OK, I figured that I would post an update...
I have been operating my zero based budget since filing (started September 1, Filed late August), using my super duper home made Excel spreadsheet.
My mortgage for September's payment was made Sept 11 (within grace), October's payment was made October 1, and November's payment was made on October 30. All thanks to the zero based budget allowing weekly mortgage amounts with each paycheck.
All Utility bills are current...
I have been setting aside monthly amounts for property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and other yearly or twice a year bills in this budget. I have close to $500.00 set aside for these already.
I eliminated my Verizon cell phone, and replaced it with a Tracphone. I bought it online for $23.00, with double minutes. A 60(120) minute card costs $18.00, and will last me for three months.
I have pretty much funded Christmas for my kids already. I have bought my son's and daughter's major gifts (purchased on sale, or used (I bought my 9 year old a laptop computer.) We will not be spending as much on Christmas this year by doing it smart, and the kids will be very happy still. This is going along with our new non-materialistic lifestyle.
I have operated with a balance budget, underspending my income each month. This will allow the next goals if I can keep it up. I also have a goal to increase my income by 25% over the next year, and this is doable.
We have set a goal of $20,000 to $25,000 in emergency fund savings by this time next year. The first part of that will come from December being a 5 week month, and income tax refunds will play a big part in the first of next year.
We have a goal to pay off our house in five years (probably can have it done in four.)
I am looking at expanding and diversifying income streams.
And...
I have NOT applied for nor received any credit cards...I really do not know what my FICO score is, and I do not care either. The way that this is looking, I should not need credit again.
Yes, there is life after bankruptcy, if you make the changes that you need to make. It is possible! And, my life is better.
I think Hub has it as his signature here... I've fallen, but I DID get up!
I have been operating my zero based budget since filing (started September 1, Filed late August), using my super duper home made Excel spreadsheet.
My mortgage for September's payment was made Sept 11 (within grace), October's payment was made October 1, and November's payment was made on October 30. All thanks to the zero based budget allowing weekly mortgage amounts with each paycheck.
All Utility bills are current...
I have been setting aside monthly amounts for property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and other yearly or twice a year bills in this budget. I have close to $500.00 set aside for these already.
I eliminated my Verizon cell phone, and replaced it with a Tracphone. I bought it online for $23.00, with double minutes. A 60(120) minute card costs $18.00, and will last me for three months.
I have pretty much funded Christmas for my kids already. I have bought my son's and daughter's major gifts (purchased on sale, or used (I bought my 9 year old a laptop computer.) We will not be spending as much on Christmas this year by doing it smart, and the kids will be very happy still. This is going along with our new non-materialistic lifestyle.
I have operated with a balance budget, underspending my income each month. This will allow the next goals if I can keep it up. I also have a goal to increase my income by 25% over the next year, and this is doable.
We have set a goal of $20,000 to $25,000 in emergency fund savings by this time next year. The first part of that will come from December being a 5 week month, and income tax refunds will play a big part in the first of next year.
We have a goal to pay off our house in five years (probably can have it done in four.)
I am looking at expanding and diversifying income streams.
And...
I have NOT applied for nor received any credit cards...I really do not know what my FICO score is, and I do not care either. The way that this is looking, I should not need credit again.
Yes, there is life after bankruptcy, if you make the changes that you need to make. It is possible! And, my life is better.
I think Hub has it as his signature here... I've fallen, but I DID get up!
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