Monthly Progress Report (#4)

I can’t believe it’s officially time to write the next monthly progress report! I’ve been kind of slacking  this week, and maybe some of last too. I don’t know what it is - I mean there’s been some changes in my life but that happened this Wednesday. So that doesn’t exactly explain it. Maybe because it’s Springtime finally and I just can’t get enough of the warmer weather. Maybe it’s because my long anticipated home renovations start soon and I really am bursting at the seams for the end result. Maybe it’s a mixture of school and work and all the other things going on. In reality, it’s probably some sort of combination of all of the above but one thing is for sure - I need to get my butt in gear and focus!

Hopefully the weather helps me with that. I’m writing this in 60 degree sunshine! Eek! I can’t remember the last time I sat out on this deck - by far my favorite part of the whole house. It’s really just perfect - and totally conducive to some productive writing.

Before we get started, maybe you want to take a look at last month’s progress report? It's been a while.

Alright, let’s get to the breakdown. As always, I have no idea how I did this month but I’m feeling pretty good. I think I made some progress in the right direction.

Here's the updated breakdown of my debt:

Mortgage: $149,200
Car Loan: $8,700
Student Loans: $4,600
Credit Cards: $2,550
Grand Total of Debt: $165,050

My student loan balances

But oh yeah, can’t forget my giant screw up underestimating how much money I would need for renovations.

Renovation fund requirement: $2,000
New Grand Total of Debt: $167,050

Thats an improvement of.. drumroll, please.. $1,900! I'm so happy to see that number. Also, really, really happy to see that number solidly below the $170,000 mark.

The bad news is my car still has a giant ding that needs to be fixed and could cost as much as $500! Just totally unbelievable to me. I'm still a little mad. Especially since whatever happened wasn't exactly my fault. Well, I still have no idea what actually happened. But I do know I didn't hit anything. At least then I'd have myself to blame.

Here's my updated savings totals:

Savings account: $2,000
P2P Lending account: $300
Investment account: $150
Grand Total of Savings: $2,450

Oh yeah, by updated I meant - the exact same numbers from last month. But to be fair, that renovation is so, so close now and that needs to be my focus for a little bit longer. Than hopefully, I can get my butt into gear and really boost up the savings numbers!

Overall, $1,900 to the black this month and I'm pretty excited. I'm beginning to seriously explore options for the renovation fund shortfall. More than likely I'm going to end up borrowing more money which definitely sucks but it could be worse. At least I've been including it in my debt total already. On the bright side, the total shouldn't go over that nasty $170,000 number regardless! So here's to making huge strides towards paying off that shortfall before the renovations actually start!

Now, no more excuses for me. I'm hoping April is a month of a TON of writing and lots of money saving for me. Actually, I hope that for you too! I can't wait to update you again in a month. Now, let's go enjoy some sunshine!