2019 wrecked my finances people. I ended 2018 debt free, with an emergency fund, and then 2019 came along and was disaster after disaster. I was negative for income in January, I miscalculated and owed the IRS nearly $2k, Grace became very ill and eventually passed, my income shortage meant that I went into debt for my parent’s 40th wedding anniversary, and developed health issues that required me to take the last six months of 2019 off from work and have heart procedure that didn’t work out so well. Bananas, folks!

I ended 2019 with approximately $3,500 in credit card debt, which I feel is pretty fantastic for not working for 7 out of 12 months. I had loads of help along the way that enabled me to end 2019 with only that much debt and a rebuilt $1k emergency fund. I cannot imagine what it would have been without all the kind and generous people – including you guys! – in my life.

So here we are. In March. And I’m still over $3,000 in credit card debt. I kept putting off making a financial update, because I wanted to be able to pop up and go, “Ta-da! I’m back to where I was before!” ::Jazz hands::

But, no. Things are moving oh so very slowly, my friends. I was looking at my spread sheets and getting really, really frustrated, when I suddenly realized that the reason my debt hadn’t went down was because I had been able to cash flow so many expenses in January/ February:

• Car insurance $400+ (Saves over $100 by paying in full.)
• New doggo! Charles was free, and his expenses only about $30 for a two tags and a pet license except:
• Pet insurance: $481 Paid in full.
• Pet sitting insurance: $232 (Insures the puppers I watch.) #responsible
• My business mailbox $288 (I love mail! Cards and happy wishes are always welcome!)
  • Tami Mitchell
  • 4227 South Meridian
  • C-491
  • Puyallup, WA 98373
• IRS: Self employment taxes & HRBLOCK filling fees = $600. It’s nuts to me that someone with zero taxable income owes that much, but whatever!
  

Very little debt paid down because, hello, I cash flowed most of that. I did a balance transfer to 0% so I have a year to pay off the debt. I hope to have it paid off well before that, but you never know. Last year certainly was unpredictable with 43 doctor appointments and a heart surgery!

Due to all of the above, I’m being more conservative in my goals, and not pushing hard and panicking like I usually do about debt. Clearly, my damn heart can’t take it. It will happen when it happens, and it’ll come when it comes, as long as I stay the course.

Just stay the course, Tami.

Doing so should net the following results:

• Credit card paid off. If/when this happens, then:
• Mortgage under $45,000 – this will require $1,652 in extra principle payments. If/when, then:
• Able fund to $500. This will require an additional $300 contribution.

Here we go, friends. 2020. Clear vision, open hearts!

Tami

Friends, I wrote this last week. At this time, things are going to move even more slowly. Coronavirus has taken the Seattle area. My petsitting bookings are falling like dominoes. #Ilostmygig Looks like we are weathering more months without work. We will be okay. Me too. I will be okay. I’m staying home and and interacting with as few people as possible. Financials? They will be what they be.
If you find it in your heart to send support during this time my paypal is disabledgirlonfire@gmail.com $disabledgirlonfire for cash app. Thank you.