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Archive for November, 2007

Paying Down the Debt

November 27th, 2007 at 03:51 am

Thanks to an extra paycheck for dh we were able to make two big payments to the loans. We knocked just over $1K off this month. We have gotten rid of about $2500 in the past five months. I think we are on track to have everything paid off by the end of June 2008. I know we will have one extra paycheck in the spring.

I am trying to keep a tight rein on the budget with little unnecessary spending. It can be tempting with all of the sales this time of year. Honestly I have not been that tempted this year. My only splurge was some cheap memory cards and some free after rebate items.

Found $27

November 16th, 2007 at 08:42 pm

It was not really lost. It was simply forgotten about. I had $27 in my Paypal account from some mystery shopping jobs. I will leave the money there until next month when I make another payment toward the loans. If I move it to the checking account it will most likely disappear forever. Instead I wrote myself a note on December's calendar page to move the money and put it toward the debts. It was a nice surprise and will help boost the payment amount next month.

Still Here & Trying to Stay Positive

November 15th, 2007 at 04:38 pm

I have not posted much lately mainly because I have little news to share. We are still working on paying down the debt. I am just frustrated that it is taking so long. Ever extra penny is going toward the loans, but I do not feel like we are getting anywhere. I know we are making progress. I think we are both simply ready to watch a total go up instead of waiting for one to come down.

I started working on the December budget. We have decided to increase the gas budget. With the increase in price, we cannot make it on the current budgeted amount. I decided to decrease the grocery amount for the time being. My goal will be to use up the pantry items and watch the sales to help restock. I am just glad we have a plan to handle all of this stuff now. It makes it easier even if it is not pleasant.

November Goals

November 2nd, 2007 at 08:52 pm

I never did get around to posting my monthly goals last night so here they are.

1. Get debt to less than $6K. I have some extra money set aside so this one should be easy.

2. Keep grocery spending to $31. I know that sounds harsh for a monthly spending goal. However if you could peek into my freezer, you would understand.

3. No eating out on errand days. I have gotten lax in this area the past few months and have caught myself hitting the fast food places. This month I will pack a snack and a bottle of water to tide me over and keep away temptation.

4. Finish Christmas shopping with money leftover. I know I can do the first part, but I am not so certain about the second. I will give it a try though.

Christmas Shopping 2008

November 2nd, 2007 at 08:04 pm

I like to shop ahead, but I admit this is pushing it even for me. Coldwater Creek put some sashes (chic belts) on sale for $1.99 from $45. I have a dozen pen friends I buy for each year. Every year I struggle to find something nice, affordable, and easy to ship. I also need something cheap to ship since about half are going overseas. These are a neutral color and will be a lovely gift for everyone. I was also able to get free shiping which made it even better.

On a relevant note I am almost done with shopping for this year. I have charged several things this week and will be paying off the credit cards on Monday. Hopefully I will come in underbudget. I need to total things up tomorrow and see where I stand.

October No Spend Days

November 1st, 2007 at 05:56 pm

I ended up with 18 no spend days for the month of October. I fear I may not do as well in November as I am trying to finish up my holiday shopping. I need to think about my goals for November above the no spend days as well. I plan to give that some thought and post my November goals later.