really nowhere to take it from, so will put it on Visa.
And I was getting so close to snowballing the Visa debt off.
Other random bills:cell, student loan, and DunkinDonuts recharge (don't judge me, keeps me sane).
Credit Card Debt: $14,339.
I find myself saying that quite often, these days.
Especially like today, snow day, stay home from school day for everyone but Rainman, who wants to simply drive for hours to stave off the no school tantrum.
I really have no idea how he's going to handle not going to school every day when he ages out in three years.
Got a surprise child support payment (my younger two's father rarely pays child support), and put that toward Visa.
Not a great week income wise, but that's where the swimming part comes in.
Paid myself $100 into E*Trade first thing ( as suggested by Penny at The Saved Quarter Challenge) and while it's not painless, it's the only way I save.
Going to bite the bullet, and as Grace at Thrifty Cheapskate suggested, just pay state taxes and use the mistaken federal tax payment towards 2010 federal.
This sucks, because it's $1400, and since it's not planned for/budgeted, there's really nowhere to take it from, so will put it on Visa.
And I was getting so close to snowballing the Visa debt off.
Other random bills:cell, student loan, and DunkinDonuts recharge (don't judge me, keeps me sane).
Credit Card Debt: $14,339.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Money Progress
It's still January, and I need a carrot to go with the stick of paying off credit card debt.
$4190. is the balance I have left on my Visa, and once that is paid off, I plan on transferring my remaining Discover debt to Visa, and get 0% interest until it's gone.
What I am still up in the air about is whether to get this debt monkey off my back as fast as possible, to the detriment of my retirement savings this year, or taking a month or so off and finish off my Roth IRA for 2010.
Back to the $4190.
To stave off debt fatigue, as soon as I pay off my Visa, I am going to allow myself a reward in the form of TurboFire Deluxe.
Going over my prior year's tax payments, I some how managed to pay Federal tax that was supposed to go to State, and getting the payment amount credited to the right place is apparently impossible.
Going to try one more time Tuesday or Wednesday, and if no one can help then going to say screw it and just pay State tax outright and then use the Federal payment overage to what I may owe this go round.
Paid Sallie Mae.
$100 E*Trade Roth IRA
Still need to pay my car loan, most likely tomorrow.
Credit Card Debt: $14,642.
Great Blog: Violent Acres
$4190. is the balance I have left on my Visa, and once that is paid off, I plan on transferring my remaining Discover debt to Visa, and get 0% interest until it's gone.
What I am still up in the air about is whether to get this debt monkey off my back as fast as possible, to the detriment of my retirement savings this year, or taking a month or so off and finish off my Roth IRA for 2010.
Back to the $4190.
To stave off debt fatigue, as soon as I pay off my Visa, I am going to allow myself a reward in the form of TurboFire Deluxe.
Going over my prior year's tax payments, I some how managed to pay Federal tax that was supposed to go to State, and getting the payment amount credited to the right place is apparently impossible.
Going to try one more time Tuesday or Wednesday, and if no one can help then going to say screw it and just pay State tax outright and then use the Federal payment overage to what I may owe this go round.
Paid Sallie Mae.
$100 E*Trade Roth IRA
Still need to pay my car loan, most likely tomorrow.
Credit Card Debt: $14,642.
Great Blog: Violent Acres
Credit Card Debt Update
Snow days are really interfering with my Saved Quarter Challenge mojo.
No school today, and late starts tomorrow leave me drained from keeping Rainman entertained while doing the Mommy Taxi thing for the others.
Just no time to do more work than "get by" stuff.
"Get by" does not make my bank account happy.
Since I paid the mortgage and a student loan (2 others are due next week as well as my car loan this Friday), I am not going to beat myself up about not throwing more money at the credit card debt on Friday, but counting what I paid Monday as my Saved Quarter Challenge goal met.
I still need to meet my pay myself first savings goal on Friday, and see what bills are left for the rest of January.
I also would like to incorporate menu planning, as other Mommy Bloggers swear by it for lowering grocery bills.
Great Blog: Budget Bytes
Credit Card Debt: $14,642.
No school today, and late starts tomorrow leave me drained from keeping Rainman entertained while doing the Mommy Taxi thing for the others.
Just no time to do more work than "get by" stuff.
"Get by" does not make my bank account happy.
Since I paid the mortgage and a student loan (2 others are due next week as well as my car loan this Friday), I am not going to beat myself up about not throwing more money at the credit card debt on Friday, but counting what I paid Monday as my Saved Quarter Challenge goal met.
I still need to meet my pay myself first savings goal on Friday, and see what bills are left for the rest of January.
I also would like to incorporate menu planning, as other Mommy Bloggers swear by it for lowering grocery bills.
Great Blog: Budget Bytes
Credit Card Debt: $14,642.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saved Quarter Challenge
Deposit came this morning, and out of that, put $620 toward CC debt.
On The Saved Quarter, there is a very timely post about paying yourself first.
I have in the past put this in play, and intellectually I know it works.
My savings will be on hold until I get my credit card debt paid off, but I still need a cushion, bigger than what I have on hand now.
My Saved Quarter Challenge Goal from now until I pay off my credit card debt will be to put away $50 to E*Trade each Friday.
I need this credit card debt gone so bad I can taste it.
Great Blog: Graceful Retirement
Credit Card Debt: $15,170.
On my nightstand: Dirty Secret by Jessie Sholl
On The Saved Quarter, there is a very timely post about paying yourself first.
I have in the past put this in play, and intellectually I know it works.
My savings will be on hold until I get my credit card debt paid off, but I still need a cushion, bigger than what I have on hand now.
My Saved Quarter Challenge Goal from now until I pay off my credit card debt will be to put away $50 to E*Trade each Friday.
I need this credit card debt gone so bad I can taste it.
Great Blog: Graceful Retirement
Credit Card Debt: $15,170.
On my nightstand: Dirty Secret by Jessie Sholl
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Snowballing Snowflaking Debt
Sounds vaguely obscene, doesn't it?
If it's not clear, being self employed, my income is extremely variable.
At the beginning of the month, certain deposits are scheduled to come in, with others schedule through the month.
As any self employed person knows, never count on money until it's actually in your hand/direct deposited in your bank account.
Got a $250 deposit, and put that right toward credit card debt.
Yay me!
Looking at other personal finance blogs today, there seems to be widely differing opinions on coupons.
I spend way too much on food, and when I read "I spent $25 for a whole week's worth of food with coupons!" entries on Mommy bloggers blogs, I cringe to post what I spend on food.
Part of my problem is, four teenagers simply eat massive amounts of food.
With three of those teens being boys, they inhale food.
Two of the males have sensory issues, and meal time is a minefield no matter what.
My daughter eats like a bird, but she goes through veggies like it's her job.
The other issue I have is- I love to cook.
Not the "what's for dinner" type of cooking, but trying new recipes a la Dorie Greenspan.
I'm not willing ( and am lucky to be in a position to not have to, although seeing my debt others may disagree) cut down on buying fresh fruits and vegetables, but I do need to knock off the convenience junk food.
My compromise is buying most of my fresh foods at BJ's Wholesale Club, and picking up loss leaders according to the grocery flyers.
BJ's does accept coupons, but it really depends on the cashier's knowledge of BJ's coupon policy, and after a few bad experiences with coupons, I have been lazy about match ups.
Also, BJ's generic products (for which there are no coupons), so far have been equal to the name brand toilet paper, shampoo, deli products, and baking goods that I usually buy.
I really need to add "use coupons wisely" to my New Year's resolutions. :)
Great Blog I just found: Broke Foodie
Credit card debt: $15,420.
If it's not clear, being self employed, my income is extremely variable.
At the beginning of the month, certain deposits are scheduled to come in, with others schedule through the month.
As any self employed person knows, never count on money until it's actually in your hand/direct deposited in your bank account.
Got a $250 deposit, and put that right toward credit card debt.
Yay me!
Looking at other personal finance blogs today, there seems to be widely differing opinions on coupons.
I spend way too much on food, and when I read "I spent $25 for a whole week's worth of food with coupons!" entries on Mommy bloggers blogs, I cringe to post what I spend on food.
Part of my problem is, four teenagers simply eat massive amounts of food.
With three of those teens being boys, they inhale food.
Two of the males have sensory issues, and meal time is a minefield no matter what.
My daughter eats like a bird, but she goes through veggies like it's her job.
The other issue I have is- I love to cook.
Not the "what's for dinner" type of cooking, but trying new recipes a la Dorie Greenspan.
I'm not willing ( and am lucky to be in a position to not have to, although seeing my debt others may disagree) cut down on buying fresh fruits and vegetables, but I do need to knock off the convenience junk food.
My compromise is buying most of my fresh foods at BJ's Wholesale Club, and picking up loss leaders according to the grocery flyers.
BJ's does accept coupons, but it really depends on the cashier's knowledge of BJ's coupon policy, and after a few bad experiences with coupons, I have been lazy about match ups.
Also, BJ's generic products (for which there are no coupons), so far have been equal to the name brand toilet paper, shampoo, deli products, and baking goods that I usually buy.
I really need to add "use coupons wisely" to my New Year's resolutions. :)
Great Blog I just found: Broke Foodie
Credit card debt: $15,420.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Stressed
Why does when one stressful thing happen, it seems like the floodgates open?
I did pretty well on the food budget, but ended up spending way more than I wanted to on things that could definitely be classified as wants.
Roughly $100 toward food, but on last minute school supplies for my youngest's major project, sneakers for me, and stuff I used to stockpile with coupons but have been buying, skewed my other spending to $150 more, all spent yesterday.
And today, after having one of the twin's home all day unexpectedly, and the other a planned half day which is always stressful, my eating is way up.
And, I need to exercise.
Didn't do anything at all today, and I know the less I move, the more stressed I get, and there goes the eating.
Planned spending today was car insurance, and the planned kid lunch spending.
Still hoping to make my planned $400 toward CC debt on Friday.
Wish me luck.
I did pretty well on the food budget, but ended up spending way more than I wanted to on things that could definitely be classified as wants.
Roughly $100 toward food, but on last minute school supplies for my youngest's major project, sneakers for me, and stuff I used to stockpile with coupons but have been buying, skewed my other spending to $150 more, all spent yesterday.
And today, after having one of the twin's home all day unexpectedly, and the other a planned half day which is always stressful, my eating is way up.
And, I need to exercise.
Didn't do anything at all today, and I know the less I move, the more stressed I get, and there goes the eating.
Planned spending today was car insurance, and the planned kid lunch spending.
Still hoping to make my planned $400 toward CC debt on Friday.
Wish me luck.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Saved Quarter Challenge
The Saved Quarter has a great challenge up.
1.Determine your objective.
My objective is financially, erase CC debt, and personally, lose a substantial amount of weight.
To erase it in one year, I need to channel roughly $400. per week toward CC debt.
Ouch.
Weight wise, I'm aiming for two pounds a week, but will be ok with one pound per week.
For that, I need a 1k per day calorie deficient.
That's really not too bad.
2. Specific, measurable goals.
Above and beyond my other bills, I need to channel $400 weekly toward debt.
(Duh)
For the 1k daily deficient, daily walk or DVD along with cutting calories as tracked by my BodyMedia.
3. List ways to make or save money toward goal.
For January, do a freezer challenge.
Still buying fruits and veggies, but eating through my huge chest freezer.
Bake from scratch.
Aim for $100 week food goal.
Overhaul P Affs, N accounts, goal 100 b's per week.
Off to market my little heart out!
1.Determine your objective.
My objective is financially, erase CC debt, and personally, lose a substantial amount of weight.
To erase it in one year, I need to channel roughly $400. per week toward CC debt.
Ouch.
Weight wise, I'm aiming for two pounds a week, but will be ok with one pound per week.
For that, I need a 1k per day calorie deficient.
That's really not too bad.
2. Specific, measurable goals.
Above and beyond my other bills, I need to channel $400 weekly toward debt.
(Duh)
For the 1k daily deficient, daily walk or DVD along with cutting calories as tracked by my BodyMedia.
3. List ways to make or save money toward goal.
For January, do a freezer challenge.
Still buying fruits and veggies, but eating through my huge chest freezer.
Bake from scratch.
Aim for $100 week food goal.
Overhaul P Affs, N accounts, goal 100 b's per week.
Off to market my little heart out!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Monthly Goals
Tight month already.
Goals:
$500 car
$1500 ccs
$500 xmas
$500 water bill
$400 Roth
In addition to my day to day bills.
Goals:
$500 car
$1500 ccs
$500 xmas
$500 water bill
$400 Roth
In addition to my day to day bills.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
payday
last night continued-
Papa's $35 (ex gave cause he's away)
Wednesday
Dunkin Donuts $3
M&P Lunch $6
Wallyworld - $212.
Hannaford's $31.
Visa payment $580.
:)
Papa's $35 (ex gave cause he's away)
Wednesday
Dunkin Donuts $3
M&P Lunch $6
Wallyworld - $212.
Hannaford's $31.
Visa payment $580.
:)
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Back on Track
I set up a Roth IRA at E*TradeFinancials and so far, so good. I am on track to maxing out my $4000 for 2007, having deposited $960 ($320 each Wednesday) and started the savings account too, only depositing $150 so far, but it's a start.
What else happened is, my car died. I was in a pretty bad fender bender, and although my car was fixed, it has been stalling on long trips. No one can seem to find exactly what's wrong. The Ex has agreed to give me a down payment and co-sign, and with Rainman and the long commute twice a day to his school, there is no getting around the need for a reliable car. I have been looking at 2006/2007 low mileage Dodge Caravans, and Monday is the big new car day.
Deep breath: CC debt total is $26,661.
I want to have that to $13,330 by next year, if not sooner.
Wish me luck :)
What else happened is, my car died. I was in a pretty bad fender bender, and although my car was fixed, it has been stalling on long trips. No one can seem to find exactly what's wrong. The Ex has agreed to give me a down payment and co-sign, and with Rainman and the long commute twice a day to his school, there is no getting around the need for a reliable car. I have been looking at 2006/2007 low mileage Dodge Caravans, and Monday is the big new car day.
Deep breath: CC debt total is $26,661.
I want to have that to $13,330 by next year, if not sooner.
Wish me luck :)
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