Mr. Kitty is doing great so far. The vet put him on a prescription food that will run us about $40 a month, but this is only $20 more than what we were currently spending (and if it keeps Mr.Kitty healthy, it's priceless). My final vet bill wound up being a few hundred less than I thought, which is absolutely awesome.
September Goal Update
1. Pay off veterinarian bills-we have about $400 left to pay-DONE as of 9/7
2. Pay off the rest of DS's hospital bill and a doctor bill of mine-about $800-this is at $500 as of 9/8
3. Put money aside for tax payment or adjust DH's withholding to compensate-DONE as of 9/8-I wound up just changing DH's withholding. It's just easier to change that than mail in an estimated payment.
I've been working really hard to make sure I get in as many hours as possible with my work and make sure I am being accountable with how I spend time during DS's naps and after he goes to bed. It's amazing how much more time you have when you cut back on message boards and online window shopping :p I mean honestly, DS sleeps 3-4 hours during the day and 11-12 hours at night. There is no excuse for me to not utilize this time wisely and be productive.
The credit cards are frozen in the freezer, and they will be staying there. I have paid the stupid things off and run them back up so many times now; it's ridiculous how much I have wasted in interest and balance transfer fees on the stupid things.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Financial To Do List
The past month has been rough financially, to say the least. My kitty had to see the vet several times and then have emergency surgery, to the tune of $1500! He had several cat UTIs, and then he was blocked completely, hence the emergency surgery at 1:00 AM on a Saturday night. I know some people would think I am crazy for spending that on a cat, but he (and my 3 other cats and dog) are my second babies and I will do whatever I can to keep them healthy.
September is looking like a good month, but we need to tackle a few things before we can really focus on the debt payments again.
1. Pay off veterinarian bills-we have about $400 left to pay
2. Pay off the rest of DS's hospital bill and a doctor bill of mine-about $800
3. Put money aside for tax payment or adjust DH's withholding to compensate
DH and I have talked about trying for number two around January 2013. We have a lot of work to do financially if this is going to happen. The credit card debt doesn't have to be gone completely, but we need to pay off 4 of the 6. This would cut our payments by $200 a month, which would put us in a much better position to afford a new to us car. DH's is getting close to 200K miles, but still going strong. We just need to be in a better position to be able to pay a car payment when it finally dies.
Our tentative financial schedule:
October 2011-Pay off Chase card 1
November 2011-Set aside money for the holidays and Christmas
December 2011-Pay off Chase card 2
January 2012-Pay off BOA card 1
March 2012-Pay off credit union card, Capital One card
April 2012-Start building emergency fund
September is looking like a good month, but we need to tackle a few things before we can really focus on the debt payments again.
1. Pay off veterinarian bills-we have about $400 left to pay
2. Pay off the rest of DS's hospital bill and a doctor bill of mine-about $800
3. Put money aside for tax payment or adjust DH's withholding to compensate
DH and I have talked about trying for number two around January 2013. We have a lot of work to do financially if this is going to happen. The credit card debt doesn't have to be gone completely, but we need to pay off 4 of the 6. This would cut our payments by $200 a month, which would put us in a much better position to afford a new to us car. DH's is getting close to 200K miles, but still going strong. We just need to be in a better position to be able to pay a car payment when it finally dies.
Our tentative financial schedule:
October 2011-Pay off Chase card 1
November 2011-Set aside money for the holidays and Christmas
December 2011-Pay off Chase card 2
January 2012-Pay off BOA card 1
March 2012-Pay off credit union card, Capital One card
April 2012-Start building emergency fund
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Back on track? Maybe?
I'm not going to sugarcoat it-the last few months have been an absolute disaster for us financially. I lost my highest paying contract position, which absolutely killed us financially, since the pay from this job is what we were using to pay down debt, savings, and unexpected expenses. I have other things that I do, but this one was the highest paying by far. Our credit card debt is up to $28K now, and we still have about $1K in medical bills to pay off.
I found a new contracting position that will be close the same pay as my old one, so we should get going in the right direction very soon. Baby Boy goes to bed at 7ish each night and sleeps till 7 AM, so my plan is to work 4 hours once he goes to bed, Monday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday, I will work an hour in the morning and three hours at night, and Sunday will be an hour in the morning and two hours at night. Total hours will be 27, and the pay will be around $1600 each month. I need to draw up a new budget and draft a new plan. Having some type of plan always makes me feel better, even though things rarely always go as planned!
I found a new contracting position that will be close the same pay as my old one, so we should get going in the right direction very soon. Baby Boy goes to bed at 7ish each night and sleeps till 7 AM, so my plan is to work 4 hours once he goes to bed, Monday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday, I will work an hour in the morning and three hours at night, and Sunday will be an hour in the morning and two hours at night. Total hours will be 27, and the pay will be around $1600 each month. I need to draw up a new budget and draft a new plan. Having some type of plan always makes me feel better, even though things rarely always go as planned!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
DH's New Job
We finally got all the details about DH's new position today. He'll be making $65K, and he will be eligible for a bonus of up to 15% twice a year, depending on quality, waste, etc. for his plant. The 401K match is great, 100% up to 6% of your salary, no cap. That alone will enable us to get our retirement savings to 15 percent, which is awesome! Now, if we could just get this debt consistently going down again, I would be very happy. We've already agreed that if he does get bonuses this year, the majority will be going to debt.
I think I need to put myself on an allowance. I have guidelines of what I want/need to spend, but I don't follow them like I should. Between cute baby stuff, cute summer clothes, and eating out, I waste so much money every month:(
I think I need to put myself on an allowance. I have guidelines of what I want/need to spend, but I don't follow them like I should. Between cute baby stuff, cute summer clothes, and eating out, I waste so much money every month:(
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Time to Get With the Program
It's time to jump back on the debt pay down wagon. I have to admit, I kind of fell off the last part of 2010 and when baby boy was born. Not because baby boy was too consuming, but because one of the reasons I wanted to pay down our debt was so DH and I could have a baby. Well, we had a baby without getting it paid off, and the world didn't come to an end, so we kind of lost some of our intensity. However, I know it is in my family's best interest to get this debt gone. It will give us more flexibility in our life, and it will allow us more funds for "fun" stuff once it is all paid off.
We still have 25K in credit card debt we need to blast. I'm not sure yet when our goal is to have this paid off. DH got promoted to a supervisor position, but they have not yet negotiated salary with him. Keeping my fingers crossed it is something awesome! I'm just tracking the credit card debt now. We have student loans too, but I'm not really focused on them right now.
We still have 25K in credit card debt we need to blast. I'm not sure yet when our goal is to have this paid off. DH got promoted to a supervisor position, but they have not yet negotiated salary with him. Keeping my fingers crossed it is something awesome! I'm just tracking the credit card debt now. We have student loans too, but I'm not really focused on them right now.
| 27-Mar | |
| BOA1 | 8970 |
| BOA2 | 2100 |
| Chase1 | 1900 |
| Chase2 | 1740 |
| Citi | 10165 |
| 24875 |
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Random Thoughts
*I love our new bed. My only regret is that we didn't spring for it sooner, like when I was pregnant and my back was KILLING me all the time.
*My hardest adjustment since having a baby? The lack of structure/definite associated with a newborn! Baby boy eats when he wants and sleeps when he wants. I know as he gets older, some trends and patterns will emerge (and they are starting to already, just not very consistent). I have found that making a list of things I want to accomplish in the morning, in the evening, and in the afternoon helps me stay organized and feel like I am sticking to some type of plan, but also allows for the flexibility needed for my baby.
* I got baby boy's 529 plan opened.
*My hardest adjustment since having a baby? The lack of structure/definite associated with a newborn! Baby boy eats when he wants and sleeps when he wants. I know as he gets older, some trends and patterns will emerge (and they are starting to already, just not very consistent). I have found that making a list of things I want to accomplish in the morning, in the evening, and in the afternoon helps me stay organized and feel like I am sticking to some type of plan, but also allows for the flexibility needed for my baby.
* I got baby boy's 529 plan opened.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Random Financial Things
*Our current total for the medical bills from baby boy's birth is $2144.00.
-$557 is to my OB, which I only have to pay ten percent a month. I am going to pay $60 a month till it is gone.
-$1587 to my hospital. The plan is to pay $450 a month and have this gone in June.
*DH and I bought a new bed and mattress. I know, bad, bad, bad. It's a king sized bed, and the mattress is like laying on a slice of heaven. Total cost:$1630, interest free for three years. $50 a month will take care of this before the interest free is up.
-$557 is to my OB, which I only have to pay ten percent a month. I am going to pay $60 a month till it is gone.
-$1587 to my hospital. The plan is to pay $450 a month and have this gone in June.
*DH and I bought a new bed and mattress. I know, bad, bad, bad. It's a king sized bed, and the mattress is like laying on a slice of heaven. Total cost:$1630, interest free for three years. $50 a month will take care of this before the interest free is up.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Baby Spending Thus Far
Baby boy is sleeping, DH is sleeping, and I am relaxing and catching up on the Biggest Loser. DH took complete baby duty last night, and I took some Nyquil and got 10 hours of sleep. I feel like a new woman!
Here is what we have spent baby-wise in January and February:
Jan.
Air purifier (I consider this a baby expense, since DH insisted we had to have it):$73
Baby shoes:$4
Diapers:$17.5
Total for January:$94.5
Carry over for January:$15.50
February
Formula:$53
Diapers:$19.15
Clothes:$20
Total:$92.15
Left for Feb.-$17.85
Money from Feb. and Jan. to spend:$33.35
I did a more in depth analysis of my diaper stash, and it looks like I am good through August, and I need to start getting size 4 and size 5. My baby is a big boy. He was 10 pounds, 11 ounces at birth, and he is now 12 pounds, 14 ounces at a month old. He was in newborn diapers for 2 weeks (even though he was born over the 10 pound weight limit on them, he is relatively slim for his size, so I was able to use all I had). He's been in size 1 diapers for almost 3 weeks and is about ready to move to size 2 as soon as I finish using all the size 1 diapers.
Here is what we have spent baby-wise in January and February:
Jan.
Air purifier (I consider this a baby expense, since DH insisted we had to have it):$73
Baby shoes:$4
Diapers:$17.5
Total for January:$94.5
Carry over for January:$15.50
February
Formula:$53
Diapers:$19.15
Clothes:$20
Total:$92.15
Left for Feb.-$17.85
Money from Feb. and Jan. to spend:$33.35
I did a more in depth analysis of my diaper stash, and it looks like I am good through August, and I need to start getting size 4 and size 5. My baby is a big boy. He was 10 pounds, 11 ounces at birth, and he is now 12 pounds, 14 ounces at a month old. He was in newborn diapers for 2 weeks (even though he was born over the 10 pound weight limit on them, he is relatively slim for his size, so I was able to use all I had). He's been in size 1 diapers for almost 3 weeks and is about ready to move to size 2 as soon as I finish using all the size 1 diapers.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Ramblings
I need to get some thoughts on paper before I forget everything running through my head. This week has been rough, not so much because of baby boy's sleeping habits, but because I have been a total insomniac this week. Normally I can take Benadryl or Tylenol PM, and I am out like a light. Nothing has worked this week, but it's like the tireder I get, the harder it is to get to sleep.
1. Spending for baby boy has been on track this month and last month. There is a killer diaper deal at Walgreens next week, so I plan on stocking up like CRAZY! I have about six month's worth of diapers in the closet, but I'd like to get that up to 18 months. It's that good of a deal. I went to Babies R Us today and returned some clothes that baby boy outgrew before he ever got a chance to wear. I used the store credit to help buy him 6 sleepers, 4 outfits, 2 cans of formula, and a pair of shoes. I spent $44 out of pocket, which I was VERY pleased with. We should be good on formula for the next month, and baby boy now has some clothes in 3-6 months and 6-9 months. I am just guessing he'll outgrow his 0-3 month clothes in about 2-3 weeks. The pants still have a lot of room, but the onesies/shirts are getting kind of small. The one piece things fit him perfectly right now.
2. DH and I are thinking of buying a new mattress. Our current one royally bites, and it is so uncomfortable. We're going browsing this week to see what is out there and how much a new one would cost.
3. Still waiting on more info about the medical bill situation. Still planning on doing a payment plan over 6 months.
4. Have opened baby boy's 529 plan, will make first contribution of $25 next week (hey, ya gotta start somewhere).
5. Mulch account is fully funded.
6. Credit card debt isn't going down, but it isn't going up. It's stagnant for now.
6. Next objective is to add $200 to emergency fund to get it at $1500.
6.
1. Spending for baby boy has been on track this month and last month. There is a killer diaper deal at Walgreens next week, so I plan on stocking up like CRAZY! I have about six month's worth of diapers in the closet, but I'd like to get that up to 18 months. It's that good of a deal. I went to Babies R Us today and returned some clothes that baby boy outgrew before he ever got a chance to wear. I used the store credit to help buy him 6 sleepers, 4 outfits, 2 cans of formula, and a pair of shoes. I spent $44 out of pocket, which I was VERY pleased with. We should be good on formula for the next month, and baby boy now has some clothes in 3-6 months and 6-9 months. I am just guessing he'll outgrow his 0-3 month clothes in about 2-3 weeks. The pants still have a lot of room, but the onesies/shirts are getting kind of small. The one piece things fit him perfectly right now.
2. DH and I are thinking of buying a new mattress. Our current one royally bites, and it is so uncomfortable. We're going browsing this week to see what is out there and how much a new one would cost.
3. Still waiting on more info about the medical bill situation. Still planning on doing a payment plan over 6 months.
4. Have opened baby boy's 529 plan, will make first contribution of $25 next week (hey, ya gotta start somewhere).
5. Mulch account is fully funded.
6. Credit card debt isn't going down, but it isn't going up. It's stagnant for now.
6. Next objective is to add $200 to emergency fund to get it at $1500.
6.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Upcoming Financial Obligations
Just trying to get this down on paper before baby boy wakes up from his nap:
1. Federal Taxes-$678-(will be offset by $425 state refund), so actually $253-by April 1st
2. Mulch-$125-by April 1st-DONE 2/11
3. Medical bills-$2400-Yeah, our insurance pretty much lied when we asked how much we should expect to pay from the hospital stay. Not too happy about this and really upset with the insurance rep who didn't have a clue what she was talking about. I'm still trying to get things adjusted and have a few appeal forms to file, but this is the current number. I can get on a payment plan with the hospital for 6 months, interest free, so this is what we are going to do.-August 3rd
4. Passport for the baby-$105-May 1st
Total:$2883
From Feb.-May-Put aside $421 a month for these expenses
From June-August-Put aside $400 a month
1. Federal Taxes-$678-(will be offset by $425 state refund), so actually $253-by April 1st
2. Mulch-$125-by April 1st-DONE 2/11
3. Medical bills-$2400-Yeah, our insurance pretty much lied when we asked how much we should expect to pay from the hospital stay. Not too happy about this and really upset with the insurance rep who didn't have a clue what she was talking about. I'm still trying to get things adjusted and have a few appeal forms to file, but this is the current number. I can get on a payment plan with the hospital for 6 months, interest free, so this is what we are going to do.-August 3rd
4. Passport for the baby-$105-May 1st
Total:$2883
From Feb.-May-Put aside $421 a month for these expenses
From June-August-Put aside $400 a month
Thursday, January 27, 2011
2 Weeks, 2 Days Old
My baby boy is two weeks, two days old today. I am just so in love with him. I could sit and hold him for hours. We wound up being in the hospital longer than anticipated, so DH took off an extra week from work. This kind of threw a wrench in our budgeting this month, but I don't think it's not anything we can't work out.
We are doing really good with our spending this month. The only category we are over in is our grocery budget, by $24, and that's because we did a huge shopping trip before the baby was born and stocked up on a ton of stuff. The baby is doing wonderfully on the generic Babies R' Us formula, which is AWESOME in terms of savings. My diaper stash is going a little faster than expected, but I managed to get a 224 box of Luv's diapers for $7.77 by combining a bunch of coupon and promo codes on Amazon.
I think we're going to spend the next little bit just enjoying our baby. DH is trying to get the amount of over time he has to work cut down so he can be at home more. We aren't going to completely abandon our debt paydown and savings goals, but they just aren't going to take top priority right now. I know he'll only be a baby once, and I just feel like we can find a better balance than what we have now with work versus life, especially for DH.
We are doing really good with our spending this month. The only category we are over in is our grocery budget, by $24, and that's because we did a huge shopping trip before the baby was born and stocked up on a ton of stuff. The baby is doing wonderfully on the generic Babies R' Us formula, which is AWESOME in terms of savings. My diaper stash is going a little faster than expected, but I managed to get a 224 box of Luv's diapers for $7.77 by combining a bunch of coupon and promo codes on Amazon.
I think we're going to spend the next little bit just enjoying our baby. DH is trying to get the amount of over time he has to work cut down so he can be at home more. We aren't going to completely abandon our debt paydown and savings goals, but they just aren't going to take top priority right now. I know he'll only be a baby once, and I just feel like we can find a better balance than what we have now with work versus life, especially for DH.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sooo anxious
I am so anxious for this baby to get here. It's kind of hard to describe, but I'm just so ready to move onto the next phase of my life. I'm ready to go from a pregnant work at home wife to a stay at home mom who can still work part time from home. I'm ready to have my baby in my arms and be able to hold, feed him, and play him! I'm ready to lose this baby weight. I've looked up some 'mommy and me' type exercises that I can do with the baby in his Moby wrap. Hopefully, I should know something tomorrow about a possible induction date.
My goal is to keep the baby spending at $120 or less per month. I have a six month supply of diapers in the newborn size to size 3, thanks to some couponing on my part, but also due to some very generous family members. I would say we have about a two month supply of wipes, and we have the generic type of formula to try from Target.
Here is the breakdown I am thinking (not counting the diaper/wipe stash I currently have):
Diapers: $20
Wipes:$5
Formula:$50
Copay for well baby check up:$20
Misc. (clothes, toys, etc.):$25
My plan is to take any surplus left over from this and put into an account and just let it build up for when I do need it. Obviously, I will coupon as much as possible to get the wipes/diapers for the best possible price. I think this baby has enough clothes, toys, etc. to get him through his first 3-4 months of life. People were so generous at my shower, and they gave me clothes in a variety of sizes, which is awesome. When I do need to buy new clothes/toys, I plan on hitting up Once Upon a Child, which is an awesome consignment shop specifically for babies and kids. I have found outfits from Old Navy and Baby Gap for literally $3-$4 with the tags still on. I'm not going to lie; I totally want to dress my baby up in cute, adorable outfits all the time. I think this store will help me accomplish that, but on a budget :)
My goal is to keep the baby spending at $120 or less per month. I have a six month supply of diapers in the newborn size to size 3, thanks to some couponing on my part, but also due to some very generous family members. I would say we have about a two month supply of wipes, and we have the generic type of formula to try from Target.
Here is the breakdown I am thinking (not counting the diaper/wipe stash I currently have):
Diapers: $20
Wipes:$5
Formula:$50
Copay for well baby check up:$20
Misc. (clothes, toys, etc.):$25
My plan is to take any surplus left over from this and put into an account and just let it build up for when I do need it. Obviously, I will coupon as much as possible to get the wipes/diapers for the best possible price. I think this baby has enough clothes, toys, etc. to get him through his first 3-4 months of life. People were so generous at my shower, and they gave me clothes in a variety of sizes, which is awesome. When I do need to buy new clothes/toys, I plan on hitting up Once Upon a Child, which is an awesome consignment shop specifically for babies and kids. I have found outfits from Old Navy and Baby Gap for literally $3-$4 with the tags still on. I'm not going to lie; I totally want to dress my baby up in cute, adorable outfits all the time. I think this store will help me accomplish that, but on a budget :)
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