Restrictions, Limitations and Boundaries…I’m feeling it!
I was invited to Destin Beach for the Memorial Day Holiday…I tried to decline but one of my BFF would not take no for an answer. I explained my financial restrictions, limitations and boundaries, but she persisted and I gave in with reservation. The weather was awful but the resort we stayed in was wonderful but I felt like I was not pulling my own weight financially. She and her boyfriend paid for the majority of the expenses except for my gas, dog sitter, and one meal. I was grateful and I did have fun but…I felt like I didn’t have the right to be on the trip.
I did it! American Express Credit Card…
I got rid of the American Express Credit Card…
So, it can be done… I got rid of my long-time companion; yes the American Express Card…before my deadline of June 15th. In fact, all my credit cards are gone with the exception of ONE; in case of emergency. Yes, I kept the low interest card with a limit of $1,000. Yes, it feels good but it’s only been two weeks; ask me in a month. I do feel empowered; I can do this…live off of my salary and save for the future. Things are starting to come together like I envision it and it feels good. If you’re sitting there thinking I wish I could do it…you can!
What should I do? Is it time to take my ex-husband back to court for Child Support Modification…
I’ve tried to reason with my ex-husband but he thinks $500 is plenty of Child Support for a 16th year old boy. Well, that doesn’t cover much! Having Brandon on my health insurance cost $130, dental insurance $20, cellular phone $55, birthday parties $80(4 this month @20) and now car insurance (between $300-450); not to mention the increase in the cost of living expenses, health co-payments, sports and entertainment “monthly”. I’ve been putting it off for so long because frankly I don’t need the extra stress and lawyer’s bills that come along with taking him back to court…but he’s being unreasonable and I can’t afford not to do it! My main concern is Brandon and how this will make him feel. What would you do?
I have had some success with my finances…Thanks! I want to thank my coaches Betty O'Brien and Mandy Atkins; there are many days when I just don’t think I’ll make it; but then I get the "weekly call". It’s been difficult but I’m seeing some financial improvement and I’m trying to stick to my goals but some days are better than others. The last three weeks have be extremely busy at work and it would have been easy for me to grab a credit card and treat myself to dinner or a night out to reward my hard work…but now, I delay this instant gratification for long-term satisfaction. I know the great pleasure I will have in three years when my son graduate high school and can go off to college with no financial worries.
Birthday Party Results!
It was a lot of work hosting the grand event at our house but I think we pulled it off. I wanted to keep food and party expenses below $100 but came in at $102.19…NOT BAD! We had a total of 15 teenagers and about 8 adults that help me stay sane…Thanks... On Sunday, Brandon thanked me for the party…good indication of a successful party. On Monday, he thanked me again… it was a success! I guess I didn’t need the big blow party after all and I didn’t go into debt. Took the extra money that I saved and Brandon’s birthday money and opened a Charles Schwab One Custodial Account. Happy Birthday Brandon!
It seems that I’ve been waking up every night at 2 A.M.; thoughts racing in my head…what’s next on the endless list of does and don’ts. Can I pull off Brandon’s Birthday’s Barbecue under $100? Can I afford to travel to Georgia in May for my BFF’s 40th Birthday Party and buy her a gift? What can I cook for dinner tomorrow that is both health and fast? My credit score when up 7 points…really…how? Can I start putting money into a saving account starting in May? But the most repeated question every night…Should I take the Balance offer and pay-off my credit card debt in 4 years?…
I need to ensure that I get out of the red; so, I could enjoy my life without the continual dread of money madness.
Brandon turned sixteen today…
First, I have to say how proud I am of the man my son is becoming not only is he intelligent, witty, loving, but most of all he is selfless. I knew going into the WeLiveFIT! Challenge that things would have to change but I never thought that Brandon would be as devoted to our success; after all he is a teenage boy. Well, I was wrong…he has keep me on track; reminding me daily not to revert to my old money habits but when it came to his sixteenth birthday party I thought he wouldn’t be as resilient. Again, wrong! Brandon declined the big blow-out party that I wanted to throw him for an inexpensive plan of having a few friends over for a barbecue. Brandon continues to surprises me with his commitment to this new lifestyle… And NO, he doesn’t get the 10,000 if we win…
I on the other hand; I’m still dealing with the CHANGE AND REGRET of not foreseeing my current state of affairs.
Thank God, I didn’t give-up the American Express card…yet! Well, it turns out that it was a minor expense but it was scary… I really want to cut-up the card but I don’t think I can make it without it yet…maybe in a year. I have made some major changes but given up the American Express card has become my biggest challenge…not sure if I’m ready for it. Help!
Updates…SAVING $571 a month; this year $ 5,267 ending December 2009!
· I claimed 8 total withholding allowances on my taxes saving $331.64 a month; $3,482.22 this year; go to WWW.IRS.gov and use the 2009 Withholding Calculator...additionally pretty sure I’ll still get a small 2009 refund check. I will check it again at the end of September to make sure I don’t go over.
· Cut off the EMBARQ phone landline saving $29.94 a month; $269.46 this year.
· Disconnected DIRECTV saving $74.38 a month; $595.04 this year. Got a TV Converter Box using the Department of Commerce coupon for $40.00; I paid $10.74. Get your coupon WWW.DTV2009.gov. I also purchased a Philips MANT940 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna for $34.40 and get all local channels crystal clear (ABC, FOX, CBS, CW & more) and some sport channels. Now… all I “need” is a DVD recorder; but I know “Want or Need”…so it will have to wait…gifts are nice.
· Combined cellular services saving $44.66 a month; $535.92 yearly; this year only $107 because of the purchase of new phones.
· I now shop using coupons, saving $90.31 this month so far; haven’t mastered WWW.Couponmon.com yet, but I check weekly ads. At this rate I’ll save $812.79 this year.
· I got a City of Tallahassee Free Energy Home Audit… WWW.Talgov.com, go to Program Request. I replaced light bulbs and the shower heads with energy efficient ones, and I also lower my water heater…I hope to save on my monthly bill. Additionally, I requested budget billing on my utility bill which will be $ $128.52 a month; no more guessing. YES…even in the summer!
· If you are buying new appliances; Check-out the 2008-2009 Energy Star Plug-In Appliance Rebates at http://talgov.com/you/energy/pdf/es_appl_rebate_exist.pdf
Next, I will undertake Retirement allocations, Auto and Home Owner’s Insurance…
According to Taxact.com, I should claim 10 total withholding allowances. That seems like a lot…I can’t afford to make a wrong decision now and pay for it later! As if, I could pay back the Federal Government at the end of the year…! HELP!
“Your projected tax for 2009 is $2,863, and your projected withholding for 2009 is $9,788. To ensure that you withholdings match your projected tax, you should claim 10 total withholding allowances. Would you like to decrease the withholding allowances or increase the additional amount you want withheld from your pay?”
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