Where have the past ten days gone? I meant to update this blog on more than one occasion but time somehow got away from me. I can’t say that I’ve been doing anything particularly exciting. Just doing the usual, working and paying down debt!
I took care of the preemie for 20 hours last week. It was a good reminder why we have babies when we are younger as those days left me very tired. Babies are busy and then to add medical needs to the equation-it’s no wonder why his parents walk around looking like they haven’t slept in years! The mom was correct when she said I’d be earning every bit of what they were paying me!
Last week I also worked three days at my office job. The older secretary (she is in her 80s) has been enjoying taking more time off. It is a trend I think will likely continue and I’ll happily pick up the hours. Every little bit helps our debt reduction.
Additionally, I spent more time working my side business and managed to get two shipments sent off. The beauty of my business (I’m a third party seller on Amazon) is that I can set my own hours. On the downside, I need to be disciplined and make sure that I am putting forth an effort!
With the extra money earned taking care of the preemie, I now have April’s envelopes fully funded, and am now saving for May’s. While Hubs and I don’t separate our money, what I earn from my office job and from taking care of the preemie has been going towards our day-to-day expenses.
As for saving the best for last, we got our taxes back from our CPA. I am happy to say that we don’t owe and are receiving a much larger refund than expected. As always, my first reaction was to give thanks to God. While I would have been happy just to break even (I get the whole not letting Uncle Sam use our money thing), when it comes to getting out of debt, an unexpected refund is still very much appreciated!
Once we receive our tax refund, Hubs and I have decided to put an additional $1,300 into our savings. Neither of us has forgotten how financially frail we felt last year when Hubs needed to take an entire month off. As a result, we will continue beefing up our savings. As for the rest (we also have our refund from our escrow account), we will be paying off the $2,400 we owe to the hospital. Initially, the plan was to snowball the credit card first which has the same balance and is also zero percent interest. Why the change? It came down to the minimum payment. The credit card is around $40 whereas the hospital is a fixed $177. Should we experience a lousy month, it is far easier to come up with $40 than $177. And with this, our journey continues.
How have things been going for you?
I does sound like you’ve been busy! Bless you for taking care of that baby. Not everybody has the strength to do so. Yay for the extra income! We’ve been weathering wind and snow, and I’m plugging along on a novel I’m attempting to write. Not too exciting,I guess, but we’re healthy and happy and thankful.
As tiring as it can be, I enjoy taking care of (and playing with!) the little guy. The extra income is a blessing, too! We have yet to see Spring in our neck of the woods. I think it is safe to say we are all eager to see it arrive! Your novel sounds interesting. How fun!
You’ve been busy! 20 hours caring for a special needs sounds exhausting, I can only imagine how those parents feel. I think that is the best idea, too, to pay off that hospital bill and get rid of that $177/mo. That’s a huge snowball amount you can add to another bill.
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I don’t know how they do it as they also have a very active 2-year-old. Thankfully I don’t have to watch both! I’m excited to have that hospital bill paid off also for the reason of our higher mortgage payment.
Wow… sounds exhausting! And here I am complaining that I am running two teams! LOL! Great decision on which debt to knock out. I guess I need to step my game.. you are definitely pulling ahead! I generally have wait until the end of the month to see what extra I can throw at the debt.
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Probably just exhausting on a different level. I think the change in plan was a wise one and the credit card won’t be long for the world either.
I’m rooting for you…my arm is extended wanting to drag you with me!
Ok, I really missed your posts – I checked in every day for the last 10 days and did a little happy dance today…the never of you having a life, lol 🙂
You have been busy and are rocking the debt repayment – it is very inspiring to read about how you are doing – keeps me motivated and helps me remember there IS light at the end of the tunnel.
that was supposed to be NERVE not never…..oops
I seriously had to read your post twice to catch your typo. Guess our minds are just programmed to read what was intended. Either that or I truly need more coffee! Lol
Thank you. Nice to know I was missed. Sorry for the lack of posts. I’ll try to do a better job of keeping up! Like Rhitter, I’m dragging you with me too. Time for us all to take control and get this done once and for all!
I am FINALLY read to come along willingly….no longer kicking and screaming – this debt has GOT TO GO!!!!!
I’m sure you will be glad you have decided to do this and get it done! Woohoo!
Well done grasshopper. 8-))
Good on you for beefing up the EF. Your making progress!
Thank you, Ma’am! Coming from the financial wizard you are, this means a lot!