Counting 300 snowflakes.

Ok so the next goal I'm working on is to max out my $1000 Christmas Fund. I decided that a dibble of money going here, and a dibble to five other 'theres' would get me nowhere fast. So everything is going towards the Christmas Fund so I can move on. With the money I had before, and what I added at the end of February, I now have $700.

So my goal is to do everything I can to find $300 to finish this baby off and move on! I already have $165 as I took what was left of my grocery money last month and added it to the bits of snowflake I have. I am hoping that anything I can tuck aside this month, plus whatever is left from groceries by end of March, will give me enough so that I can be officially done BEFORE next pay day.

That would be very exciting and then I could plan my next goal(s).

I could take the $300 from our tax return but since we both agreed the return would go to mortgage and I am thrilled we are wanting the same thing for once LOL

Oh those parents!!

I know, I know, I really shouldn't complain about the supports I have but man!! lol

I didnt' get a chance last week to run that money to Mom for the Bank of Mom loan. I had it all tucked away in a wallet for her. I went over tonight as the battery in my van was nearly dead so my dad had picked up a used one for me and wanted to install it.

So off we went to mom and dad's. When I had mom alone I handed her the wallet with $1500. I have to say it felt VERY good to be able to give that to her and know I had paid her back. She was incredibly reluctant to take it. "Take it!!" I said. "I feel guilty" she said.

pfft Guilty??? for what, I said....for taking back money that you paid out of your own pocket last year for my bathroom and living room???? Don't be silly I said. I'm almost 40 and it's time I grow up.

She says "I'm going to buy you a range hood/microwave unit" which is something we don't have currently. There's been a hole in the wall covered up with a towel there for.......ohh about 2 years.

NO! I said. She look surprised. I said "husband got a mess of $ at Christmas (which she knew about) and it's about time he purchases SOMETHING for this house. Feel free to look for deals as you have more time than us but do NOT buy it".

She reluctantly agreed. It is rare I win a battle with my mom LOL

However when it came time to leave with my van, I gave my dad the $40 for the used battery (which I had out of my 'gas savings', which he promptly said NO. grrrr. So as I was backing out of the garage, I tossed it out the window so it would land on the floor. Yanno...for a 73 year old, he's pretty damn spry. He had it back inside my van as I pulled away. I knew I wouldn' t win this one but it was a smaller amount so I guess I have to let this go and get him again next time.

I couldn't resist, as I pulled away, yelling out the window "you're never going to let me grow up!!!" and then I stuck my tongue out at him. He laughed.

It's nice to bond with dad. We never got to do nearly enough of that when I was younger as he worked 24/7.

Where the money stands as of March 1st

Debts

Mortgage - $43 622.50
Consolidated Loan - $12 002.19
Bank of Mom – Paid in Full ~~whee~~

Total Debt - $55,624.60

Savings

Christmas Savings - $700
Emergency Fund - $1000

I decided to add the savings part because that is important as well. It's something I've never had before. Also, I am in a position now to put lump sums down on my consolidated loan and get rid of it.

It is just sadness to see how little actually comes off the mortgage each month. The interest is killing us. totally. We need a plan of attack for that as well. Perhaps the spouse will actually help with that????

Money Jars - Month 2

Ok I forced myself to sit down and be productive so I tabulated what was left in my month's envelopes and did the math. Here is how month 2 went.

Gas (Fuel) - I was able to save 50% of the money for gas this month. There were a few out of town trips so that upped how much I spent, but a few days off and not driving perhaps balanced it out a bit. Anything leftover goes in a lil envelope to be tucked away for insurance, licence plates and mechanical needs. My package policy is due in March sometime and was in the $300s last year, so hopefully by the March 25th payday, I can save enough to have money for this.

Spending - I was able to save 50% of this. I use this money for my mad money, or pharmacy stuff, etc. My make up etc is slowly needing replacing so this will continue to take a hit though I am being FAR more frugal with how much I apply than I have ever been. I have not allowed myself to buy any magazines or books and that has helped me a lot.

Household - I needed a few thing more things this month, including a few rubbermaid tubs for storage in my quest to be better organized. I saved 67% of my envelope. This goes into it's own envelope for months where we need to stock up, or to buy something larger for the house. I'd love to save enough to buy a sectional for downstairs later this year perhaps and get rid of the one that has zero springs left LOL

Dining Out - This continues to be a difficult category to control. I saved 29% of this budget line. This is being tucked into an envelope until I hit $200 'savings' and then the rest will get snowflaked into my debt. It will be nice if we have an away weekend, that I will have that money to pay for meals out.

Groceries - I hate how fast the money goes with groceries. I struggle with this far too much. I was only able to save 13% of this to count towards "March snowflake" and put it towards debt. I really need to work on that.

I was able to save a total of $432 which goes towards it's own savings category or the debt. Still better than I was doing this time last year, but I find myself very frustrated with how fast the money goes.

This and That

First off thank you to everyone for your positive energy and comments. As I wrote the last post I knew 'this too shall pass' and it will.

Second, thanks Chicky for letting me back in the loop. Good luck on your debt journey. I totally respect your reasons for going private.

I made significant progess on my marking yesterday and need to get back at it today again.

I also need to get my updates posted and do the math to see the amount (litte) that I saved from my jars and plot my next action plan.

Happy March 1st.