I have not posted any updates in forever. Trying to get caught up at work and having the usually winter illnesses have gave me little time. Hopefully this week I can get in the swing of things. My credit card debit is looking manageable. I have a plan that suits me and I feel comfortable with it. I will put it into action on Monday.

I have only had one card (Visa). I had 8k on this card. I applied for a Discover card with 0% interest for 14 months. This month I was able to move 5k to this card. So now I have two cards with a total of 8k. I plan to pay the minimum on the Discover card until I get the Visa payed off. The Visa has a balance of 3k. I plan to pay $600 at the beginning of each month plus the finance charge. It should take me 5 months to pay off the debt. Then the $600 each month would be put toward the Discover card. It would take me an additional 8 months to be credit card debt free.

This has caused me to consider finding a second job and the income it provides will be used to pay off our credit cards. I plan to brainstorm a list of possible opportunities and get a resume ready. I want to have this credit card debit paid off by the end of the year!

Today was productive. First, we checked our pantry and found we have an abdundance of rice and flour tortillas. I am going to try to use these next week along with all the other items in our freezer. We also made the decision that we could make it another week without purchasing groceries except for bread, milk and a little fruit. So I should be able to make a payment on our credit card on Friday.

We have the order form completed and ready to turn in tomorrow for my daughter's ring. She was very conservative with her ring choice. The total cost of her ring is $185. She did not choose a precious metal for her ring. Together we made a plan on how she could pay for the rest of the ring. Today she applied to work a seasonal job (working a concession stand at a little league field). If she gets this job it will only be for 3 months. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Tomorrow I am going to call our insurance company and see if I can combine several of our items on one bill. On my table I have two insurance premiums due days apart. Funny how things are like that, maybe, I can see if I can get a lower rate. Any particular questions I should ask?
Have a great evening!

Good evening everyone,
I have discussed the class ring issue with my daughter. I have agreed to pay the $50 deposit and she will pay the remaing balance in May. I am happy with this decision.

We have another day off from school tomorrow due to expected ice and snow. This is very unusual for us. I live in the south and I can't ever remember missing this much school. So tomorrow should be a no spend day!

I think my girls and I will organize our cabinets and freezer and see if we can plan meals so we won't have to purchase groceries next week and that money can go to debt. Got to make the most of all the days I get off. I hope you all have a great evening.

Hello everyone
This past week has not be the best. I am still reworking my budget due to things I forgot. Mostly insurance and items related to my two teen girls. I did not know my oldest daughter would order her class ring this year. I thought they did the in 11th grade. She is a sophomore. Her deposit is due on Wed. My youngest daughter needs a new dress so I spent $50 yesterday for that. I am paying for all the insurance and girls expenses out of my budget. That leaves no money to pay extra on debit. I will just be able to make all payments. While I am feeling down and out, I now know how crucial sinking funds can be. I have a few questions:
1. What do you have sinking funds for? I need one for insurance, clothes, school stuff. What am I missing?
2. Where do you keep your sinking funds? A separate account?

Thanks for any advice. I am not giving up. I am determined to have one debit paid off by the end of the year. I am just getting a slow start.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday to you all. I have made a meal plan for the upcoming week. I was able to to keep my bill under $100. This pleases me very much.

Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Sliders, fries
Monday: dinner out (can't be helped)
Tuesday: Roast with carrots and vegetables
Wednesday: Spaghetti
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Cabbage with sausage, potatoes and peas
Saturday: Enchiladas

I am off to watch the game. Have a great night!

I welcomed in February with a $672 mistake. What? I am so disappointed in myself for not seeing this expense. Insurance....Ugh. I will be better prepared next time. Since I just got paid I was able to pay the bill in full. I am planning on being creative with my groceries to pay for it. If I come up short I will have to take money from my small savings. A new budget line item will be for insurance. While I had the nice insurance folks on the phone. I was able to get a quote on adding my daughter to our car insurance in May. Wow! It was a large jump. However, my daughter should get three discounts they offer. She will get a discount for her good grades, taking drivers education in school and completing a workbook that I have to go pick up from them this week. She will need to have it completed by May. How do you budget for insurance? Do you set money aside each month?

I still have not bought groceries because I was not able to get out. We are above freezing but I think I am going to stay home today. I still have my $80 and plan on purchasing only items on sale or a necessity. implan on doing this tomorrow after church. Off to meal plan since I didn't do it yesterday...