About Me

March 1st Check In

February 27, 2010 · By Sandy Smith

Disclosure: This content is for educational purposes and should not be considered individualized financial advice. Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means Yes, I Am Cheap may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or take action through those links. This does not change your cost. We only share resources we believe may be helpful to readers.

It’s time to see how I’m doing! It’s the first time I’ve been able to check in since January and I seriously need to make sure I am focusing on my debt again. Work isn’t everything right?! Right. So just to refresh you I have a dual goal of saving $1,000 in an emergency fund and lowering my debt. Let’s see how I’m doing.

January 1, 2010
Student Loan #1 $1,871.04 @4.5%March 1st Check In
Credit Card #1 $1,019.12 @13.99%
Credit Card #2 $3,907.79 @13.99%
HELOC $45,070.66 @3.875%
Student Loan #2 $38,301.68 @3.3-7.5% (it’s a bunch of Grad School and Undergrad loans together)
Personal Loan $1,580.52 @9.45%
Car Note $0
Total: $91,750.81

March 1, 2010
Student Loan #1 $1,679.61 @4.5%
Credit Card #1 $900.50 @13.99%
Credit Card #2 $3,867.84 @13.99%
HELOC $44,610.13 @3.125%
Student Loan #2 $38,154.67 @3.3-7.5% (it’s a bunch of Grad School and Undergrad loans together)
Personal Loan $1,322.16 @9.45%
Car Note $0
Total: $90,534.91

Savings: $445

With all the the things I’ve had to spend money on in the past two months I’m surprised that the balance on everything fell! I’ve spent money on the new computer but that was offset by the refund adjustment from 2008. I also had to pay for some maintenance on the car, $100 in tolls plus gas, dental work and a gym membership. I also had to pay for new glasses which I paid for in cash and I had to get a new bed. The bed is already paying off with less visits to the chiropractor. That debt will pop up on March’s result. I’m expecting to get about $200 reimbursed from my job for the gym membership which will go right to the credit card. They’re actually kind of slow and I have to check in on where my moolah is. That’s me working towards bucket list item number 27 – lose 30 pounds, as well as my annual goal of taking my fat ass to the gym.

I have to complete and submit my taxes for 2009. When that comes in I’ll dedicate half the money towards ONE specific bill and half to savings. I’m leaning towards the credit card because it’s the highest balance with the highest interest rate. It only makes sense I guess. This month you’ll notice that I am almost halfway to my goal of saving $1,000. I’m hoping to add another $200-$250 to the savings account over the next month. Even better, eBay is now paying for itself and contributing some income to the boyfriend. YAY! The profit margin is low, but it’s better than nada.

What else? I want to take a break. I need just a mini vacation. I’m trying to work it into the budget and I know that I need a break but I want to put the money towards a debt. I’ll let you know about that. How did you do this month?

About the Author

Sandy Smith

I started this blog years ago as a way of keeping myself accountable to my own debt reduction plans. Now I'm using this site to help others get out of debt, and learn about personal finance so that they can live their best lives.

More from Sandy Smith →
Favorite Free Resources Extra Payment Calculator
Student Loan Forgiveness
FHA Loan Information
Learn Claude Coding
More About Us About Us
Featured In
Advertise
Contact
Products & Services Shop
Debt Planner
1:1 Coaching
Speaking
Legal Disclosures
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Contest Rules