5/19/15 Total: $84,246.46

Nice!

I am revisiting my Sinking Funds

I have:

1. A Slush Fund - this is made up of all our Once a year costs:
-Vet for Cat 1 ($200-250/year)
-Vet for Cat 2 ($200-250/year)
-Vet for Dog ($200-250/year)
-HOA Fee ($150/year)
-Sewer bill ($200/year approximately)
-Misc Insurance ($80/year)
-TOTAL $1180/year (put away $100/month).

2. Vacation Fund - $20/month - Only planning little long weekends from time to time

3. Home Upkeep/Repairs Fund - currently saving $50/month, but have utilized lately and balance is low.

4. Gifts fund - $60/month and is supplemented with 'free money' from Bing, rewards, etc. This covers birthdays, anniversarys, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween (costumes), wedding showers, baby showers, etc. We are extremely generous with the nieces/nephews and supplement sports and activities, so the 'costs' are a little higher than if we were just buying small presents.

5. Medical Fund - currently only $10/month. We have funds provided by work into an HSA and I put $33/check pretax in as well. It covers deductables, etc.

6. AAA/License Renewal/Inspection - $15/month


So we have had a lot of large home repairs, lately. However, what do you all budget for normal upkeep, repairs, etc? Do you have slush funds for this?

I am attempting to figure out the right number for our family.

Today, I completed a lot and had a lot of fun!

-In the morning, I watched some tv, cleared my email, did Inbox Dollars, uploaded the Recyclebank, reduced furniture prices on Craigslist, bumped the furniture photos on my FB sales sites and filed emails

-My husband picked up the 'free' cake for our 1st Anniversary. The baker provided a small layer of cake as part of the wedding cake services. Yay

-I went to the ATM and the dollar store for healthy Gestational Diabetic friendly snacks - peanuts, sunflower seeds, unsweetened applesauce etc.

-I went to Target, where I used a coupon sent to me to receive a $20 gift card for starting a Target Baby Registry (yay free money!)

-Went to Babies R Us to purchase a glider & ottoman set. I utilized 15% coupon, will get 10% ($49.38) back upon my due date as part of their registry program, and will get $38 in Rewards gift cards in the next month. So this amount went from $579.98 to $493.98 after the 15% off, minus $38 in register rewards, minus the $49.38 in registry gift card. So final 'cost' after money back is $406.60. I am happy with this splurge!

-We had lunch with a good friend & her husband and 2 kids. They made lunch at their house and we hung out. She is done having kids and was going to sell her 1 year old car seat & 2 bases, which happen to exactly match the stroller I just bought - so I bought those from her for $100. She also gave us freebies of an activity/walking center, a teething rattle, 7 receiving blankets, 16 bibs, an activity mat and a bumble. Very generous!

-Afterwards, we stopped by our friend's bar for a drink for my husband and for me to chat with the bartender. They always are asking for pregnancy updates and my friend lives right by there

-We then went home, where we put away all the goodies, I cleaned the kitchen and we took the dog for a walk.

-I was really tired, but it is an absolutely beautiful day. My husband suggested dinner at a restaurant right on the Chesapeake Bay. They have a huge outdoor area on the water and really good seafood. I jumped at the chance!

We are lucky to be 25 minutes away from this beautiful area on the water. Here are a few quick pics. They have a live band on Saturday nights, beautiful views and an eclectic clientele. I love it!

I was unofficially offered a new role at my place of employment back in mid-January. 3 months later, I finally have received the pay increase (back dated to 4/13).

My income at this company has increased pretty well and I am incredibly happy.

-I started with this company 4/22/2013.

-On 5/19/2013, they adjusted my income to a new industry standard of income (increase of 6.19%)

-Because of that, there was no merit increase in 2014

-On 3/12/2015, while still waiting for the new role, I received a Merit Raise of 5%

-Today, backdated to 4/13/2015, my pay increased by 12.7% from 3/21/15 (which is a total increase of 18.33% from 5/19/2013 and a total increase of 25.66% from 4/22/2013).

Can't beat that!

I worked from home today. It was a no spender! I had a lot of meetings where I just had to listen, so I was able to get quite a few chores done during those times.

I was able to get a bunch of things to do off my To Do List. Here are today's '5 Things'.

-Did Bing searches
-Entered MyCokerewards
-Did Recyclebank
-Brought bin of glassware up from basement
-unwrapped all the glassware
-itemized, took pictures & listed glassware on fb sales and craiglist
-Cleaned furniture in basement - wiped all down
-Took pictures of furniture in basement
-Posted furniture for sale on FB & Craigslist
-Do laundry (dog bedding, dog towels, our bedding, clothes)
-Put 1 load in dryer & hung the rest out to air dry
-Fold all laundry
-Clean silver tray, photograph list for sale on FB & Craigslist
-Unload dishwasher
-Load dishwasher
-Clean kitchen
-Take out recycling and trash
-Wash recycling can
-refill aluminum water bottles for easy grab & go
-put together rack in basement
-put away Christmas & Halloween items in their original boxes (was lazy putting them away last year)
-Organize Christmas items and place in tubs on storage rack
-Organize Halloween items and place in tubs on storage rack
-Organize misc items, household items and shelve on storage shelves
-Put additional items for sale
-clean part of basement - items for trash, etc.

*I actually accomplished quite a lot in the basement. I hope to sell that furniture & clear out even more. I will do my best to sell at the highest price possible, but I REALLY want these items to be gone

Here is a picture of the basement 'before'






Here are some 'After' pictures!

I ALWAYS have a running To Do list & it feels like nothing ever gets done. However, I have to remember that even getting 5 small things off the list is an accomplishment. If I get more off there, even better. So here is tracking my '5 Things' from yesterday.

- Updated Target Redcard registration (want 5% back as part of our baby registry is there and we may utilize them more now)
- Balanced checkbook
- researched car registration fee (due July)
- updated baby document
- updated baby registry
- checked medical bills/claims
- called & set up car appointment for recall
- call in medical bill payment (using HSA card)
- activate Health Reimbursement card from spouse's work (applies to maternity costs)
- do BING searches
- cancel hair appointment for Tuesday
- move furniture in basement with husband (he did most of the work)
- have financial discussion with spouse (completed thoroughly)
- Track spending for the day

Spending for 5/4
$1.50 for a soda
$2.45 for breakfast (forgot milk for cereal)

Friday was payday, so today I checked my retirement accounts.

New Balance: $82,853.28!

May is an extra paycheck month. Based on how I budget, today's check is the extra one.

I used it to:

Pay the computer purchase $399.99
Pay the crib purchase $319.99
Pay maternity clothes/dog supplies $131.06
Pay Car Repair $499.02
Pay License renewal $25

and Will use funds to:
-Purchase a gently used stroller, car seat & 2 bases $175

So after a few other budget appropriations, I have $166.94 to the Last Credit Card. This, plus a $25 payment a few days ago (from extra entertainment budget) bring the balance down to $5522.96. I am still on plan to pay it off before the baby gets here!

Since my car was in the shop, I worked from home today. The windows were open and it was really nice.

After work, we picked up the car, $499.02 out of pocket. Afterwards, my husband & I went and had dinner at a nearby restaurant. Its an old building with wrap around porches on 2 levels. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy the weather. We people watched and had a nice time. The $$ for the dinner came out of my husband's fun money.

I got some house things done today:

-cleared out personal paperwork & filed my 'To file' pile
-cleaned off my china cabinet. I am going to sell it as its an old piece that does not go with the rest of the house and was a hand-me-down. I took pictures & when I am ready for the rest of the furniture in the basement to be sold, I will list them all together
-listed a framed piece of artwork for sale. No bites yet, but it can take a little time
-cleared out personal email

I also worked .5 hours of OT, which is nice as every bit helps!

I get paid on Friday & there will be a lot of money flowing out. Its an extra paycheck month and Friday's check will be the 'extra'.

-I am paying off the $399.99 computer (we put it on the card for 5% cash back).

-I am buying a stroller as part of a travel system for $75

-My college friend is selling her car seat that happens to EXACTLY MATCH THE STROLLER I MENTIONED ABOVE!. This is a car seat & 2 bases (one for each car). $100. She is also 'gifting' some gently used items - an activity mat, a bumbo, etc. I am so lucky!

-My car needs brakes and has 2 recalls, so it is in the shop today. $500 for repairs, plus some maintenance.

-I have some maternity wear and doggie purchases on a card I used for the points that will also need to be paid off $181.05

So less than I planned is going to the last credit card with a revolving balance, but it is just a delay on funds going there. We will be paid off by the time the baby is due. Fingers crossed!

So all in all -

$175 Car seat/stroller systerm
$319.99 Crib/Changing table combo
$500 car repairs
$399.99 computer
$181.05 dog and clothing purchases


For the baby expenses, this is all planned cashflow, and even less than planned for the travel system. so Woot!
-We are paying off the crib $319.99

Yesterday was my 36th birthday. I had the day off and did nothing. Watched some tv, lazed around with the animals and had lunch with my folks, who brought my niece over to visit.

Dinner was at Hibachi with my husband, parents, sister, her boyfriend and my nephew and niece. That was a lot of fun and I enjoyed watching my 1.5 year old niece oohing and ahhing over the flames.

My husband gave me a gift card to Barnes & Noble and a Pop Figure from the show Supernatural. I am a huge fan of the show! My mom & dad gave me a Halloween decorated glass to add to my collection and an Alex & Ani bracelet. My niece & nephew (aka my sister) gave me another Alex & Ani bracelet. It was very nice of all of them.

My husband & I ended the evening watching some tv and me taking my pregnant body upstairs to sleep very early LOL

My husband & I revisited our budget. We adjusted our household budget to include an increased amount for Pet (to cover dog food, flea/tick meds, heartworm meds, biscuits and toys) and to increase the Slush fund to have for the once a year expense of the vet visit.

We also have increased the grocery budget to account for some increased expenses for the baby (diapers, wipes). I have stockpiled a bit, but not excessively.

As for baby items, the clothes keep coming in. Thanks to my sister & mom for hand-me-downs and like new finds!

We recently purchased a convertible crib/changing table. It converts to a toddler bed then to a full-size bed and nightstand. We paid $319.99 after coupons.

We are splurging on a good glider/ottoman ($399.99 plus $149 before any coupons - don't worry, we use coupons!). We are going with one that looks more like a recliner than a glider to be able to utilize it after the nursery need is completed.

I have picked out a car seat/stroller travel system that retails for $289.99. I found that exact system on a FB gently used site for $75. I am picking it up Saturday! Super excited as it is even in the color that we wanted.

We will still need another car seat/base due to daycares in the area not keeping the car seat with them. We will have many days where my husband drops off & I pick up, so we both need a seat with us. I am hoping to get any other compatible seat online like this before the baby is born. I am so happy on the deal!

We did register for some items as family is throwing us a shower. We put some cute/fun things, but kept it mostly to what we feel we need:

Bibs, towels, wash cloths, a mobile, pack n play, convertible high chair, a crib bedding set, extra crib sheets, waterproof mattress covers, bottles, pacifiers, etc.

We did put some musical toys, cute outfits and a diaper genie on there as well. Keep it simple!

April 5th was my 9 year SA anniversary! I love this site and the friends, advice and accountability that I have received. Thanks for everything, guys!

There was a little accident with my current laptop and it is now dead. Luckily, I periodically back up my photos, etc online.

My husband's computer has been slowly dying and we've been cashflowing for a new one. Well, now we 'need' two, so we bought them today. His & Hers laptops lol. We got some good upgrade deals and spent $399 each.

We have the cash for his and the overtime I have coming in next Friday's check will cover mine. This will STILL not derail my goal of having that credit card paid off by August, so I feel like I am not putting my wants in front of my goal.

The only reason we didn't wait on mine was 1. the deal and 2. My dad's 70th birthday is coming up and I have been working on a photography project for a present/party and I need to be able to continue that project, which needs to be complete by mid-May.

I know its a lot of justifications, but if we are not changing my payoff goal and we don't go into debt for the purchase, I can't say that I feel too badly about it.

We are adopting a dog. 2 year old Pitt mix. All shots, neutered, has lived in a Foster home with cats and kids and is incredibly family friendly.

The guy's name is Will, but we already refer to him as Tater, because the Foster family described him as a Sweet Potato. He is a slow moving dog, very relaxed and almost 'lazy'. Perfect pace for us.

I know its a not popular decision to add a dog before the baby, but we have discussed and weighed all the options. Given the environment and behavior prior to us adopting him, we are confident in his ability to fit right in.

There is a $200 Adoption cost, but no up front shots/neuter costs with the vet, so that's worth it to me.

We bought a bed, bowls, leash, collar, treats, food some toys. Roughly $98 and from our pets sinking fund.

I already increased our slush fund to account for the extra vet cost of another animal.

We are revisiting our Pet line in the budget to see how to adjust, but we are very good at finding the best deals on pet supplies.

Luckily, these expenses do not affect my Last Credit Card Paydown challenge. So I am very happy!

Friday was payday.

My updated Retirment Accts include:

1 $17,547.44
2 $45,623.23
3 $2,158.45
4 $16,608.62
TOTAL $81,937.74

My updated Last Credit Card info:

As of 4/10, the Balance on this last card was $6,535.90.

I put the OT and my snowball to the card from this paycheck ($821.00).

New Balance: $5,714.90

Last week, I started a registry at Buy Buy Baby. When we went, they gave me a free bottle of water and a bag full of freebies!

-1 8oz can of Enfamil (Newborn)
-a saple of Boudreaux's Butt Paste and a $1.00 off coupon.
-a measuring tape roll (for a belly band, but can be reused!
-2 Pampers wipes pack with fabric to-go case
-Shutterfly $20 card
-sample Organic Heartburn Tea
-sample of Desitin and coupons
-lotion samples
-baby detergent samples
-facial wipes sample
-Gripe Water sample
-nursing pads samples
-1 breastmilk storage bag and $10 off coupon
-pack of 10 HOnest Wipes sample
-Excema cream sample and coupons
-baby wipes samples
-breastmilk storage bags samples
-miscellaneous coupons
-belly oil & face wash samples for pregnant women
-baby on board sign
-American baby magazine
-$5 off $15 Buy Buy Baby coupon

Yay for freebies!

That day, my mom bought the baby a special outfit for newborn pictures and me a pregnancy belly pillow. Thanks, Mom!

Credit Card Debt as of 12-31-14: $16,107.06
Credit Card Debt as of 02-06-15: $14,749.12
Credit Card Debt as of 03-06-15: $12,602.12

On 03-20-15, I paid off my car and my 2nd to last credit card, leaving 1 credit card in the amount of $8,718.47

Today's Balance: $6,535.90.

I am so happy!

My 401k and IRAS are now totaling $80,109.11 (up from $74,658.54 on 12/31/14).

I am over $75k! Spouse has 36k in his, we are working on increasing his asap.

My niece will be 2 years old in November. My sister is giving us a LOT of her hand me downs and won't accept any money for them. I plan on getting her a nice gift card at least.

Between her & my mom's yardsale finds and deals, we have gotten a TON of clothes for the baby!

I organized the clothing by sizes/type and will put the bigger clothes in a storage bin in the basement and put away the smaller stuff for when the baby comes. All the below were free given to me!

SIZE: Newborn-3 months
onesies 15
newborn bibs 5
sleepers 4
fleece sleepers 4
jumper outfits 3
dress 1
jean jumper outfit 1
skirt 1
sweater 2
fleece jacket 1
hoodie jacket 2
pink/white striped top/hart pants outfit 1
jeans 1


SIZE: 6 Months
onesies 9
My First Christmas onesie 1
leggings 5
Spring outfit - onesie, sweater & headband 1
Summer sleeveless jumper outfit 1
footie pjs 1
shirts 4
jeans 3
sweatshirts 2
jeans 3
sweaters 2
fleece hoodie 1
shorts 9

SIZE: 9 Months
animal themed jumpers 2
leggings 5
onesies 7
sports track suit 1
nice spring outfit 1
light jacket 1
skirt 1
shirt 1
hoodie 1
sweater 1

SIZE: 12 Months
onesies 7
sleeveless onesies 2
sleeveless tops 5
tops 5
shorts 9
jeans 2
leggings 2
pants 1
hoodie sweater 1
spring formal dress 1
jean shorts 1
watermelon nice outfit 1
winter vest 2
Halloween Shirt 3
bathing suit 1
jumper 1

SIZE: 18 Months
onesie 1
flannel pj 1
Eagles onesie 1
Halloween Shirt 1
Bathing Suit 1
Santa Shirt 1
pj set 1
hoodie jacket 1

MISC Items
Bibs 9
Washcloths 8
Changing pads 2
Bath Towels 6
Receiving Blankets 7
Shoes 9
Hair Bows 3
Hat 1

Toys/Dolls
Stuffed Owl 1
Laugh & Learn Dog toy 1

Today, I had a vet appointment for both the cats (one is 5 and one is less then a few weeks away from 15). They both had a well visit and shots, although I declined some superfluous tests.

Here is the kicker - I had a home visit, so there was a $70 charge for that. It was 1000% worth every penny. The older cat has vision issues and gets very anxious about the carrier and car. THe last 2 times I took her to the vet, she went to the bathroom in the carrier in the car and in the vet and in the car again. It caused 3 extra baths and a lot of smells/clean up at the vet and in the car.

I just couldn't take the idea that I would go through that again. Especially since the cat is 18 lbs and with the carrier, it puts her over the weight limit I am allowed to carry at the moment.

I am happy - all in all, the vet visit cost $358.70 and I have the whole amount in my vet slush fund. No problem there!

Today, I did accomplish some things, but also was pretty lazy. Just tired all day long for some reason.

I finished my 3rd load of laundry and folded them all. Just need to put them away after watching the Walking Dead tonight!

I accomplished:

-Fold Laundry
-Do last load of laundry
-Fold that last load
-Refill weekly pill bag (have to time meds, so I prep for the week instead of carrying multiple bottles everywhere).
-Prep Food for week
-Run dishwasher
-Meal plan
-List items for sale on multiple sites
-Do Bing
-Clear Personal email
-Package up item to return to Amazon
-Fill reusable water bottles for grab & go during the week
-Balance checkbook
-Order present for friend's daughter's 1st Birthday. Spent $10.99 (Done for her)
-Order an early bday present (Melissa & Doug Furry Bowling Set) for almost 2 year old niece $21.91 (Done for her)
-Clean wedding band/engagement ring

So I purchased some great deals on maternity clothes recently, bought some much needed vitamins and then got an overpriced (not realized until after) hair cut & color.

Unfortunately, I JUST depleted some of my personal sinking funds to the credit card because I was so focused and ambitious that I did not plan accordingly.

So the funds for clothes and hair were nil and I now I have to 'reimburse' myself for those expenses. LOL

I got way ahead of myself on putting so much extra to the credit card.

In an effort to come up with some of the funds without detracting from any future credit card snowball payments, I am attempting to find the funds elsewhere.

So today, I put up several items on Craigslist and cross posted them on 2 different facebook sales sites. Hopefully I will get some bites!

Mens Tungsten Ring - $200
Basket - $5
Jacket - $10
Twin Blanket - $5
Armchair (inherited and not used recently) - $50
Moon Chair/Folding Papasan Chair - $25
Cordless Vacuum - $5
Linksys Router - $10
Christmas decoration - $15

I have some BIG furniture to do as well. However, that needs to be moved into place for the pictures and my hubs has to do that. So hopefully that will occur later this week!

I have been lucky to hit 19 weeks with no need for maternity clothes. However, I know that time is coming.

After finding no luck at the thrift stores, I noticed Old Navy had a sale going on.

I truly need some maternity pants, some dresses and for the most part, the tops are not too necessary.

I ordered a few tank tops that can be used afterwards with my non-pregnancy body.

I ordered a few summer cardigans that can be used after pregnancy as well.

I ordered 2 maternity dresses. I already have some other wrap dresses that will fit on my maternity body without stretching the material.

Additionally, I ordered 2 pairs of jeans. One will be returned after I try them on (ordered 2 different sizes).

Essentially, I will just need some pregnancy yoga pants and some summer shorts after all of this is over. Woot.

I mentioned before that I only have 1 credit card to payoff and am pushing VERY hard to have it done by August when the baby is due.

After the last large payment, the balance was down to $8175.47.

In the meantime, I revamped the budget a little to have $1188 to pay towards the card each month.

The Gas bill came in under budget, so I am putting $12.37 to the card.

I have extra funds in some of my sinking funds, so I am putting $341.83 to the card.

This leaves a balance of $7821.27.

I have 8 hours of OT that will come in the next paycheck. That will go to the card. With $1188/mo abd with $900 for an additional paycheck in May, I will still have $1929.27 to go. I can do this!

Finally feeling better all around. Morning sickness has abated and the NASTY sinus and bronchial infection I had last week is finally gone.

Today, I had energy. So after work, I ran some errands.

-Stopped home (5 mins from work) and picked up a box to return to Amazon
-Stopped at dollar store to buy packing tape for the package
-Returned the package to UPS. I am returning a pillow to help with the acid reflux I have been getting. I didn't like it, so returned it to Amazon. I am getting a refund of $22.xx
-Returned a staple gun to Lowes - $12.98 back. I also picked up paint swatches for the baby's room.
-Stopped at Target for my free baby registry gift. They were out, so I will have to go back.
-Returned griddle to Bed Bath & Beyond. It was a gift, so got $49.99 in store credit.
-Cashed in change jar at a coin star. I used the Amazon.com option because there is no charge and I buy some grocery/household items there routinely. I will use that and take the funds out of the grocery budget to be able to put cash into the Gifts Fund. $58.20
-Met up a Facebook sale of a board game. Made $5.00
-Thought about getting take-out, but skipped it. Hubs had leftovers at home & I made a salad.
-Packed food for work tomorrow
-We received a free Baby Box from Amazon. It had a bunch of goodies!
- Gerber Life Cereal
- Gerber Good Start
- Playtex bottle
- breastfeeding pads
- Samples of burts bees lotion and creams
- shampoo/conditioner samples
- Aquafor sample
- a binky
- Gerber Organic Fruit/Veggie
- water wipes
- baby lotion sample

Yay for frugal & for Freebies!

We are taking a labor/delivery first time parents class $140 and a Happy Baby class (soothing, sleep training ect) $65. I been paying us back the $205 little by little. $75 from baby savings, $12.98 from the Lowes, etc. So I am happy with the returns!

The BB&B return of $49.99 will actually go towards another place setting. We have 9 sets from the wedding and I want to get to an even 10. With coupons, that amount will definitely cover the purchase!

Put together some #s to share:

Total Debt Paid in 2014: $13,372.03
Total Wedding Cashflowed: $11,000
Total House Repairs Cashflowed: $10,000

TOTAL Money Change in 2014: $34,372.03!!!


Total Debt Paid to Date in 2015: $3,545.94

I have a bonus coming at the end of the month, which will net $5000!

I have $1135.93 left on my car loan (husband's is already paid off). We have the normal payment coming out this Friday ($230), and I am planning to pay the remaining balance ($905.93) on the 20th from the bonus.

I have 1 of 2 credit cards left with a balance of $3,845.77 that I will also pay off.

That leaves $248.30 to go to the last remaining card.

I have been offered a new role at work and it is going to come with an increase, but I am waiting on HR to make the formal offer. This should be a significant increase in pay.

With that being said, I should be able to pay off this last card prior to the baby being born, while still saving for baby expenses!

Once that is done, I want a good EFund and to put money into an IRA. Lots of ideas!

Once this debt is done, I will have over 1k a month to do with as I please - savings, IRA, whatever fun fiscally responsible plan we come up with!

DSW had a sale on shoes & I needed some new ones for work. I purchased 2 pairs online with a $20 gift card and free shipping.

The next day, I received an email that they cancelled the order on one of the pairs due to unavailability.

They cancelled that part of the order. Then charged me $7.95 to ship the other pair since I no longer met the minimum requirement for free shipping.

I called today, explained the situation and the rep was able to just credit the $7.95 for the shipping. Woot.

We had those 2 major home repairs (10k+) mid-to-late 2014 and I have been seriously tackling them! I wanted to share my paydown!

9/1 $22,596.90
9/19 $21,926.55
9/29 $21,846.10
10/3 $21,384.71
10/16 $20,731.08
10/20 $20,657.08
10/20 $20,575.08
10/30 $20,500.08
10/31 $19,471.11
11/14 $18,624.11
15-Nov $18,627.06
28-Nov $18,007.06
1-Dec $17,790.06
12-Dec $16,780.06
26-Dec $16,107.06
3-Jan $16,043.12
9-Jan $15,700.12
22-Jan $15,624.12
29-Jan $15,064.02
6-Feb $14,749.12
10-Feb $13,451.12
20-Feb $12,919.12