2016 Wrap-Up

We did it. We got through a year full of changes. I met some goals, made some new ones, and am setting up for the next year. I’ve already spent way too much time on my 2017 spreadsheets.

The Greatest Hits:

I made my goal of paying off $10,000 in debt this year. Actually - I crushed it by reaching $12,415.05 paid off this year.

I also hit my goal of moving up at my current job. I now am a recruiter and absolutely love what I do. There are really no limits in this field, so it’s just the beginning.

I was able to start using the “envelope system” and stuck better to my budget. It also helped me save enough cash to cover all of my Christmas presents. No more debt for this girl.

I now have a net worth over -$50,000! I’m ending 2016 at -$47,828.78.

2017 Goals:

Pay off $14,000 in debt. - I want to stretch myself to beat last year. I think I can do this with some extra hustling and also some expected increases.

Save $700 for a vacation. - I have only once been on a vacation with my friends. I usually do family trips, which are great and obviously less expensive for me, but I want to go and explore with one of my best friends. I would like to have at least that much to make it fun and less stressful.

Save $800 in my auto account. - I have about $400 already in this account, but it needs to be restocked. It’s set up for any car maintenance, but I’m hoping to transition it to a new car fund as well.

I Love My Envelopes

I wrote to you guys about my first attempt at the Envelope System and I am offically in love. I've found how I can curb my spending and feel great about it!

My envelopes now consist of these categories: Food, Bar, Groceries, Fun, Miscellaneous, and Gas. All pretty typical, but they are all where I can get a little out of hand.

The Gas category isn't the most flexible, but I am now able to get gift cards easier that will give my dad's school and myself some cash back. I also put all of the coinage into my piggy bank.

Overall, taking the money out in cash helps me refrain from online shopping and using my debit card. I have to seriously think, "Do I want to pay for this?" Sometimes, the answer is Yes! I bought some new Nike shoes last month and I am so happy I did. My old pairs were at least 8 years old. What's awesome now is that I don't feel bad about going out to eat or buying some much needed shoes. I feel like I can make more choices, because I have that money right in front of me.

And what's also awesome is that I've had cash left over every month. I don't plan to change my ammounts any time soon. I usually come close, or have to really cut back to keep myself in those areas - but a few dollars here and there adds up.

It has added up to about $200 saved in three months. I've kept this stashed away to pay for Christmas presents. I know I said I may do something fun with it, but to me giving great gifts and shopping for my family are things I enjoy.

I suggest everyone try something new with their budget. The experiment might just work!

October Net Worth

Hi Everyone! I know I haven't written in a while. I've stayed focused on my finanical and personal goals, so not sure why I didn't get to posting about it. Overall, I've stopped posting so much on social media. Maybe it has something to do with that as well. (Also could have to do with my WiFi not being great and my laptop missing a few keys.)

Since August, I've continued to pay off my debt. I've offically passed my $10,000 paid off in 2016 goal! That's super exciting and I know I'll up the goal for next year. I'm thinking I may focus in other areas as the years ends. Not entirely sure what that will look like.

I'm at a Net Worth of -$50,979.50 and that's about +2,000 since my last Net Worth post. I'm still on an upward trend, so it's all going the right direction. Actually, I can honestly say that I have been in the positive trend every month except maybe one. (I started to add in my retirement fund as well, so that might have saved me.)



I'm proud of what I've done and continued to do. I'm working hard at my job in my new role. I'll be getting another increase in my next paycheck. I'm not sure how much that will be. I have some ideas on what I'd like to do with it, but we will see how much this first increase will get me.

$15,000 Down and $57,0000 To Go

Yesterday, I hit another important milestone. I've officially paid off $15,000 in debt. I'm over 25% completed with my Parent Plus loans.

This is a really important thing. I've been working on my debt and tracking it for just over a year. If I can keep up with this pace, I should be able to hit my goal of being debt free sooner rather than later. The goal on my desk says debt free by 2025, but I would love to get it finished earlier.

My head keeps reeling about prioritizing my debt vs starting to save for a new car. I've put on about 30,000 miles on my car in a year since I commute so much for my job. I love where I work, but I'll have to start thinking about my auto loan and saving for a new car.

All in all, I'm super proud of another positive mark on my charts. I keep following #debtfree related Instagram and Pinterest accounts to stay motivated. Check out some and let me know if any you think I should follow!

Dog Days of Summer

Thanks everyone for reading my blog. We've been together for over two years now. Here is a post from near the beginning about how my family cuts our costs at the local fairs.

The joy your last days of summer!

August Net Worth

It's already August! This summer has flown by. July was very busy with family vacations, camping, dates and work, but somehow through all of that I still posted a -$53028.14 Net Worth, which is +$2048.48 from last month.

I'm excited to really see the effects of using the envelope system on my net worth overall. So far, it is keeping me more focused and in place, while also weirdly giving me more freedom. For example, I went tubing this weekend. It was great fun and a good way to spend my last days of summer weather. I used my “fun” envelope and felt good knowing it was in my budget.

Also this weekend I got an add from Clinique in the mail. I thought about buying something for their free gift, but I knew it wasn't in the budget and I didn't want to put it on my credit card. The system helps me out both ways. The upcoming months should have some good results to report!

The Dating Game

Dating has changed since I've started to budget myself better. I originally was one of those girls who went on a date for free dinner and drinks. A couple years ago I had an epiphany that really made me think about how I was treating people. 

After some introspection I started to semi-seriously date someone who wanted to be a "provider" for me. You guys know that ended and so I was playing the dating game again. Except this time, I knew I could pay for my own dinners and drinks if needed.

Being able to say, “separate checks, please” to the waiter is the most relieving thing after a bad date. I'd go to work and a young guy would ask me if the guy paid. Every time I would say he didn't, he reacted as if that guy wouldn't work out for me. Sometimes, paying just seems right and not paying seems right. It really is just a feeling. 

Now, I'm dating a guy that I kinda like. We've been out in multiple dates. Some pretty thrifty and a few a little more expensive. The first couple times I would pay for my drinks or coffee. Now that we're kinda “together” it will be interesting to see how things play out. So far it hasn't really been an issue. He's seen my cash envelopes and I've talked about my debt. It seems to be off to a pretty good start. 

Envelope System

This is my first month really on a budget. I've had my estimates before and used mint, but I always had the idea that if I spend less in category X then I can spend more in category Y.

I started my envelope system by figuring out what I wanted to spend on all my expenses. I deducted my savings and automatically withdrawn payments right away. Then I took out the amount of money in cash that I would be spending on gas, groceries, food, alcohol, my vacation, and miscellaneous.

This month has taught me some good things about the system, what I need to improve, and how it could work well for me.

You have to be organized for this system to work. It can be a file folder or real envelopes, but you have to be diligent to keep it all in order.

I'm less inclined to blow all of my cash now that it has designations, but I have trouble when someone asks me to make change for them (because they see my wad of cash.) I need to let people know why I'm keeping track of everything.

To keep better records, I need to make better note of what I start with. I've moved a couple dollars around since this is the first month, so I know my records won't be the most accurate.

Give yourself some “fun money.”  I've never done this before. I would put it into my miscellaneous category instead. I've tried to get my store credit card under control and having a little fun cash on hand will be a good way to keep from adding to the debt.

Overall, I will do this again next month and see what needs some tweaking. I want to put my saved cash into my good old piggy bank. I'll think of something special to put it towards. Maybe even something other than debt if I get crazy.

July Net Worth

June was a decent month again. I was stuck paying for a new windshield unexpectedly, but it wasn’t anything too hard to handle. I also received news that I have been accepted to a program at work that will train me to take on a higher position. 

Overall, the numbers aren’t fantastic, but still moving upward. I’ve officially paid off $12,000 since last July. I am +621.91 from last month and at -$55,076.62 for the overall net worth. 

Sorry for posting this late, everyone. I truly went on vacation with my family to Niagara Falls. To come is a post on how we kept it thrifty. Enjoy your summer!

Know Yourself

A lot has happened for me this year.

• Was in my first semi-serious relationship.
• Got my first full-time job.
• Bought my first car.
• Started a FI blog
• Got my first “real job”.
• Dot dumped from first serious boyfriend.
• Received promotions at real job.
• Got denied by first real connection with a new guy.

In between all of this, I've had some time to really think about who I am and what I want.

Mostly this relates to men. I'm sure that's the juicy and most interesting part, but maybe not the best to share here. In terms of my life path though and where I want to go, I feel more confident and in tune than ever right now.  

I should have learned by now that just going through life and getting lucked into this definitely happens for the best, but shouldn’t be counted upon. I really did get lucky that I found a job with a company that supports me. It was a referral from a girl I knew in high school that worked out so well that I've moved up and gotten myself in a place to be there for 5+ years of if I continue to do well. I also got lucky that my family is so supportive and loves me so much. Being an awesome daughter probably helps, but it all is because of them.

Again I listen to the radio way too much as a commuter, but there is an iHeartRadio commercial from Ariana Grande talking about how she was working hard on music while simultaneously waiting for the right opportunity. I feel like that's what is going on for me right now in my life. I'm working hard on my FI goals, building meaningful relationships, and focusing on what matters most to me. I’m just working and waiting for that right moment.

Cube-Mate

The millennial workplace strikes again. I keep hearing conversations about our student loan debt and who is taking it seriously. My new cubemate just started paying on her student loans after a period of deferment. She’s just a year older than myself, but put off the loans for some extra time. I’ve been paying on mine for over a year now. Her total balance is at about $33,000, which I’ve heard is about average. I owe about $47,000 in student loans and even more when adding in my auto loan. 

This is her first student loan payment. I only knew because I heard, “ughs I have to make my loan payment today.” I asked her why she isn’t on direct withdrawal, which can save you in interest. She kept going on,  “I’m just going to be broke the rest of my life. I’m going to be in debt.” I wanted to point to my progress chart on my desk and say that she has no room to talk, but that would be kinda mean. 

It sucks that people get into a negative mindset. There are so many ways this can affect you. Not only in your work habits and financial life, but also your relationships too. Personally, I don’t want to be around someone who is such a Debbie Downer, but so is cubelife. 

Cracks in the Plan

On my way to work one day this week, a bigger rock flew out of a dump truck and right at my window. It didn't seem to make too bad of a crack, so I was hoping I could get a tool and fix it. Nope. I went back out at lunch and it had spread across the front of the car to about a foot total.

I called my insurance and the deductible is $500, so I didn't submit a claim. Then I called the area auto glass people to get quotes. I waited to hear back and mentioned to my mom about the price. We called a more local place and got it down another $20. I ended up spending about $220 on a new windshield. It sucked. No lies there, but what was good is that it came right out of my auto fund. I'll be putting money back into it as soon as I can. 

The whole week of work my new teammates are asking me, “Why don't you just move closer?" When things like cracks or bad weather happen I really consider it, but then when I hear about someone paying $800 a month for their apartment I remember why. 

I'll keep my car repairs and free rent. Thank you very much. 

June Net Worth

May was a pretty successful month. I moved into another new role within my company and started on a new team. I also spent time with my family for mother's day, memorial day, and most importantly my mom's birthday.

I've started a new payment system for my Parent PLUS loans. I am paying about $200 out of each paycheck towards the balance. In exciting news, I found out today that the provider has updated their system. It will now allow me to decide where the extra funds after interest will go. Previously, I had to call when I made my extra payments. It's small, but definitely will streamline the process.

I made a good amount of progress this month. I am up $911.72 from last month. I also am at a -$55,689.53, but that's better than before. I'm still on the upward trend, so that's a positive note.


I've enjoyed spending time with family and friends this month. June will be a challenge because one of my favorite music festivals happens at the end of the month. Look forward to posts about what strategies I came up with.