$46 at Lidl and $6 at a local meat market for ham salad. = $52 for groceries for the week. Notable sales were: * Bags of cheese, 2/$5 * Mushrooms $1.29 * Strawberries $1.99 * Peppers $2.69/pk * Pasta sauce $1.00 * Apples $3.19 Dinner will be beef enchiladas and sautéed peppers and onions (I'll eat that all week). Lunches will be the ham salad on Hawaiian rolls, and for breakfast I'm going to make a sausage and egg casserole with the leftover peppers and mushrooms. I hardly ever prep breakfast for the week but I want to mix it up. Groceries are such a hot topic right now but I feel like I am really good at finding a way to keep my costs down. I'm willing to eat the same thing multiple times and I don't buy many drinks or bottled water. The meals I do make are normally from ingredients, including cutting up whole vegetables (so not packaged meals or already cut veggies). Currently I am not making meals healthy enough to lose weight but I also don't feel like what I make is unhealthy. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies! But keep that in mind - if you are cooking to lose weight it is more expensive and I recognize that. . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #mealprep #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #teamtinyshovel #debtfreeteacher #studentloandebt #studentloanslave #consumerdebt #groceryhaul #grocerygirl #traderjoes #traderjoesfinds #traderjoeshaul #groceryshopping #grocerystore #personalfinance #financialindependence #budgeting #budgetlife #budgetplanner #mealplanning
Let me summarize: I've been a part-time elementary and middle school instrumental music teacher for the past 6 years. I was waiting out the retirement of a co-worker so I could stay on my campus. Last winter they cut a bunch of positions at my feeder high school, including the band director. They moved me from the middle to the high school to replace them, but still part time. I threw a gigantic fit in September once I realized how impossible it was to be part time at 2 schools, including doing marching band. Well my temper tantrum worked. They made my position full time. They did have to post it and I had to interview (red tape). I'm happy to say I accepted my position on Wednesday. I will go from making around $50,000 to $70,000 a year. I can live off of one paycheck. This is life-changing for me. I will now be able to do things most normal people can. However, I won't receive my new salary until September 1st. My first priority is aggressively saving for a new car. Drop a comment if you're an OG and have been around for all my job drama 😅 . . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #debtfree #changingmymindset #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom
Let me start out by saying this is the most I think I've spent in a month on discretionary spending since I started my debt free journey in 2018. There were just multiple things going on for my job that inflated spending in multiple categories. I knew it'd be this way and I'm fine about it! But I am happy to report my spending for March so far is only at $550. Back to normal! 🏫 School is so high because I went to a music conference in Baltimore where I got a hotel room and spent $65 at Cheesecake Factory amongst other things 🫠 it also includes some grad school fees. None of that amount is money spent for my classroom. I don't do that lol. 🍔 Food was so high because I had multiple All County music events in February and the directors go out for food and drinks after all of them, multiple times 😅 💇🏼♀️ Personal care: a haircut and some salon shampoo 📃 Misc: the fee to file my taxes 🥿 Clothes: this was actually only one pair of dress shoes. They replaced an old pair. Something comes in something goes out. 🚆 Day trip: one day in Washington DC! I got Poké for lunch and Starbucks before going home 😁 . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #debtfree #changingmymindset #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom
$60 at Lidl, which includes over $20 of just meat. Dinners this week will be salmon bowls, Hawaiian meatballs, and then I'm making corned beef for the first time ever next weekend. I'm so excited! . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #mealprep #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #teamtinyshovel #debtfreeteacher #studentloandebt #studentloanslave #consumerdebt #groceryhaul #grocerygirl #traderjoes #traderjoesfinds #traderjoeshaul #groceryshopping #grocerystore #personalfinance #financialindependence #budgeting #budgetlife #budgetplanner #mealplanning
$381 out of my goal of $700 for Christmas! Love watching my savings slowly grow 🙂 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #savings #savingsgoals #teamtinyshovel
Down another $500! Really starting to feel like I can do this! Goal is under $10000 after Christmas! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #dfc #teamtinyshovel
Weee baby emergency fund complete! #emergencyfund #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #savings #teamtinyshovel
It’s my third month paying a mortgage! So far 440$ has been paid towards principal through my payments. I round my monthly payment up which is going to slowly chip away. I am having issues with my loan servicer though🙄🙄 at closing we put 1,700$ towards principal of the loan and somehow no one knows where that money went. But I’m fighting for them to find that money. • #debtfreecommunity #cashenvelopes #dfc #babysteps #budgeting #budget #paycheck #paychecktopaycheck #tinyshovel #teamtinyshovel
#moneyrules #moneymakesmoney #billioniarerulez #finanancialadvisor #businessprocess #successforlife #businessfacts #incomeopportunity #blackfinancialliteracy #instamoney #businessjourney #longtermwealth #businessadvisor #successhabit #rulesofmoney #financeexpert #700creditclub #hustlepreneur #budgetingbasics #businessknowledge #businesstipsforsuccess #teamtinyshovel #wolfofwallstreet #smallinvestment #millionairegentlemen #successtips101 #livebelowyourmeans #sidehustles #savingsrate #moneylessons
Numbers are in! 🍞 Groceries are higher than normal because I went to Trader Joe's. The closest one to me is over an hour away and I only go once or twice a year. My monthly budget is $200. 🍱 I'm always told my food spending isn't bad but I like it to be as little as possible. This was a total of 10 transactions so an average of $10 per swipe. ⛽ Gas is way under. I budget $200 a month but we got snow a few times and I didn't go anywhere for almost a whole week. 💄Personal was one Mary Kay order. 🏡 Household was for one of those rolly garlic mincers. It sucks, do not recommend. 🥾 Gear was for microspikes for my trip to Colorado. 🛩️ My day trip was to the Udvar-Hazy museum in Northern Virginia. Honestly this wasn't bad...it includes lunch, parking, and an IMAX documentary. 🗻 Travel 🙈 I took a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park last weekend. I never travel like this during the school year. It's a long story lol. I spent $200 (on luggage and parking) more than I thought I would when I booked it. Also a long story. Oh well, do not regret. Travel includes every single thing I do on the trip, groceries, food, gas, etc. Starting from the second I leave my house to the second I get back home. So part of this is food I got on my way back from the airport and airport food. For February food will be higher. We had All County Band this weekend and I've already spent $75 lol. Groceries should be under, Gear and Travel should be zero. Day Trip I'm not sure but should be zero or very little. . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #debtfree #changingmymindset #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom
I am still working on calculating 2023. I'll spend the weekend breaking down totals from separate side categories. #debtfreecommunity #singlemomdebtfreejourney #turtleintense #teamtinyshovel
My current debt is $15556.36! That’s $22678.05 paid off since this time last year! (I used an inheritance to pay majority of it). Goal is to be below $10000 at the end of the year! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #teamtinyshovel #debtpayoff
🌾Always hustle in the background🌿 What’s the dream you’re building right now? ✨Just think...EVERY day is closer to that goal✨ Every obstacle, every setback, every time that you want to give up, keep INCHING closer!! Keep building that dream in the background 😉 My dream right now? Mortgage F R E E 🏡 #dreambig #believinginyourself #buildalifeyoulove #buildanempire #buildconfidence #buildandbloom #dream #dreamandachieve #dreambigdreams #dreambigger #dreambigorgohome #dreambigworkhard #entrepeneur #entrepeneurlifestyle #entrepeneurshipcoach #entrepeneurlife #jobseeker #teamtinyshovel #dfc #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreegoals #debtfreeliving
I did really bad about posting monthly updates, but I did good at tracking it! A few notes in general: Nothing I bought on my big trip out West or on my day trips is accounted for in this. In my mind that is travel related and I only bought it because I was on the trip. I wanted to track stuff I bought while living every day life. However, I am tracking all travel purchases more closely in 2024! A few other notes: 👖Clothes - I had 3 bigger transactions I could tell were seasonal. Two over the summer for school clothes, and one this past December for winter sweaters. I have officially left my cardigan era, and wanted more sweaters. The other transactions were for one or two things here and there. 🥾 Shoes: $75 of this was on Chaco slides lol 🏡 Household: I had only spent $22 for the whole year until I bought my O-Cedar mop in December 🎵 School - I refuse to spend personal money on my classroom (luckily as a music teacher I don't really have to). $100 of this was for a mini-fridge for my office, and the rest was for a jacket/embroidery fee I had made for myself that said my name and Band Director to wear to football games. 💭 Final thoughts: So $1,221 total. On one hand I feel like that's not too bad? On the other it seems like a lot. I'm really pleased with Household. The thought to buy decor literally never crosses my mind. I have no more room for kitchen gadgets. I love all my major appliances and would only replace them if they break. 2024 predictions: Household will be higher. I NEED a new comforter, and there's a few other things I'd really like to replace if my job situation goes how I think it will. Clothes - my unrealistic goal is to be under $500. What do you think?? Is this a lot, a little? Do you track? I'm SO excited to track more detailed numbers in 2024. I'm tracking EVERYTHING! . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #debtfree #changingmymindset #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom
A $70 Trader Joe's haul I did not need 🙈 but I only go to TJs once or twice a year. Staples for me are the edamame (no other brand holds a candle), fried rice, and sour dough bread. Some new stuff for me this time are the hot and sweet jalapeños, green goddess seasoning, the noodles, and the cranberry orange chili sauce. Also, that plant was $10 and the Presseco was $7.99, which is for a gathering next weekend. Not bad! . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #mealprep #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #teamtinyshovel #debtfreeteacher #studentloandebt #studentloanslave #consumerdebt #groceryhaul #grocerygirl #traderjoes #traderjoesfinds #traderjoeshaul #groceryshopping #grocerystore #personalfinance #financialindependence #budgeting #budgetlife #budgetplanner #mealplanning
Did You Know? There's Now $800 billion More In Collective Debt.... . . . Follow For More . . . Tags (Ignore) #debtpaid #consumerdebt #consumerdebtfree #consumerdebtrecovery #consumerdebthelpassociation #debtfree #personalfinance #budgetlife #debtfreegoals #debtfreedom #debtisdumb #debtpayoff #dfc #debtfreeliving #babystep2 #studentloandebt #debtpayment #singledebtfreejourney #teamtinyshovel #debtpaid
If you don’t already have an Ally savings account you can use my referral code to get up to $125 after opening and funding a new account AND you would be helping a single mom because I would also get $50 per referral up to 5 people. Interest rates are really good with Ally savings 😁 ally.com/referral?code=6X4W5N9X7T #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #teamtinyshovel
Just learned (thanks to a friend) that I can file for head of house hold on my taxes since I qualify for being “considered unmarried” for 2023! That makes me estimating refund shoot up which would be super helpful right now! Pays to actually read the IRS website 😅 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #teamtinyshovel #taxrefundestimation
One of my BEST tips for side hustling is MAKE SURE THAT MONEY GOES TO A SEPARATE ACOUNT! Why? Because the moment your side hustle money gets mixed with your main income your lifestyle starts to inflate and now you’re working 2 jobs because you NEED to not because you want to make financial strides! I didn’t get a side hustle to increase my lifestyle, I got a side hustle to get of debt and save money. So yes Selma the teacher saves Selma the ABA therapist also saves And Selma the business owner saves! Each entity has its OWN BUDGET! Money gets moves differently in each area! This might seem like a lot but it’s not 🤷🏾♀️ I like to know where my money is going before is goes on bullshit! Saving is so so so important to me and not only in my savings account but also in my retirement accounts! Who do you think is going to fund this 🤑Savings 💵Pension 💰403b 🤑Roth IRA 💰& taxable brokerage? I’m not doing all this hard work to be out here dead broke in my 50’s Imagine having all this tangible shit and no money at 50? Nah I can’t
January Paycheck. . . . What does your paycheck look like this pay period? . . #paycheckbreakdown #Januarypaycheck #paycheck #payday #paycheck #paycheckbudgeting #paycheckbudget #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfree #budgetplanner #budget #budgetplanning #budgetliving #livingpaychecktopaycheck #livingpaychecktopaychecksucks #slowingpayingoffdebt #teamtinyshovel #envelopesystem #payingoffcreditcards
I've spent the last 2 days reflecting on my journey so far, and I remembered that one way I stayed motivated and made progress in the beginning was leaning into the thought that little by little creates a lot. Since every single payment helps, no matter how small. I'll be returning to making little snowflake payments throughout the month. What's a little tip of trick that's helped you?
Transferred $19 to start my emergency fund 😁 got to start somewhere 🤷🏻♀️ #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #emergencyfund #teamtinyshovel
One way I’m saving money this year is by deleting all the games off my phone (besides Pokémon go)….I’ve been known to spend money in these games….what’s a $1 here and there? A lot when you add it up for the whole year! It’s time to spend more time on making memories with my son and less on stupid phone games that waste my money 😊 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreedom #debtfreejourney #dfc #teamtinyshovel
“Do more of what’s already working for you”. Starting 2024 with under $10k of debt! We had our sick and tired moment in 2018 with $45k of debt. Enough was enough! I’m so thankful that I found the Budget by Paycheck method from @thebudgetmom. It has been a game changer! My goal is to be debt free by July 2024. 🤞🏻 #happynewyear2024 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreewannabe #debtfreegoals #almostdebtfree #teamtinyshovel #changingourfamilytree #debtisdumb #budgetbypaycheck #budgetbypaycheckmethod #cashenvelopes #cashenvelopesystem #cashisking💰 #loveandbudgets
This is going to be my year I can feel it! Just going to work on getting a divorce, paying down debt and creating new memories with my my son James! Happy New Year everyone 🎉 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #teamtinyshovel
I haven't posted all year. But I've been busy....working 😆 I do occasionally post something in my stories... So since I've been M.I.A. Here is my year end review: First the not so good: 🥴I'm back in debt📈And not a little debt. I have 1 credit card 💳 with a balance of over $28,000 I know... I know. I'm 🤬 at myself. I have to pay this off. Probably not with gazelle intensity but still pay it off with extra consistent payments. 🥴PMI did not drop...yet. 🥴I did not increase my EF to $16k 🥴I did not lose all the weight😫 Now the good: 😊I have been consistently contributing to my retirement accounts. I maxed out my Roth IRA again this year. 😊I still have a fully funded emergency fund for 6 months. 😊I have lost, as of December 4th, 10lbs. I've been seeing a nutritionist because exercising and my diet weren't working. 😊I'm still saving money for a new to me car 🚗 I have a little over $3k 😊I am still tracking my expenses & even with my credit card debt my NET WORTH is over $260k 😊I have made one extra mortgage payment this year plus my refund from my escrow overage 😊I still have sinking funds 😊I've read 1️⃣7️⃣ books📚 this year 😊I contribute to a UGMA for both my son & my niece. $10 a month for my son plus 1 share of an index fund for birthday & Christmas. For my niece, I only contribute on birthday, Christmas & extra checks😉(It's not a lot but its something)🙃 😊I'm still 1 month ahead on bills I worked a lot this year. I made an extra $33,479.81 in overtime! Where that money 💰 went idk. 😆 🥲😟 Now to make plans in 2024 to pay off a good chunk of this credit card 💳 debt #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #debtfreeblackgirl #debtfreefirstresponder #teamtinyshovel #savings #sidehustle #personalfinance #budget #buildwealth #beingweird 🦄 #blackpfcommunity #letmetrythisagain
100%! Ask my early 20’s if you don’t believe it 😬😅 . . . #daveramsey #debtsnowball #debtfreeliving #debtfreejourney #debtfreecommunity #DFC #teamtinyshovel
🌾Always hustle in the background🌿 What’s the dream you’re building right now? ✨Just think...EVERY day is closer to that goal✨ Every obstacle, every setback, every time that you want to give up, keep INCHING closer!! Keep building that dream in the background 😉 My dream right now? Mortgage F R E E 🏡 #dreambig #believinginyourself #buildalifeyoulove #buildanempire #buildconfidence #buildandbloom #dream #dreamandachieve #dreambigdreams #dreambigger #dreambigorgohome #dreambigworkhard #entrepeneur #entrepeneurlifestyle #entrepeneurshipcoach #entrepeneurlife #jobseeker #teamtinyshovel #dfc #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreegoals #debtfreeliving
Taking a moment to document where I am right now. Here are the numbers. A lot has happened since 2018, some losses, and some win. Here is our new starting line. #debtfreecommunity #singlemomdebtfreejourney #teamtinyshovel #turtleintense
The harsh reality? They could give two shits that you’re broke. They would probably prefer you to be! 🤷🏾♀️ You stick it to capitalism by MAKING MONEY! Using your money to employee other with livable wages! Use your money to not only sit at the table but create your own! Shop ethically and sustainably as much as possible (something I’m trying to work on) Give back to those in need on a real level, not to a charity that’s probably not funding the cause it’s known for! Put your MONEY where is MATTERS! But remaining broke or poor to prove a point… I’m just saying the point won’t be proven that way! Before we make more we have to understand WHERE our money is going! Understand who you are with money! You can grab my FREE 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 guide which will help you manage and level up your finances so you can live an abundant life! DM me or comment FREE GUIDE to start on the road to 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲!
WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! • • I’m so excited for this new chapter!! 170,000$ house, our max was 260k but there was no way I was going to max out and struggle. We wanted something we can afford very comfortably. 4.1% interest rate too!! So so so amazing. • I won’t be updating my debt totals to include the house. But we (hopefully obviously) saved and stored cash to make it happen. We will need to store more cash so we’re in saving mode for a little bit. We just want to have a bigger emergency fund for when things go wrong! (Not pictured is my husband lol) • #debtfreecommunity #cashenvelopes #dfc #babysteps #budgeting #budget #paycheck #paychecktopaycheck #tinyshovel #teamtinyshovel
Nothing gets me wanting to clean and declutter like watching hoarders….I swear watching this show has done wonders for motivating me to clean. All the stuff my soon to be ex wanted is out and I’ve just been slowing getting rid of all the other junk he didn’t want to take with him and I have no need for. It’s also a wake up call to see how much I would buy in credit that I just don’t need or want…..basically all the wasted money and junk that got me into debt. Now I don’t buy things unless it’s a need and I have the cash. One step at a time until I can be debt free! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #debtsnowball #teamtinyshovel
I've spent the week reflecting on my debt free journey so far. I was feeling down after having to get a new car and adding that back to my total. But then I remembered all that I did to clear my consumer debt in 2020. So, this is me, resetting. #debtfreecommunity #singlemomdebtfreejourney #turtleintense #teamtinyshovel
$32 from Lild and $8 from a my local meat market for ham salad (and a meat stick 😂) I have been meal prepping for the week since mid-August because my schedule was too crazy to cook throughout the week. I'm happy to say that part of the school year is over! Don't get me wrong, having my meals done for 5 days was great, but the stuff I'm willing to eat that many days in a row wasn't the healthiest. I'm excited to add more variety, use up some stuff in my freezer, and eat a little better. Although this week the meals aren't super healthy 😅 Dinners are homemade chicken noodle soup and Philly cheese steaks (I have shaved steak I NEED to eat up!). Lunch is ham salad on lettuce. . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #healthjourney #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom #financialindependence #lidlhaul #lidl #consumerdebt #groceryhaul
So excited that these arrived! After work today I’m going to get these set up and possibly start working on my December and January budgets. My goal for 2024 is to get below $10000!! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #liverichplanner #teamtinyshovel #2024goals #2024debtgoals
Only Black Friday shopping I’m doing is getting Hulu for 99 cents a month 😅 now my son and I can watch every episode of Hoarders together 😁 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #blackfriday #hulu #budgeting #teamtinyshovel #treatyoself #savingmoney
Decided to buy a $5 water bottle at #5below to save money on buying drinks at work. We have filtered water in the pharmacy so I just refill back there. I will probably save $4 a day with this 😁 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #budgeting #moneysavingtips #moneysaving #teamtinyshovel
My little splurge for the week ❤️ And it’s #redcupday so free reusable cup 😁 it’s the little things on this debt free journey that make it easier! #treatyoself #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #teamtinyshovel #budgeting
Spoke to my father in law last night….and good news is my in laws will continue to help me out with groceries until their son (soon to be ex) can start helping out. At least that’s one less thing to worry about it in the new year 😊 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #debtsnowball #teamtinyshovel
Sometimes, it feels like I need a hero, and then I remember I am my own hero, and I can do this. Life has been busy throwing curve balls in the last month or 2, but I REFUSE to give up. I am dedicated to giving my kids a good start to life and to give future Tiffany peace of mind. In case you are also feeling overwhelmed and just blah, you are not alone. We've got this! #singlemomdebtfreejourney #teamtinyshovel #turtleintense
Please ignore the mess on the table 😅 But look at my pretty red Christmas tree my son picked out! He also picked out, pink, sparkly and iridescent ornaments for it. All of our Christmas decorations got thrown out so we are starting fresh, cheap, and doing it our way 😁😁 Once we get it all set up I will share another picture. #christmasonabudget #budgeting #teamtinyshovel
Finally got around to canceling my Netflix. Realized there’s really nothing interesting to me on it anymore and when I do use it, I use it as background noise and never actually pay attention. Time to find new free forms of entertainment #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #teamtinyshovel #goodbyenetflix
$28 from Lidl and like $4 from Wal-Mart. Not the best grocery haul but I had time to photograph it. Lunches will be adult lunchable type meals, dinner will be crack chicken twice-baked potatoes (new recipe!) . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #healthjourney #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom #financialindependence #lidlhaul #studentloandebt #consumerdebt #groceryhaul
I'm back! Life has been crazy and sometimes my grocery runs are squeezed between other events so I don't have time to photograph. But here is $51 from Wal-Mart! We all know I'm a die hard Lidl fan but Wal-Mart made more sense this week. I went tonight so I don't have to leave my house this weekend lol. The Hershey's is desk chocolate, iykyk! . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #healthjourney #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom #financialindependence #lidlhaul #studentloandebt #consumerdebt #groceryhaul
Almost below $16000 in debt!!! Didn’t think I could get this far on my own, but here I am moving along with my tiny shovel 😁 #teamtinyshovel #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #debtsnowball #onedebtatatime
Your budget is what’s going to get you to where you NEED to be! The way you manage your money now sets the tone for when new money comes in! Figure out your budgeting style! Understand your numbers and assess your spending quarterly! Last but not least use a paycheck checklist system so you know what needs to be paid when you get paid! Another tip: If one of your checks are too bill heavy leaving you with no wiggle room, call your companies and ask for a new pay date. They’re more than willing to help . . . . . #iglive #financialhealth #moneytalks #honestconversations #teamtinyshovel #growthmindset #budgetlife #budgetplanners #budgetingtips
$134.23 total in the dad repayment fund as of next week. It’s hard to squeeze anything extra in over rent but here we are. I refuse to complain right now. Team tiny shovel ultimately gets things done around here! I have a trip to see my mom coming up and I have a ton to do in my apartment. There are four things to cook up, and a house to clean. I got one pot of soup made tonight. I really look forward to eating it. But it took me three days to make lol. Anyhoo, now I have a really good lunch and dinner at the ready which is the whole point of meal prep. The no spend September is going ok. I need to buy a sweater soon but will wait until October. I think future challenges will include not eating out or some other thing. Gotta try hard to reduce my spending! Anyways. Work has been truly exhausting lately. Not impressed. My legs feel beaten into the ground from walking and I hate it. I’ll re-examine my life after this credit card/dad loan is paid off. Not sure I want work there through my next stint paying off the last card… We’ll see. Anyways. So tired. Not much else to add. Just trying to reduce the number of sick days I need, and keep my head up at work. Gotta make that next thousand to send to my dad! I’m beyond thrilled to be closing the gap and getting to owing just a grand! Woot woot! Lol. Ok good night! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtsucks #creditcarddebt #mealprep #embracethebrutality #eatinganelephant #hardwork #success #frugal #budget #teamtinyshovel
$60 at Lidl but not pictured is $15 worth of toilet paper and paper towels, so $45 in food. More than I usually spend but still not over budget - even with the paper products! We are doing a verrry cliche Sunday of chili and Football. I'll make enough chili for the week and do my usual salad, chips, yogurt etc for lunches. . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #healthjourney #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom #financialindependence #lidlhaul #studentloandebt #consumerdebt #groceryhaul
Here’s my crazy life as of right now. I’m back to being a stay at home momma which I absolutely love. We’re back to a one income household! • We’re sitting at 800$ credit card debt. Student loan payments start soon, this will be our first time paying student loans since we got out of college in 2020. Im slacking and still have no clue what our payments will be. • • #debtfreecommunity #cashenvelopes #dfc #babysteps #budgeting #budget #paycheck #paychecktopaycheck #tinyshovel #teamtinyshovel
Guess who’s getting 5 cartons of ice cream on Sunday 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️ I mean it ends up being free right!? And I can use the gift cards my in laws sent! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #grocerybudget #lovemeaomedeals #teamtinyshovel
So I recently discovered that Ally bank gives you free checks…..got mine today, hello $4.95 a month in savings!!! No more convenience fees for me! I know it might not seem like much but I will take every single penny of savings on my monthly bills as possible! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #debtfreegoals #teamtinyshovel #budgeting #singlemomdebtfreejourney #gimmeallthesavings
Pay Day today. I am paid on the 28th of the month but with it falling on the Bank Holiday Monday, I am paid today. So virtual envelopes are filled Money has been moved into accounts that cover the following: Home Account: covers all bills that ensure 4 walls are covered, and the extras like Netflix and Amazon (my box sets are my vice, along with the monthly book) Current Account: covers gas/elec (metered), petrol/parking and Food Saving Account: sinking fund for MOT, need to have at least £500 by end October Now to start hustling to raise £65 towards first overpayment #mortgagefree #mortgagefreecommunity #mortgagefreewannabe #mortgagefreeuk #mortgagefreecommunityuk #mortgagefreewannabeuk #teamtinyshovel
So I randomly checked my junk email today and discovered that my in laws have been sending me a $50 grocery gift card every week. I almost just cleared my whole junk folder but something told me to go thru it….$150 in grocery gift cards! I think for now I’m just going to save them until money is tight and then I won’t have to worry about groceries for a bit. I’m telling you that rainbow this morning was my good luck charm! So many good things happened today including calling my son’s psychologist’s office to make an appointment (usually have to book out 6-12 months ahead) someone just canceled and I got an appointment for tomorrow morning!!! Then I had my coworkers check to see if we had my son’s medication in stock (there’s a crazy shortage) and BOOM in stock! And now free grocery money! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #budgeting #teamtinyshovel #singlemomdebtfreejourney #finallysomegoodluck
It’s going to be a great day! Pumpkin cream cold brew in hand and a rainbow 🌈 to start my day! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #singlemomdebtfreejourney #teamtinyshovel #rainbows #pumpkin #haveagreatday
Pumpkin comes back to Starbucks tomorrow! Time to budgeting in a little treat every week! Pumpkin season is really the only time i got to Starbucks so i tend to splurge a little on my pumpkin cream cold brew 🎃 #budgeting #funmoney #teamtinyshovel #treatyoself
Today's task was to log into online banking and download app. Checked app is working fine Took a look at the steps needed to make.overpayments, and it allows me to change preferences anytime. Love the control I now have in managing the mortgage. #mortgagefree #mortgagefreecommunity #mortgagefreewannabe #mortgagefreeuk #mortgagefreecommunityuk #mortgagefreewannabeuk #teamtinyshovel
Registered with the mortgage provider yesterday for online banking, ready to download the app. This way I can monitor and make overpayments anytime Didn't post it yesterday, was attending a funeral for my uncle. #mortgagefree #mortgagefreecommunity #mortgagefreewannabe #mortgagefreeuk #mortgagefreecommunityuk #mortgagefreewannabeuk #teamtinyshovel
Easiest way to stick to my budget 😅 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #budgeting #teamtinyshovel #napsareinthebudget
So rang my provider to check Preference for overpayments Annual amount allowed Contact details correct Register for app Will have to wait 24 hours before having access to the app, but have the end of one year balance. Can pay up to £7998 a year extra, this is way off what I could manage but 10% of this is £799.80 so I will focus on this amount each year as a fixed amount each month of £66.65 Then I will need to hustle and come under budget to add to the pot, even if it's only an extra £1 a month #mortgagefree #mortgagefreecommunity #mortgagefreewannabe #mortgagefreeuk #mortgagefreecommunityuk #mortgagefreewannabeuk #teamtinyshovel
Name change alert: and focus My mortgage is my largest bill, and the original would have ended when I turned 55, in 2026 The remortgage was to add additional 10 years to current, but due to circumstances I had to get an 18 year term August 2022 I remortgaged for £80,999, fixed for 5 years at 1.79% This first year I have only paid the monthly payments as I was undecided where to focus my goals. Today a decision has been made - I will start to add overpayments and chip away to try and get it to £60000 before the fixed term expires August 2027 Wish me luck #mortgagefree #mortgagefreecommunity #mortgagefreewannabe #mortgagefreeuk #mortgagefreecommunityuk #mortgagefreewannabeuk #teamtinyshovel
It has been almost a year since the remortgage and becoming debt free. It has been a strange year. Struggles with the cost of living Supporting my eldest with an unseen life change Supporting my youngest with her life change Repairs on the house 2 holidays And an increase in work hours No debt incurred Emergency fund still at £1000 Sinking funds depleted only £100 left need to reset for the new year (following the year from start of mortgage) Sinking funds are for the annual costs that come from Sept 23 to Aug 24 Looking at priority for the next year BS3 - looking to build 6 months pot to cover basic costs (amount to be determined) BS6 - start to pay off the mortgage Will be making a name change and setting goals to achieve financial peace, still with a tiny shovel #debtfree #debtfreecomunity #debtfreejourney #newfinancialgoals #fullyfundedef #mortgagefreewannabe #teamtinyshovel
Ugh why are divorce lawyers so expensive?! The ones that offer free consultation seem to be the most expensive and then others want $300 up front to meet. This is not something I have been able to save up for….I’m trying but finding out I need to save up between $1000-$1500 just to start the process is daunting. At the rate I’m going I won’t be able to file for a year 😭 sucks living paycheck to paycheck! Hoping some stuff sells in Mercari so I can at least get the consultation fee saved. Wish me luck! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #whyisdivorcesoexpensive #singlemomdebtfreejourney #teamtinyshovel
Dreams really do come true! Today I got to pet not only a kangaroo but a capybara!!! My friend took my son and I to this awesome farm where you just got to walk around and hangout with all the animals. My son had a blast feeding all the different animals and this trip was totally free! Love spending time and creating lasting memories with my son. Also I guess this could be a small introduction post….that’s me in the red shirt petting a kangaroo and of course the kid in my amazing son James! He’s my why! I want to be able to take him on more fun adventures and create lasting memories and just give him the best life I can ❤️ #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #budgetfriendlyfun #majesticmeadowsalpacas #teamtinyshovel #creatingmemories #ipetacapybaratoday #ilovecapybaras
🔹May - $53.31🔹 which included a dress to wear to my high school's graduation and a shirt I bought at our regional track meet. I'm tracking any material purchases I make in 2023 to see how much I actually buy myself. I'm a little behind in posting but not behind in tracking. July and August get a little hairy 🥴 but it's all school clothes so far. 🔅 January - $71.01 🔅 February - $76.18 🔅 March - $134.16 🔅 April - $48.56 Grand Total: $383.22 for 2023 so far. This project is going as expected but I spent more on school clothes and shoes than expected, but I'll post those details over the next week or two. Still so far this year I have not purchased any home decor, kitchen/home gadgets/storage, electronics, no candles etc. It's all been clothes and shoes for school/hiking (and a new $11 mop 🤣). A reminder I'm not trying to NOT buy stuff, just seeing what I do buy. . . . #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtpayoff #debtpayment #debtpaid #debtfreegoals #debtisdumb #debtfreeliving #singledebtfreejourney #singledebtfreecommunity #livingfrugal #frugalliving #teamtinyshovel #teacherlife #budgetlife #debtfree #changingmymindset #debtfreedom #healthandfitness #mealplanning #babystep2 #emergerncyfund #dfc #financialfreedom #financialindependence #sinkingfunds #studentloandebt #studentloanslave #consumerdebt #studentloancrisis
My sweet treat for myself today! (It was freeeeee) I had a horrible day yesterday…..super stressful day at work…then later I had to go to a 2 hour long orientation for my son’s new school….which ended in me crying in front of my son’s new principal 🤦♀️ ( I was exhausted, stressed and overstimulated) but today is a new day and I’m going to start it with a positive budget friendly treat ❤️ Hope everyone has a great day and isn’t as hard on themselves as I am ❤️ #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #budgeting #budgetfriendly #treatyourself #teamtinyshovel #singlemomdebtfreejourney
Updated the board with some pictures of my WHY …..my amazing son James and my 2 fur babies Harlíquinn and Milo 😊 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #debtfreewhy #mywhy #motivation #motivationboard #debtfreecharts #teamtinyshovel #singlemomdebtfreejourney
Finally got the calculator out. Here are the numbers for Q2 on any etsy sales, moderating, or Theatre gigs. So for Q3 doesn't have too much booked, but I am going to actively work on that because it's time for tuition payments to pick back up.
Listed a fancy gaming chair on Facebook market and a bunch of random stuff on Mercari. Hoping to make enough to have half the retainer for a lawyer #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #teamtinyshovel #singlemomdebtfreejourney #reselling #mercarireseller
Instead of a vacation, my summer splurge was my dream concert. It was worth every single penny. Tickets $239 Uber $29 Pre-show Dinner $35 Outfit $31.78 #singlemomdebtfreejourney #teamtinyshovel #turtleintense #beyonce #summerconcert
My son’s last day of daycare ever is the 21st…..we will be getting a refund of $254! + our deposit back….which I have no idea how much that is since I paid it 8 years ago! So excited for extra money 💰and also never paying for daycare again! #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #debtfreedom #teamtinyshovel #singlemomdebtfreejourney #refunds #budgeting #moneyback
My savings/debt corner or whatever you want to call it is slowly coming together! I’m so excited! I can do hard things and this debt will be tackled once and for all!! 💪🏻 #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #dfc #debtfreedom #teamtinyshovel #singlemomdebtfreejourney #budgeting #budgetingarea #icandohardthings