Excited

I think I’m finally making some noticeable progress in my goals.  I just found out my bonus, (which will be in my next paycheck), will be around ~$1100.  After taxes, it will probably be closer to $800.   I’ll be using that, plus another $450 from my paycheck, to pay off the Mom Debt completely!  I can’t wait!  Now I will just have that ~3k credit card bill to tackle.  The card expires in May, so my goal is to have it taken care of by then.  This is going to require a lot of sacrifice on my part, but since I started my diet and have not been dining out as much, it shouldn’t be too difficult.  I am going to put about half my paycheck towards that (after this next one).  I also have some car maintenance I need to take care of soon.  Luckily, my boyfriend just bought a truck, leaving an extra car to use in case it has some work that will require leaving it in the shop.  I hope I can make this goal! 

I am preparing my taxes myself for the first time this year.  Last year my federal tax refund ended up being about the same amount that I owed the state, so that was a wash.  I also have to pay about $300 for local taxes.  I’m not used to paying state and local taxes, since I never had to pay these in Texas! Oh well.  I really hope they have another stimulus payment like they did last year.  That was pretty awesome.. even if we are basically getting back money we paid already. 
                Since I’m not taking classes in the summer, if my debt is paid off, I can finally take a vacation to somewhere nice!  I just read about this great little hostel/hotel in Paris that is about 100 Euros..  I think I could swing a week in Paris!  Anyhow, it’s just a thought : )  I guess I shouldn’t get ahead of myself until the debt is gone completely.

Finally, moving ahead (a little)

I just got back from visiting my parents.  A few things happened that I feel will help me become debt-free.  First, my parents already paid for this half of the year’s car insurance, a savings of about $600.  Also, my dad paid ~$100 to put the car in my name and also to pay for the registration (that’s up in Feb).  I used some of this saved money to put a small dent in my mom debt ($350), bringing the amount I owe her down to $1250.  My goal is to pay her back before my birthday (2/22), and I think I’ll be able to do this if I limit my spending.  I am also counting on a bonus in February, but I have no clue how much it will be for.  I decided to go for the snowball method, and pay off my lowest debt first.  Plus, it will feel good to have the mom debt off my plate.  Sadly, I still do have to pay back ~$450 to the IRS (from an incorrect filing in 2006), which I will do tomorrow.  Also, I will need to be more active in paying off my ccard.  It expires in May, so I would like to have it paid off by then.  The balance is hovering at right around $3k.  I think I can do it!  I’m also in the process of trying to revamp my lifestyle, and trying to be more healthy and lose some weight before I’m a bridesmaid in my friends’ wedding.  I also recently found out that I have taken all the MBA classes being offered for the summer, so I have the summer free to improve myself.  I’m going to use this time to improve my Spanish skills, and possibly do some volunteer work.  I’m still undecided on whether or not I should work part time as a waitress for catered events.  It would be on my own schedule, but initially I would be out $100 to buy the uniform and for the drug test.  If I ended up not liking it, it would be yet more money down the drain.