by Hope
Boy, lifestyle creep is a real thing. But I am recognizing my proclivity to become more relaxed with my finances as I get more and more caught up. And I am NOT going to let up.
This time last year, we were making it on less than $2,000 per month, barely making it. And here I am making almost 4 times that and somehow, getting to the end of the month feeling a bit desperate. Yup, lifestyle creep is happening. And it’s got to stop now!
This month, I return some of my focus to saving more intensely. As of June 1, 10% of every bit of income is going directly into savings. I am paying myself first. I’ve been so focused on digging out and catching up, that I have failed completely to save. That stops now.
Priorities:
- Regular and focused savings: 10% of every income.
- Payoff personal loan debt.
- Make sure Princess senior year is paid for.
- Regular and significant payments to CC debt.
Before you jump down my throat about #3. I will explain in the next post. But there are this month’s debt numbers.
Debt Update
| Debt Description | October, 2023 Total | Interest Rate | Minimum Payment | Current Total | Payoff Date (Est) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Loan #1 | $2,500 | 0% | $500 (beg April) | $500 | July, 2024 |
| Personal Loan #2 | $2,500 | 0% | $500 (beg April) | $1,000 | August, 2024 |
| CC - Wander | $1,630 | 29.24% | $75 | $1,418 | September, 2024 |
| Dad - New Furnace | $2,600 | 0% | $500 (beg July) | $2,600 | December, 2024 |
| CC - Amazon | $1,497 | 29.99% | $48 | $1,433 | August, 2024 |
| CC - Frontier | $3,857 | 29.99% | $131 | $3,618 | |
| CC - USAA | $5,000 | 19.15% | $135 | $3,274 | |
| Car Loan | $19,581 | 12.69% | Gymnast Pays | $15,532 | |
| Student Loans | $22,121 | 2.875% | In Deferrment | $22,602 | |
| CC - Apple** | $500 | Paid off every month | $0 | ||
| CC - AMEX | $894 | 29.24% | $0 | $0 | Mar, 2024 |
| CC - Sams | $1,106 | 29.99% | $0 | $0 | April, 2024 |
| Total | $61,186 | $1,389 | $51,977 |
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
This is exactly, down to the dollar values, the same as the last update that you posted. Did you forget to update numbers?
I double checked, and these are definitely the updated numbers.
Lifestyle creep is a real thing. That’s all I can say.
Are you saying your current income is $8000/month? You said previously you were saving all of your income from the fast food job – have you not been saving that?