I ended the month
with $15 in my checking account and running on fumes in my car. The truck has a full tank so I always have
back up transportation but since I wasn't ready to take the chains off yet
(snowstorms in the forecast) I put 4 gallons in the tank to hold me until
payday. Once payday arrived a few days
later I was good to go.
I got my monthly
bills paid on time with most of them ahead
of schedule. Always happy about
that. I made a good sized payment on my
debt elimination goal. Yay! I made deposits into my savings and
retirements accounts too.
I was careful to
group errands and managed to make that four gallons of fuel last me 9 days
before I filled the tank. I used my
rewards card at Fred Meyer and saved an extra 10¢ a gallon too. Every little bit helps and over time it
really does add up.
I did quite a bit of thrift store
shopping. Mainly I've been scouting out
supplies for crafting and making gifts.
I found several patterns for 12¢
each that were exactly what I was looking for and a few items for my
retirement house project. While thrift
store shopping I was also able to get some really nice clothing pieces for my
girls. Three tops, a cardigan sweater
and a brand new pair of jeans with the tags still on for a grand total
of$14.00. I'm so glad I was able to get
the girls a few new items for their wardrobes and not spend much in the
process.
I found a top for myself on clearance at Dillards for $13.95. I used the tail end of a gift card I had and
part of a new one so it cost me $0.00!
I also paired up some really good coupons with some really good sales to
pick up socks for my girls. I ended up
with 13 pair of socks for $9.99. They
will be Christmas gifts. Total spent on
clothes last month $27! Total spent on
clothes so far this year (not including the socks, which are gifts) $37!!
I'm getting a really
good start on my Christmas and birthday gift lists for 2017. I'm also minding my pennies and really
watching my spending. All while I'm
paying down debt as well as adding to my savings and retirement accounts. So far this year I think I'm doing really
well.
Almost there! |
My biggest uber
thrifty task last month was to get my income tax refund deposited into my bank
account and then take every single dime and apply it toward my debt elimination
goal. It cut the remaining balance in
half! Whooooo hoooooooo! Now that's what I'm talking about!
You did a great job with your finances this month, especially the debt reduction.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne. Making that big whopping payment felt soooo good!
DeleteAwesome to get that debt paid down, and eventually paid off. WTG! You found some great bargains at the thrifts. I am buying my forever aka retirement home, so all spending has come to a screaching halt. Once the dust settles, literally!, I will be scoping out Habitat for humanity for some remodeling supplies, as I have some modest spruce ups/remodeling planned for the new to me home.
ReplyDeleteYaaaay for you! I am super excited for you.
DeleteDoesn't it feel wonderful to watch that debt total go down.. So happy for you.. You will be so happy when retirement time comes... and you can enjoy being debt free..
ReplyDeleteAre you building a new house??
Yes it does! I'm considering building one or getting a fixer upper. Still haven't decided. I just feel that the right one will present itself when the time comes.
Deleteget a tiny house
ReplyDeleteYou know that is totally on my list of possibilities! I love tiny houses and park model RVs. Wouldn't it be fun to find a vintage park model RV and restore it? :)
DeleteYou are always so inspiring! I visit your blog almost every day to see what's new. You are totally in control of your finances. Thank you for sharing your insights! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. I'm so happy to know I inspire people. :)
DeleteSounds like you had a very good month! Well done on getting the debt down to half!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It felt so good, let me tell you. :)
DeleteGood for you. I paid off 2 debts this month and am going to pay another off very soon. Just chipping away at them.
ReplyDeleteOh good for you! That is so exciting. That is what we need to do - chip away!!
Delete