| I was feeling pessimistic when doing last month's entry, but since I have boycotted the news, I am feeling more hopeful about life and my financial future. I had great momentum last year, paying off $25,000 in debt after starting the Total Money Makeover, but as promised, Murphy has come to visit, and I have been experiencing one setback after another since the beginning of this year.
I thought I would be able to pay off my credit card in March and move my debt snowball onto my student loans, but one thing after another has thwarted this plan. Unexpected medical bills, car maintenance, household fixes, you name it, it's popping up! All I can do is try to remain optimistic and keep going after additional income (which is very difficult right now as I have some major projects coming due at work).
As mentioned last post, roommate #2 is moving out, and I will definitely need to replace her. It's nice that folks who bought last year and this year are getting a fat tax credit, but I tell you, it is bittersweet to watch for someone who purchased in 2006, at the peak of the Washington DC area bubble, has faithfully paid my mortgage on time every month, and has only seen my property value drop (now to the tune of -$95,000). No credits or breaks for us. Go figure! Anyway, I press on toward the goals which I have set for myself; things may not come as quickly as I would have hoped, but I know that if I keep on doing what I am doing, this too shall pass. I also desperately need to find a trustworthy contractor to do some fixes around the house before I re-advertise - this has me worried, as everyone I have dealt with in the past has been shady or incompetent. Time will tell...On a brighter note - the markets are looking up. Hopefully the trend will continue.
Goals for April:
1.)Pay off last of credit card debt.
2.)Replenish "Baby Step 1" emergency savings account with tax refund.
3.) Fund targeted savings accounts (home/car maintenance, & emergency) with $50 and $75 bi-weekly automatically from payroll.
4.) Increase 401(k) allotment to total maximum contribution limit of $16,500 by the end of the year. The march towards debt freedom continues, but I need that tax shelter! (sorry Dave!)
5.) Request overtime and re-advertise to replace my departing roommate.
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