by Hope
Before I post this table, here’s what’s happened with the USAA credit card. You will see it’s much higher than normal. For the past several months, I have paid the amount for our phones and car insurance on this credit card, posted my debt update and then those bills come off this card. I would pay it at the beginning of the month, then wait for the next statement date, then pay bills with it. (Actually they are auto-paid, no extra fees for using credit card. Yes, I earn points. Which we all know I use when I travel.)
I would post my debt update in the in-between time. And not only did I do this to show the debt coming down, even though it went right back up, but moreso, I did this to help my credit score. Because waiting until after the next statement date, when they report to the credit bureaus helped my credit score.
But now…now I don’t give a flying flip about my credit score. I just want this debt to be gone. So I paid the CC by the due date and then immediately paid my insurance and phone bills versus waiting. That’s why that CC is higher. I’m still doing the same thing, just not delaying in paying the bills any longer.
| Debt Description | October, 2023 Total | Interest Rate | Minimum Payment | Current Total | Payoff Date (Est) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC - Amazon | $1,497 | 29.99% | $48 | $1,391 | ? September, 2024? |
| CC - Frontier | $3,857 | 29.99% | $130 | $3,426 | ? November, 2024? |
| Dad - New Furnace | $2,600 | 0% | $0 | $2,600 | January, 2025 |
| CC - USAA | $5,000 | 19.15% | $135 | $4,761 | |
| Student Loans | $22,121 | 2.875% | $22,700 | In Deferrment until May, 2025 | |
| 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 |
| Personal Loan #1 | $2,500 | 0% | $0 | $0 | July, 2024 |
| Personal Loan #2 | $2,500 | 0% | $0 | $0 | August, 2024 |
| CC - Wander | $1,630 | 29.24% | $0 | $0 | August, 2024 |
| Total | $44,206 | $313 | $34,878 |
I already shared about my unplanned CC payoff here and that my second personal loan was also paid off this month.
I’ve called and closed those first two credit cards that were at a $0 balance. I’m sure that’s going to ding my credit score. But on the flip side, those were my newest cards, I think. So may help eventually since my oldest credit average should increase. Again, I think. But really, not tracking my credit score at all these days. No foreseeable need.
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.
