Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Ashley

Hey, guess where I am! Traveling again, that’s where! Whoa! Considering we hadn’t initially planned to travel at all this summer, I’ve been pretty busy! This is already my second trip of the summer (first trip posted here), and I’ll be making a third trip either at the end of this month or beginning of August, depending on timing of my Dad’s tests and doctors’ appointments so I can be there when he receives an official diagnosis.

Fortunately, I get to say that this trip is much more pleasure-based compared to the last one. I’ve never mentioned, but my Dad owns two properties. His primary residence is in Utah and his secondary residence is in Wimberley, TX (south of Austin-area). So this trip included the entire family – we all loaded up the car and drove cross-country to visit family in Austin, spend time together for the 4^th of July holiday and take advantage of my last week before I start my full time job (eek!!!) Plus, my Dad was in town so I’ll be able to go and help him with some things on his property. With all of his health issues he’s going to be forced to sell his Wimberley property because it has a lot of acreage and there’s no way he can maintain it as he struggles with his physical decline.

So….killing lots of birds with one stone. We didn’t leave to come out here until July 2^nd, so the expenses associated with the trip will fall within the month of July. But similar to our other family-related trips, it’s going to cost us a minimal amount out of pocket. My mom gave us a little money for gas and we’re staying for free with family. I bought a bunch of groceries when we first arrived and we generally take family out to lunch or dinner once while we’re in town. But for a week long trip the costs are pretty minimal.

I’ve got lots to do in the short time we’re here so I’m going to run. Here’s how the month of June shaped up with our spending:

A couple quick budget-related notes before I run out the door:

Remember we had a very low income this month (no income from hubs’ business), so we had to raid our EF. One of our top priorities in July will be to replenish it. As a result, our debt payment is way below our average and we put no money toward savings.

Our preschool expense was above average because it included the deposits I had to put down for our new preschool ($75/each), which starts mid-August. Also, watch out – electricity is sky rocketing as our temperatures are climbing. I already received July’s bill and its over $200! Ouch!

I hope you all had a safe, healthy, and happy 4^th of July to you American readers, I wish any Canadian readers a happy belated Canada Day, and just happy week to all the rest of you! : )

Ashley

Hi, I’m Ashley! Arizonan on paper, Texan at heart. Lover of running, blogging, and all things cheeeeese. Freshly 40, married mother of two, working in academia. Trying to finally (finally!) pay off that ridiculous 6-digit student loan debt!