Social Life

Don't be afraid to say, "No" and give a reason.

April 05, 2019


Hi World!

I just experience something that I realize is important to let you as the reader or anyone who has social pressures and at the same time is trying to reach their financial goals.

It's okay to say no and give your reason why. Whether it's your friend or family. Because by the end of the day, if you were to go broke one day you don't know if they will be there to help. And besides, this is your life. If you want to save your money and you don't want to go out, that's okay. If you can't afford to go out, but can afford to spend time with your friend or family, that's okay as well. You shouldn't spend money just to please someone when you are deep in major debt and need to save money in case of an emergency. One thing you shouldn't do is take advantage of someone's kindness willing to pay for your ticket or whatever to hang out because that's a definition of being a bum especially if you do that all the time or being cheap.

Mind you, even if you say no, there will be people who will try to try to get you change your mind and shit like that, I know that's annoying. Just keep it professional and ignore it after you stated no and gave your reason. You don't repeat yourself since you stated clearly your why.

I'm willing to focus on my financial goals even more since I got my pup. I could care less going to events that cause $100+ and knowing that it's not even worth it and I need to use that money to save for my pup since he got parvo and it scared me how the insurance denies the claim and how high the medical expense for a pet is. I rather be safe than sorry.

I'm at the point in my life I could care less if I lose friendship, relationship, or family when they are not understanding my financial goals. I'm not going to lose sleep over it since I enjoy my company way more at times. Also, my pup made me realize what life is all about, which is spending time without having to spend ridiculous amount of money when you're in major debt.

That's my PSA on how to deal with Social Life! LOL

Good luck, World, on achieving your goals and make your life journey awesome!

XOXO,
Every Little Penny Counts


Financial Status

Financial Status

April 03, 2019

I checked my credit score today. Apparently it's at the FAIR Level.

:) I'm going to need to get it to the GOOD Level so that way I can rent an apartment easily. I've been praying like crazy that I get a chance for an interview and get accepted for that Ohio Contract. Like I said before, it's going to open so many opportunities for me if I get that Ohio Contract. I know I will do a great job! Hopefully, I will have a lot of great network for future contracts. I got to keep it positive even though at times I feel negative that maybe my resume might not be strong enough due to missing tasks.

Credit Score: Transuion 691, Equifax 694

Total: $282,964

Credit Cards: $26,107
Student Loans: $83,526
Real Estate: $159,916
Auto Loans: $13,415


I got these info from www.creditkarma.com. It's free!!! I highly recommend it. It's easy to navigate!

Hopefully I get that contract soon so I can stop living on my Emergency Funds.

XOXO,
Every Little Penny Counts

Meal Plan Ideas

Meal Plan Ideas

April 03, 2019

Breakfast : Creamy Avocado Egg Salad with Crispy Bacon, Wheat Thins

Ingredients: Boiled Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Cilantro, Lemon, Avocado, Salt and Pepper, Wheat Thins


Lunch : Avocado Salad with tomatoes, eggs, and cucumber with lemon vinaigrette dressing

Ingredients: Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Jalapeno, Red Onion, CIlantro, Spring Onion, Lemon, Garlic, Honey Dijon Mustard, minced garlic
Dinner : Spicy Honey Baked Chicken with White Rice and Broccoli Soup


Ingreidents: Chicken Thighs, Rice, Broccoli, Cilantro, Tomatoes, and Spring Onion


I tried to use the same ingredients for each meal so I can try to keep the cost down on Groceries, which I tend to overspend!

Budget

Hello World!

April 01, 2019

Hello World!

Welcome to my blog! I've decided to create my blog so I can stay focus on getting rid of my debt and keep myself accountable on making my goals happen. You know what they say about setting your mind to something and you will achieve it.

So on 12/14/18, I calculated the debt I owe to creditors when I first got them was $318,610.13. As of that date, it was $285,163.00. I'm also have addition of two creditors, which are BestBuy and CareCredit in 2019.

I don't think I'm going to keep track of the grand total that I owe since it's always up and down due to new additions. What I'm going to focus on is getting rid of one of the cards/loans so I don't get stressed out how much I owe or overwhelmed that it's going to take forever.

Creditors that I owe:

  • Wells Fargo (Mortgage)
  • Chase (Car Loans) 
  • Nelnet (Student Loans)
  • CapitalOne 1
  • CapitalOne 2
  • Discover 1
  • Discover 2
  • CareCredit 
  • BestBuy 

Right now I'm focusing on paying off my CapitalOne 1 card ( $1,456.15) and Student Loan Group B ($1,592.74). I feel like my Student Loan Group A is adding more debt to me a lot faster so I might put extra payments to Student Loan Group A since it's $45K. I have to look at my student loans interest and how much it is accumulating on the daily later. 


I will update what my starting debt is once I get my Ohio Contract Opportunity for a higher pay and this career will open so many doors for me. :) Pray for me that I do!

I switched to using cash envelopes and having my debit cards as my backup so I don't use credit cards.

Cash Envelopes:
  • CU Debit Card 1 - $200 <-- This one keeps track of whatever I'm spending OFFLINE.
  • Debit Card 2 - $200 <-- This one keeps track of whatever I'm spending ONLINE.
  • Groceries - $200
  • Gas - $60 
  • Pup - $50
  • Shopping - $40
  • Out - $40
  • Work (Business) - $40
Each month I will make sure I have $400 in my two debit cards and $430 in cash. Going to try this out for April and see how I do! 

My Credit Union Debit Card keeps track of my expenses very well since they categorize what I've spent. I also keep track of what I spent on my Transaction Register book that I keep on me so I don't go overboard and try to make that money last in my bank. 

As for keeping track of cash, I just write down what I spent on the envelope.

Leftover Change:

I really don't like having change. At the same time I feel like I'm always overspending either on my credit card or debit card. Having cash, I feel like I will try to make it last somehow.

So what to do with leftover change? The coins I will put in my jar. Once it fills up I'll bring it to the CU Bank. As for the cash I'm just going to deposit it back to either my CU Debit Card Bank or Debit Card 2 Bank depending on where I am at in my contracts. 

Cash Saving Challenge:
  • 52 Weeks Challenge (Started Today)  - $1378 
Praying

I'm currently waiting to hear about my future Ohio contract. I really do hope I get it since the job opportunity sounds great and I will have many more doors open for me.

I'm currently working on developing my business at the moment. Just waiting to receive my business cards either this week or next week. Hopefully it gets here soon so I can start marketing around my town. 

Here's to staying positive and keeping my mind on a Vision Board! 



XOXO,
Every Little Penny Counts