Pennies on the Sidewalk

WHOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My BIG freelance check just came in todays mail!

Over $1,000!!!!!!!!

We needed this SO badly this week. I'm so excited. First, we pay off the rest of the car. Then the fee to the credit company. Then some goes into savings and the rest goes onto the Big CC balance.

WHEW!!!!!!!!!! Feel like such a weight is gone!

Let's do the tally:

$1,080.00
- $194.46 (car)
-----------
$885.54
- $394.28 (Credit fee)
-----------
$491.26
- $150.00 (to EF)
-----------
$341.26
- $300.00 (pymt to CC)
-----------
$41.26 (for fun stuff)

Yes, yes I definately like that.

I'm trying to list 2 dresses on e-bay and the damn thing is giving me issues. Had a crappy day today, I don't really need this now. Of course, worried about money. We have about $75 to get us to next Friday. Not bad, but we need groceries, my car is severly ovedue for an oil change, and I will have to fill my car up twice between now and then.

Grrrr...

On the plus side, 2 of my other 3 auctions sold on e-bay. Mailed those out today. Looks like that will be an extra $30. YAY! Now, I really want to put it on the CC debt, but we may need it for necessary things (like groceries or gas in the car). It's frusterating. When I find a little extra money here and there that I mean to use for debt, we always need it for "everyday" things. I guess that's why I'm so in debt in the first place.

The ONLY comfort I get from it is that at least we aren't getting further in debt with these "everyday" items b/c we do have that extra $20 or $30 popping up now and again.

*sigh*

Will it ever end???

Made some payments on the AT&T CC ($125), the LB CC ($100) plus my car payment ($195). Slooooooowly coming down, but hey, it's a start, right?



PERSONAL DEBT:
Car: $194.46 (only 1 more payment!!!)
CS fee: $394.28
LB CC: $1,171.91
AT&T CC: $3,352.46
------------------
$5,113.08 (Down $406.53)

STUDENT LOANS:
RWU: $26,475.41
UMD 1: $38,044.87
UMD 2: $2,435.76
-----------------
$66,956.04

MUMS: $15,000

TOTAL DEBT: $87,069.12

My best friend walks in the Relay for Life every year. It's a local fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. (Her Mom had breast cancer. She is a survivor, thank Goddess). I've been best friends with her for 16 years, and for some reason, she's never asked me to make a donation. I always wondered why...

but this year she did! YAY! So, I made a $25 donation to her for her fundraising. And Mums and Dad, being the kick-arse people they are, are also going to make a donation for her. She's like family, after all.

I'm so happy we could help her this year!

May Doantion: $25 to American Cancer Society
Total 2007 Donations: $39

I've sold 2 of the 3 auctions I listed on eBay. The one that didn't sell, I'm not too worried about. I can put that in the yard sale. So far, I have made about $30 (before shipping fees, whch will be about $8). I'm happy with an extra $20!

What makes me sad is this: before everything extra from eBay, survey checks, half.com, etc went into building up my EF. I decided to put it instead towards the debt, because it is really bothering me. Once the personal debt is paid off, I can star building the EF again.

However, money has been so tight the last 6 months, I haven't even been able to do that. Every extra penny is going towards everyday living. groceries, or gas in the car, non credit card bills. *sigh* It's just frusterating. Two of us living on $27,000 a year is very hard.

Luckily The Boy got a job and starts on Monday!! YAY! It won't be a lot of money (it's only part time to start at minimum wage, plus he has child support payments to come out of it), but hopefully it will give us a little extra. Even enough for one bill a month would make me happy right now.

This adult thing is hard.

I've got a freelance project I am working on and it is sooooo borrrring! The money is good, though. About $350 for 14 or 15 hours of work. And, if I get motivated and finish this up quickly enough, it looks like I can grab another 14 or 15 hours or work for the same project. $700 could be a HUGE help with bills right now. Problem is, I have to get part one done before I offer to do part two.

Let's see, what can I do with $700?
*Pay off my car AND my CS fee!!
*Pay HALF my LB bill!
*Put a big dent in my AT&T CC bill!
*Pay about 1/4 of one of my student loans!

OK, this is good....
anyone else wanna help?

What can I do with $700?

What ould YOU do with $700??

OK, I did it. I sucked it up and honestly looked at my debt. I have a new, updated as of May 1st debt tally. It's BIG. Here we go:

PERSONAL DEBT:
Car: $389.46
CS fee: $394.28
LB CC: $1,271.91
AT&T CC: $3,463.96
------------------
$5,519.61

STUDENT LOANS:
RWU: $26,475.41
UMD 1: $38,044.87
UMD 2: $2,435.76
-----------------
$66,956.04

MUMS: $15,000

TOTAL DEBT: $87,475.65


Ouch.

I've done good on eBay in the past. Sold my old MP3 player, some collectibles, etc. I just put some new stuff on there. 2 WWF Wrestling action figures, a lot of Strawberry Shortcake items, and 2 Vintage Strawberry Shortcake dolls. I also have 2 dressed, brand new I never wore, to put on there. Hopefully his will bring in some extra cash to put towards the debt.

Also still planning the yard sale, but had to push it back a few weeks. Hopefully it will be 2 weeks from today. Got a ton of stuff for that and finding more every day.

Now that the car is almost paid off, I'm experiencing what I call PAID OFF EUPHORIA. I'm loving this feeling of clearing up debt and I'm looking forward to doing it more!

So, thought my car had about 4 more payments left on it. I owed about $800. This totally rocks, since I got the car in 2001 and have been paying on it for the last 5 months. We could use that extra $200 a month after the car gets paid off.

But....

I WAS WRONG!!!!!!!

Called to get my actual balance and its LESS THAN $400!!!!!!!!

KICK ARSE!

Turns out I only have 2 monthly payments left (May and June). I put $200 a month on it when I can, but the actual monthly payment was less than that. Had no idea!

So, it looks like next month will be it and then the CAR IS OURS! I'm so excited! Not only will the extra money be great (going right towards other debt) but this is my car, all paid for. It's about to hit 100,000 miles and is about 7 years old, but god damn, I love that car!
I called

Trying to see where we can cut back. I just changed my cell phone plan. I was paying $40 a month for unlimited nights and weekends and 600 anytime minutes. But in the past few months, I've barely been using those anytime minutes. Maybe about half, at most. So, I just changed my plan to one with unlimited nights and weekends, and 300 anytime minutes.
Savings: $10 a month.


I also downgraded on our Netflix plan. We were paying $17.99 a month for 3 movies at a time, unlimited movies each month. But we just were't watching them. So, we're now at $14.99 a month for 2 movies at a time, unlimited each month. If this is still too much, we'll downgrade again.
Savings: $3.00 a month


I'm looking to see where else I can cut back. We have the cheapest house phone plan we can get. Gas and electric can be paired down, I'm sure. We have the cheapest cable we want. The plan below ours is basic with 10 channels. Considering we mostly watch Discovery channel and History channel, we don't want to lose those. I have the cheapest car insurance I could find.

In about 6 months or so, two of my major debts will be paid off (the fee to the CC debt company and my car). This will give us about $250 more a month. Good deal; I can't wait!

So far, total savings each month: $13.00

Not a lot, but it is a start. Anybody have any other ideas?

Went to the Mall w/the Boy yesterday. y job has now introduced a professional dress code (we were jeans and sneaks before) and although I have some nice clothes from my last job, there is a lot that doesn't fit and I don't feel comfy in. So, went to the mall. Didn't find much. Got 2 new tops. Trying not to spend too much money. I also need a sweater since it is always cold where I sit. Still looking for one. Also went to payless shoes and I got 2 new pairs! I love them...one is HOT PINK flats and one is a cute slip on canvas shoe w/bright fowers. I had a gift card for there from Mums for my b-day, and I spend less than half of what was on the card, so that was very cool.

Also spent some time yesterday getting myself set up on MS Money (Like Quicken). Now, if I can just make sure I keep up with using it.

Stopped by the grocery store and picked up some fresh fruit. It just kills me how much more expensive it is to eat healthy. But, as badly as I need to get my finances in order, my weight is more important right now.

Let's see; today: going to do major loads of laundry! We are swimming in dirty clothes over here. Also have some freelance work to do that should take about 2 hours. I really want to get my hair cut but I'm not sure how yet and we really don't have the money until I get paid next week. We have about $100 for another week, and something always comes up.

Spent some time this morning going through my books and pulling out a ton for the yard sale. Made a list and prced them all, so that rocks. I have more in the basement to go through, plus about 4 bags of cloths to go into the sale. Have about 5 boxes of just stuff stored down there to go through as well. PLus still need to sort through my CD's, my closet, and the kitchen dishes. Haven't had a yard sale in years, and god dammnit, this one will rock.

So, all in all, spent money this weekend, but am also doing things to make some.

Happy Sunday all!

Had to take $100 out of the EF to put on the CC. *sigh* I really do hate credit cards.

Old $20 Challenge Total: $121.87
Withdrawl for CC payment: -$100
--------------------------------
New $20 Challenge Total: $21.87

Saved $30.18 at the grocery store tonight! $1.60 was from coupons and the rest was just due to having a frequent shopper card there and pcking items that were on sale. Will add at least that $1.60 to the $20 Challenge account. LOL I should use coupons more often!

Also added to the $20 challenge is $7 I saved at CVS yesterday. I had a coupon for $7 off any purchase from my extra care savings card. Yay for frequent shopper cards!

Old $20 Challenge Total: $113.27
Added April 13, 2007: $8.60
--------------------------------
New $20 Challenge Total: $121.87

Really getting anxious about paying off the CC's. It's a struggle when I want to put extra on them each month, but I know that I don't really have the extra. I think the $70 I get from my taxes will go on one. We'll see what else I can come up with. Hopefully some good half.com and e-bay sales. Plus I'm planning a big yard sale with Mums in a few weeks.

So, it worked out I was lucky and I didn't have to pay on my taxes this year. I got a return. A teen tiny one, but hey, at least it's a return.

How much did I get?

$48 from the state
$22 from Feds

Yeah baby! $70!!! LOL

OK, just added $5 in ones to my change bucket. Gotta get back in the saving habit. The Boy said today he thinks maybe the reason we've been so lax w/$$ lately is b/c I have been MIA here. Definately part of it. Posting here and reading others posts does keep me in check.

I had to start over witht eh $20 Challenge. Everything I had saved had to be put toward some bills. *sigh* I feel very defeated. But I will not give up. I'll start again.

The balance I have here is from some ebay sales this last month. Yay for ebay!

$20 Challenge Total: $113.27

Hey everyone. Well, I've been MIA for a few months. Things got really stressful money wise for a bit. I think we are on our way to getting back on track though.

Work was crazy stressful...working later every night, going in on Saturdays, etc. We finally moved into the new building so things should be better now.

I've been sick. Kicked around with a cold for a few weeks, came down w/serious flu. This is the 2nd week I've been out of work sick. Ugh.

Let's see, money front. Had to use all of the ING/EF money for bills. Ick. Back to building that up again. Been selling on ebay a bit, and som books. Looking for freelance work, but things are calm at work right now so there isn't much.

Med CC is maxed out at $3500. I could kick myself upside the fricken head. Gotta get that down.

LB CC isn't doing too bad. Work recently changed to busness attire (from jeans!) so the LB CC will have some stuff on it over the next week or so.

Car will be paid off in September, as will the fee to the CC place. Those will help a lot. That's almost $300 a month extra.

So, there it is. The grand update. It's good to be back! How have you all been?

Well, things with finances are rough again. Tracking my money didn't help. We got a $200+ heating bill this month (the boy still isn't used to winter here, he's ALWAYS cold - he's from Vegas). The boy still isn't working. I'm on a Dr. prescribed eating plan that makes grocery shopping ridiculously expensive. The boy needed a heavy winter coat, so that went on the CC. Eck....things are tight again. *sigh* Can't wait until they get back on track.

I love this site. Being able to post what's going on financially keeps me on track (mostly) as does reading aout what is going on with everyone else. Also, knowing people actually read my blog encourages me to post and makes me be honest. So, here's a question...

Does anyone know of a site like this one focused on weight loss/healthy lifestyles???

Now that finances are getting under control, I REALLY need to work on my health. I have about 150-200 pounds to lose. It's going to be a long hard road and I'm hoping to find a place that offers the same encouragement we do here.

Thanks all!

Sold my old MP3 player on ebay this week. After fees, shipping, insurance, etc, I made a profit of $18.86.


$18.86 Sold MP3 player on ebay



February $20 Challenge total: $164.35

Just took a proofreading job that will pay $1,200!!!!!!!! Will have the job done by end of March, payment 6-8 weeks after that! YAY!!!

This will support our Vegas trip. We are flying out there for a weekend to pack up the rest of the boys stuff and ship it back. Finally, he'll feel lke he lives here and not like a guest!!

Money events are good this week!

We took $40 from the Fn Account b/c the boy wants to use it to get me something for V-day. How cute.

Fun Account Total: $181.65
Withdrawl: $40.00
New Fun Account Total: $141.65

$1.00 adoption via Wendy's
$1.00 Muscular Dystrophy via DnD

Total 2007 Donations: $14

Made $100 freelancing
Got $8.75 rebate
DD $3.24 halfcom
-------------------
$111.99


February $20 Challenge total: $145.49

Listed a few things on Ebay last night. Listed a set of New Yok Jones Signature bracelets I got and never wore. Also listed my MP3 player. It's about 2 year old, but still works perfectly. No scratches or anything. Selling it only b/c I got an Ipod for x-mas and it holds way more songs. Tonight or tomorrow night I'm going to list some more. I have some collectible vintage Strawberry Shortcake dolls that I know will sell, plus a whole weight loss program I got and never tried. LOL At this point, every bit helps!

Did some spending with the boy last night.

Eating out: $8.02
2/3/07 $8.02

Extras: $55.00
Collectibles $23.00
Books $22.00

Ebay fees: $2.45

Feb Total: $450.90

So I rolled up my change for the month and counted some of the $1 bills I threw in there. $33.50 Not bad at all, especially since $20 of that was ust quaters!!

So, normally this would go in my ING/EF but I am backing off on saving in there so much and working on paying down my CC debt. Not a whole lot goes on it each month (about $100-$200 on the Med CC which has an APR of 33% and abput $100 on the LB CC which has an APR of 23%). We need towrok out a new system for saving for rent and car payments as well since there has bee some changes in our finances.

So, since I already made a payment to both CC's this month, this $33.50 will sit in the checking account. If, at the end of the month it is still there, it will go to the CC balance. Any oter money that I normally get for the ING/EF/$20 challenge will sit with it until the end of the month. Then, bam, a second payment on the CC's.

February $20 Challenge total: $33.50

Deposit check - DONE
Deposit change - DONE
Freelance work
SS/diet on ebay
Games on ebay - DONE
Drop off clothes
Drop off applications - DONE
Cook beef stew
Stuff to storage
Book for boy
V-day for boy
Get cat food/litter
Weather strip windows
Research boys glasses - DONE

Working on tracking our (ok, mostly my) spending better. That's what kills us: all the extras.

FEBRUARY:

Groceries: $43.27
2/2/07 $43.27

Eating out: $9.59
2/2/07 $9.59

Donations: $11
2/1/07 $1.00
2/2/07 $10.00

Extras: $23.00
Football Pool $20
ATM fee $3.00

Bills: $298.57
LB CC $100
MED CC $100
CC Co $98.57

Total: $385.43