I am so proud of myself when it comes to finances. Since purchased my first home back in February, I have really been making sure that everything I do will improve our financial situation instead of hurting it. Since I received quite a hefty tax return this year I am making sure I make smart moves with my money.
1. I have saved over $4000 from the tax money
2. I am doing all my own house upgrades from a savings account I started called 'House Stuff'
3. I am paying cash for everything. If I don't have the money leftover from my regular paycheck, I don't buy it.
4. I still have about $3800 in credit card debit but I feel confident that I can pay it all off by the end of the year.
5. I paid my car off!
6. I bought my first flatscreen tv and stayed under my $1000 budget for it. And I paid cash!
7. I'm looking at ways of investing money for my son's college fund. I'm starting out with $500.
8. i am in the midst of planning a Disney vacation for him next spring for his 3rd birthday. I plan to pay cash for the entire trip so I'm putting money aside for that.
9. I've paid off all of my medical bills and outstanding balances from an old apartment
So right now, other than student loans ($61 a month) and my credit cards ($110 a month) I'm just paying regular bills. I've managed to keep my electric bill less than $120 a month and my gas bill is only $50 a month. I don't have a home phone (but I may get one) and I recently got a deal on adding HBO for only $10 a month.
I'm meal planning every week and not exceeding my monthly budget of $200 a month on groceries. All in all, I think I'm doing ok. I do have some car maintenance to do but I'm trying to wait another month so I can pay for it all at once with cash. I'm pretty proud of myself. Doing this as a single mother isn't easy but I'm doing it!
1. I have saved over $4000 from the tax money
2. I am doing all my own house upgrades from a savings account I started called 'House Stuff'
3. I am paying cash for everything. If I don't have the money leftover from my regular paycheck, I don't buy it.
4. I still have about $3800 in credit card debit but I feel confident that I can pay it all off by the end of the year.
5. I paid my car off!
6. I bought my first flatscreen tv and stayed under my $1000 budget for it. And I paid cash!
7. I'm looking at ways of investing money for my son's college fund. I'm starting out with $500.
8. i am in the midst of planning a Disney vacation for him next spring for his 3rd birthday. I plan to pay cash for the entire trip so I'm putting money aside for that.
9. I've paid off all of my medical bills and outstanding balances from an old apartment
So right now, other than student loans ($61 a month) and my credit cards ($110 a month) I'm just paying regular bills. I've managed to keep my electric bill less than $120 a month and my gas bill is only $50 a month. I don't have a home phone (but I may get one) and I recently got a deal on adding HBO for only $10 a month.
I'm meal planning every week and not exceeding my monthly budget of $200 a month on groceries. All in all, I think I'm doing ok. I do have some car maintenance to do but I'm trying to wait another month so I can pay for it all at once with cash. I'm pretty proud of myself. Doing this as a single mother isn't easy but I'm doing it!
I'm well on my way to where you are, but not quite there!! Keep up the great work!
