End of year balance

I dragged my sick self to the bank today and deposited my Christmas gifts and eBay profits! My new loan and total debt balance is $6,311! This means I have to pay just over $1,000 per month to reach my goal of June.

It is so hard for me to believe that I paid off $17,876 this year!!! I'm so proud of myself!

What was I thinking?

OF COURSE my balance is going to be under $7k by the end of tomorrow...I still haven't deposited my generous and most appreciated Christmas gift money!

I wanted to go to the bank today but I am sick and the body aches kept me from going anywhere. Hoping I feel better by morning as I have been given tickets to an aquarium and really want to go! Not to mention New Years activities going on.

Got paid

I forgot to mention in my last post that I got paid and put $320 towards by debt. That brings my balance down to $7,038. I'm still planning to be under $7,000 by the end of this year, which only gives me a couple of days, but I'm waiting for funds to make it to my bank account from PayPal - online sales. Then, I will have met this goal.

My real goal is to be out of debt by June, even if it is the last day. I think I can make it happen!

Spent a little more

I bought myself a facial steamer which I feel was needed. My skin is not in the best shape and this item cost $25. It works much better than filling a bowl with hot water, putting a towel over my head, and hoping the steam will last.

I'll most likely put the rest towards my debt...really this time, unless I need something else ;)

Xmas gift update

Yesterday I did a little shopping and spent about $50. Almost everything I bought was on sale and I got three tops and a scarf. Not bad! BUT...the tops are for spring and summer weather.

I always think that I want to change my style..or lack thereof. It's just so expensive to do it! I'm tired of never looking my best. :(

One thing I want to with this money is get a Passport. I don't have plans to go anywhere, but want to be ready just in case!

As of now, I plan to put the rest on my debt.

Tis the season!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!!! Yesterday was a great time with family. I also received a very generous money gift from my employer, but have yet to decide if I will use the entire amount towards my debt repayment. Although I know it would be the smart option, I feel like I should get myself "a little something." :)

Got the money

The check I was waiting on for the housesitting arrived! Just paid it on the loan and my balance is $7,344.xx.

I should be just under $7,000 by the end of December :)

Another little bite...

Today I updated my sidebar as I paid another $210.00 to my loan with money I made doing side work and eBay. I'm also expecting another check any day now for some housesitting. Once I get it, I will pay the whole amount of the check to my loan!

Dave Ramsey is keeping me motivated with his podcasts :o) If you haven't heard him, you really should.

Officially more than 2/3 there

Now I really only have a third of my debt left! I got paid today and just transferred $330 to my loan leaving me with a balance of $7,775.xx.

If I work hard, I will be debt free by June 30th...that's my goal. Once I reach that goal I may treat myself to something nice...and then save 3-6 months of expenses in an emergency fund.

However, I really think my car is about to start needing repairs such as the timing belt, clutch, etc. This could set me back a month or so.

Either way, I'm happy about my progress and goal.

I'm two-thirds of the way there!!!

Well...I will be tomorrow! I'm $41 short of being 2/3 of the way to being debt free!!

When I see the numbers, I wonder where all the money I have made over the years has gone. This year I have been able to live without $16,xxx and really the only thing I can think of that is different is that I:

1. I make a budget every month and stick to it [about 90-95% of the time].
2. Don't eat at restaurants as much, but still go out occasionally.
3. Make coffee at home daily, except for maybe 2-3 times a month.
4. Don't buy things I don't need.
5. Don't buy [as many] things I want. In fact, this has been cut back tremendously!

What it comes down to is, you must have a plan and stick to it. If you want it bad enough, you can make it happen if you keep working on the goal.

There is a quote I like, but I don't know the author...it is:

A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you refuse to take the turn.

Don't give up!

Christmas gifts

This Christmas I am not planning on spending a lot of money. Yesterday I bought two gifts (chocolate) and spent $45. This seems like a lot to me for chocolate, but it is really good stuff! Also, what do you get for the person who doesn't like clutter and can by anything they want for themselves??? Food, candy, chocolate, or take them out for a good time.

Over the last few months I have bought a few small things here and there to cover a few people to whom I want to give. The pinch doesn't feel as bad when you spread it out over months!

There are only a few more [I think] gifts I want to purchase which shouldn't cost too much.

I really just want to enjoy the season and not get caught up on who gets what, and the stress of shopping for the "perfect" gift!

Dinner...debt

Last night I went to dinner with a couple friends, spent about $16. Didn't seem like much at the time, but now it does. Oh well...what's done is done. I will have to more aware in the future and stick to coffee outings if I can.

I just made a payment to my loan of $200 which brings my balance down to $8,3xx! I realized that I have paid $3,000 in just less than two months since I got the loan. Before really trying to get out of debt, I never would have thought I could do this. So cool!

Fell off a little

Yes, I went shopping for a few items of clothing. I spent about $100. It really isn't bad for what I got which was a wool sweater, New Year's Eve top, a pair of leather flats and an Xmas gift. I have not removed tags from anything in case I decide to return any of it (doubtful).

I knew that I REALLY can't spend time in clothing stores or I may spend money, but I was shopping for someone else so had to go to this store.

Oh well...I will just keep on going, pluggin' away at this debt I have. As of today, I owe $8,575 and am seeing the light a bit brighter!