$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.