And just like that we’re into the New Year! I can finally say goodbye to 2017, a year filled with emotional and financial lows. 2018 WILL be better, and I’m so eager and excited for my financial journey to continue.
I’ve had this blog for about 1/2 a year now. Honestly, I get excited to schedule payments and watch the numbers go down. I’m so grateful that I started this journey!
December was great! Look at all of the good things happening below!
DEBT PAYMENT/INCOME SPREADSHEET
*This spreadsheet does not include payments for my car (a lease) or my insurance (life, health, vision, dental)*
CURRENT FICO SCORE: 621
THE GOOD NEWS
My debt decreased again
My debt is now under $65,000 and after interest I paid almost $400 toward my debt! Since my debt is decreasing, my payments are finally paying more toward the principal while the interest being charged is less. I also had a promotional offer on my CareCredit card end in December but I paid it all off before they charged any interest!!
My credit score went up
I couldn’t believe it when I saw my credit jump from 593 to 621! As I have mentioned every month, my credit score has been decreasing due to someone else making late payments on a joint account. However, those marks are still on my account so I believe it went up because my credit usage went down!
I used gift cards for all of my Christmas shopping
In my November debt analysis I mentioned I redeemed a lot of Amazon gift cards. Well because I’m on a budget, I bought less gifts for everyone this year and I bought ALL of them with my gift cards. I didn’t use any of my money which helps me so much.
I made a good chunk of extra income
I got paid for sponsoring a product, a Nielsen research study, from being an Amazon affiliate, and selling a couple of things. Extra income is always a good thing!
I “won” in court
I’m going to write a full post on my little financial dilemma, but we went to court and got to mediate over the situation. Contracts were signed in my favor, so things should get better from now on.
I didn’t use my credit cards
Well I used my Bank of America Cash rewards card twice for gas because I get 3% cash back. BUT I paid it right back the same day so we’re all good there! It’s so nice to not have to depend on credit cards to make payments.
THE BAD NEWS
I worked less hours
Due to the holidays and the snow we had here in Georgia I ended up working a few hours less. At my job we don’t get paid for holidays so obviously this means less income for me.
What a great way to start off my New Year! Everything is getting back on track and I’m getting closer and closer to paying off this debt.
For 2018 I really want to focus on increasing my income so I can save more and pay off my debt faster. I’m ready to work hard and take action on these goals of mine!