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!