Happy first DRR of 2017! I was kinda sad about this month, because I’d been all fired up about paying off everything in the world, but then life happened. Life I probably should have prepared for last month instead of throwing my entire accident settlement at my debt, but whatever. Here’s something interesting. I compared these numbers to my January 2016 debt repayment recap, and I’ve dropped my car loan by 4.21%, my credit card by 60.67% and my overall debt by 9.38%. The general trend is down.
December 30, 2016
Car Loan: $17,205.22
Credit Card Debt: $320.64
Total: $17,525.86
January 30, 2017
Car Loan: $16,894.50 (-1.8%)
Credit Card Debt: $699.16(+118.05%)
Total: 17,593.66 (+.38%)
My credit card debt went up, and here’s why. Just like last year, when my credit card debt mysteriously shot up in the month of January, I made an impulsive decision to visit Nashville. I’d assumed I’d be able to pay it off quickly, but then we had an unexpected winter storm and I was snowed in, unable to work, for a week. It hurt me, bad.
Unlike last year, though, I’m not going to let this deter me in the long run. Last year I got discouraged by the detour and kind of threw in the towel on the whole thing. Not this year.
You know what was cool, while I was in Nashville, Ernie took me to THE DAVE RAMSEY SHOW. and GUESS WHO I MET!!!!
Y’all, it was SO COOL. They have a cafe where they GIVE AWAY FREE MOCHAS. and COOKIES! It was awesome. This is the show we were there for:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHDc31le9rU
I did feel ULTRA guilty that I was there because of a credit card, though. Next time that won’t be the case… and maybe the time after that, I can do a debt free scream 😀
For February I’m doing the cash-only system, so I’m hoping that’s going to help free up a bunch of money to get that credit card problem taken care of!
How did y’all do with your financial goals during January?
I’m transitioning into a new job now and I’m thinking that once everything is settled I will give the cash/envelope system a try. I generally make an effort to use cash more than my debit card anyway but I’d like to be more conscious. And I need to give myself permission to have a little ‘fun money’. If I decide on a set amount per week/month that is my fun budget I will be able to balance the frugal/cheapness with reality that it’s okay to use some money for fun.
I get way too excited whenever you post one of these! Ha! SO cool you got to meet your hero! (I don’t think you’ve ever actually called him your hero that I’ve seen, but I’m going with it. hahaha)
I’m so glad you decided to visit Nashville and those adorable girls that mean so much to you (who it’s obvious you mean so much to them, too!) Can’t believe you got to meet Dave! (I’m pretending we’re on a first name basis with him)
I just started 2 new jobs in January, so the budget is much easier to manage! We’re using all of my income to pay off debt and boost savings, instead of lifestyle inflation.
Yes, yes, yes. You know that I’m cheering you on!!!