spending plan

[-$29,900] I’m in the 20’s! : That Sounds Like Berries to Me!

Posted on by Double Debt Single Woman

Welcome to the Roaring 20’s!

Today is a big money day for me. I woke up this morning and immediately checked my bank balance.  You know, as I do. I was stunned to see 4 deposits: my paycheck, my bonus, my federal tax refund, and my state tax refund.  Whoa!!!  I was expecting my paycheck and bonus, but not my tax refunds.

First, what witchcraft is going on at the IRS? I filed my taxes last weekend. I got BOTH state and federal refunds today, 6 days after I filed!  Six days?!  I’ve never seen the IRS process anything so fast.

Oh yes, Surprise Cat. They did! And in 6 days.     Read More

[-$51,088] A New Pay Packet and a New Plan of Attack

Posted on by Double Debt Single Woman

As I wrote about in my last post, I have been given a salary adjustment at work to remedy my below market pay. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m very happy about this. 🙂

I’ve been in limbo an unable to draft a new budget for two reasons. One, my roommate situation was still up in the air resulting in having higher rent than I had been paying, and two, I didn’t know how much my salary adjustment would impact my take home pay after it got hit slammed by taxes, etc.   Read More

[-$86,895] A Huge Debt, a Small Pay Raise, and a New Spending Plan for 2017

Posted on by Double Debt Single Woman

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I finally, FINALLY, found out my new compensation numbers today, after my promotion a couple of months ago. First, a bonus.

Year End Bonus: ~$4,300

I got a 2016 annual bonus! When it hits my account in a couple of weeks, this is where it will go:

Emergency Fund: $1000

Health Maintenance: $1750

  • I expect doctor visits, diagnostic tests and treatments this year relating to some chronic health issues. I’ll be paying out of pocket (HDHP). I may also need some dental work this year. Hopefully this will be enough.

Opportunity Fund: $1250

  •  Most of this will be saved for gifts and travel to see relatives during the 2017 holidays. I didn’t get to see them during the holidays last year.

Checking Account: ~$300

  • I’m not entirely decided about what I will do with any money that remains. I’ll likely keep it in my checking account to cover unexpected or annual charges.

saving-while-in-debt

2017 Salary Increase

Guys… (Sigh)…  I tried. Read More