This week has been a good one both at home and at work for once.
At first I thought it was going to be horrible. At work our team and another have had to hot seat during the day. Basically, sharing a desk between two people. I have been doubled up with a person who is notorious for being difficult, accusing, and frankly a little nuts.
Last Wednesday was the first day of our great adventure. I arrived at 3:45pm to start my shift at 4:00pm only to find the person still at my desk. Turns out that she was scheduled to end her day at 4:00 and I was to start at 4:00. Ok, no problem, not her fault. I admit I was a little flustered because I don't like to be late.
The assistant manager was there, and had made future arrangements for the other person to have a fixed daily schedule from 7:00am-3:30pm (before she could start any time from 7-7:30). She and I have access to all schedules and she knew what days we were working the rest of this week, and then she would be on vacation (which she told the assist. manager).
Friday, I show up, and she's sitting at the desk again. Turns out she signed up for OT and it ended at 4:00. We were TOLD, you do OT and it interfers with the other person, you find another empty desk to work.
She took offense to the fact that I was upset that she caused me to log in at 4:15 (she had a call go long) and went on a tirade at me. I remained calm and very civil throughout the 'conversation'.
Sunday. I had checked her schedule and she was to finish at 3:30 and I started at 4:00. I showed up at 3:50 and guess what. She was again, sitting at the desk. I waited for her to leave, standing near, but not right beside the desk. She slowly got her things together, doing other things, all the while I am looking at the clock watching 4:00 slowly creep up. I finally go over to the desk and I get "oh! I didn't know you worked today!" BULL. You even told the assist manager that you knew I did!
Again, I remained calm, and civil. Even giving her the benefit of the doubt. She left, and I started to log in. But she came back. I again said, you're fine, no problem. She left. I continued to log in and get ready to take calls. But, she came back AGAIN. And once again, went on a tirade, about how she's the victim, and I am horrible, and that my supervisor was her supervisor once and that he's probably saying things about her, and yadda yadda yadda.
I was still calm and civil all throughout this. Which for me is hard to do sometimes, especially when dealing with an obviously crazy situation.
I finally sent a text to my supervisor advising him what happened again (he had been aware of everything else). He went and called the assist. manager at home at 9pm on a Sunday to tell them what was going on.
GREAT. Now I'm going to get dragged into this with the manager.
NOPE!!!! The assist. manager (who is an ex-Army Sgt) pulled in the other person and basically reamed her out for what she was doing and that her butt better be out of that desk by 3:30pm every day she is scheduled to work. The other person's supervisor tried to give her side of the story, and was immediately cut off, they didn't want to hear it. Hehehehe
I was off that day. But apparently they watched her, and she didn't leave until 3:54pm. It was like she was waiting for me again, and it didn't go unnoticed by management.
When I came back the next day, the assist. manager came over and told me everything she said to the other person and even told me to come to her if the other person has not left the desk. Totally have the assist manager on my side, which is kinda cool.
I just hope that come July 1, I don't have to deal with this person much. But now that management knows what she is doing, I don't think I will have a problem....unless she really is crazy and tries to push the buttons of those in charge.
So, the week that I thought would start off horrible, has actually been pretty good!
The team I am coaching is having a great month, including myself, and it feels good to have folks doing well because you're helping them.
Now, onto the money: J got his completion bonus for his last 6 months in Afghanistan. Something that he wasn't expecting because they were told they weren't going to get it. So, yay!
We have been going back and forth on the taxes. We have used TurboTax in the past and it's been good. But with J's Foreign Earned Income credit I want to make sure it's done right.
I'm pretty sure it's correct in the program, but do we pay a CPA a lot of money to do it, or trust my gut and submit it through TurboTax?
We're looking at roughly $11,000 in federal and state refund combined.
What we'll do with it, we haven't decided, but I'm sure there will be a post here soon :)
Sorry for the long post, hope you all have a great weekend!
Showing posts with label Deployment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deployment. Show all posts
June 22, 2012
May 20, 2012
He's On His Way!
J is on his flight home from Dubai! He will arrive at Dulles at around 6:30am tomorrow :)
Soooooooo Happy!!!! :))
That is all :P
Soooooooo Happy!!!! :))
That is all :P
December 9, 2011
Quick Friday Hello!
Been dealing with a bad tooth for the past little while, but this week it has been really painful. I have an appointment for a root canal on Jan 6, so I may just have to grin and bear it.
So instead of being productive, I've been in agony and trying just to sleep. (I think it might be infected too...thank goodness for antibiotics that make you feel even worse).
Not much else going on. Work is still work, although today is Friday (#1 good thing) we have our Holiday Luncheon (#2 good thing) and I'm not on the phones much today (#3 good thing).
AND I have the whole weekend off. Hoping I can catch up on cleaning up my house, packing some more, and finish decorating the tree. I have decided NOT to put up Christmas lights this year outside. I might put up the deer, but I'm just not really in the full Christmas mood that I normally am in.
I also got J's box out to Afghanistan the other day, and totally forgot to wrap one gift...the one gift I really wanted to surprise him with :S
I'll get a small box and send that out on Saturday or Monday. It might get there late though.
I hope you all had a great week, and an even better weekend!
So instead of being productive, I've been in agony and trying just to sleep. (I think it might be infected too...thank goodness for antibiotics that make you feel even worse).
Not much else going on. Work is still work, although today is Friday (#1 good thing) we have our Holiday Luncheon (#2 good thing) and I'm not on the phones much today (#3 good thing).
AND I have the whole weekend off. Hoping I can catch up on cleaning up my house, packing some more, and finish decorating the tree. I have decided NOT to put up Christmas lights this year outside. I might put up the deer, but I'm just not really in the full Christmas mood that I normally am in.
I also got J's box out to Afghanistan the other day, and totally forgot to wrap one gift...the one gift I really wanted to surprise him with :S
I'll get a small box and send that out on Saturday or Monday. It might get there late though.
I hope you all had a great week, and an even better weekend!
November 26, 2011
Black Friday
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I worked, since J wasn't here, and I don't have any family around. Work did feed us a really nice meal, and our Vice-President (who runs our contact center) served it to us. Was nice to see that.
I worked until 11pm on Thanksgiving and thought, what the heck, I'll go to walmart just to check out Black Friday. I've never done it, since I would usually be in bed by then! I got to walmart, and the parking lot was full, but being the lucky one I am got a spot right near the front. I went in, grabbed a cart, walked about 20feet inside, turned around and left HAHA. There were so many people in line to check out that you couldn't even move through. Driving by some other stores, Kohls, Best Buy, people were lined up around the buildings. It's ridiculous!
Needless to say, I went right home. The only thing I was looking for was a small camera for the cruise I'll be going on in January with my parents (they invited me, and since I'm the third person in their suite...and Owner's Suite at that! it was very affordable) I bought a package on bestbuy.com
That was the extent of my Black Friday experience.
Christmas here is going to be really odd. My parents will be coming down, but without J it will definitely be lonely. I normally spoil him big time, but I don't have to do that yet. I am going to send him a package over in Afghanistan, but it will only have small things, since I don't want to overload him with things that he'll have to bring back.
No new updates on the house yet. I hope we will hear something....anything...soon.
Next month, I will start up the debt updates again. Still waiting on a regular paycheck for J again, since he was off of 30days with no pay.
Until next time!
I worked until 11pm on Thanksgiving and thought, what the heck, I'll go to walmart just to check out Black Friday. I've never done it, since I would usually be in bed by then! I got to walmart, and the parking lot was full, but being the lucky one I am got a spot right near the front. I went in, grabbed a cart, walked about 20feet inside, turned around and left HAHA. There were so many people in line to check out that you couldn't even move through. Driving by some other stores, Kohls, Best Buy, people were lined up around the buildings. It's ridiculous!
Needless to say, I went right home. The only thing I was looking for was a small camera for the cruise I'll be going on in January with my parents (they invited me, and since I'm the third person in their suite...and Owner's Suite at that! it was very affordable) I bought a package on bestbuy.com
That was the extent of my Black Friday experience.
Christmas here is going to be really odd. My parents will be coming down, but without J it will definitely be lonely. I normally spoil him big time, but I don't have to do that yet. I am going to send him a package over in Afghanistan, but it will only have small things, since I don't want to overload him with things that he'll have to bring back.
No new updates on the house yet. I hope we will hear something....anything...soon.
Next month, I will start up the debt updates again. Still waiting on a regular paycheck for J again, since he was off of 30days with no pay.
Until next time!
November 23, 2011
Back to Deployment
On Monday night, I dropped J off at the airport to start another 6 month deployment in Afghanistan :(
He got there today after a short sleep in Dubai.
I have a bad feeling that this winter is going to go by really really slow. I have the countdown on the whiteboard again, please hurry up May 21!
So last we left off our offer had been accepted by the sellers for the house. We're still waiting to hear any news on whether their bank will accept the short sale. I should no something today, whether it's no news, or an actual update.
We also applied for the mortgage which was pretty painless. Just have to provide more docs, but we should be approved with no issues (in fact they pretty much said we were approved) Hard work pays off! J is used to them saying "We'll let you know"
All I know is that I am going to start packing regardless, because I am on my own and I will be moving on my own and we have A LOT of stuff (crap) that I need to start purging.
I will also need to get our plan together for what will be next on the payoff list! Fun times once again! :)
So, I will be back to my regularly scheduled updates, and payoffs :)
He got there today after a short sleep in Dubai.
I have a bad feeling that this winter is going to go by really really slow. I have the countdown on the whiteboard again, please hurry up May 21!
So last we left off our offer had been accepted by the sellers for the house. We're still waiting to hear any news on whether their bank will accept the short sale. I should no something today, whether it's no news, or an actual update.
We also applied for the mortgage which was pretty painless. Just have to provide more docs, but we should be approved with no issues (in fact they pretty much said we were approved) Hard work pays off! J is used to them saying "We'll let you know"
All I know is that I am going to start packing regardless, because I am on my own and I will be moving on my own and we have A LOT of stuff (crap) that I need to start purging.
I will also need to get our plan together for what will be next on the payoff list! Fun times once again! :)
So, I will be back to my regularly scheduled updates, and payoffs :)
November 8, 2011
Update
So while J has been home we have done a few things that we normally would have done when we're together (go to Gettysburg, have a nice dinner out, just hang out, etc). We've also been getting him prepared for going back to Afghanistan for another 6 months. Oh, and we're buying a house :))
We had been looking at a few places while J has been home, and one came up. Our realtor has us on an e-list that sends us properties that fit our criteria as they come up or if changes occur (usually list price). I got an email late one night for a house that was within our price range, and is exactly where we want to be. We saw it the next day and immediately knew we wanted to put an offer in on it. We did, and it was accepted and we are now under contract!
The only thing, is that this is house is a short sale, so now we're in hurry up and wait mode.
I'm not a religious person, but I'm hoping and praying that everything goes smoothly with this process. We know that it is going to be lengthy, but we're fine with that since J won't be here, and it gives our landlords plenty of heads up.
I'm happy since I was able to do this with J rather than before where I was doing all the decision making.
Now, on to the mortgage! haha
Have good thoughts for us that all goes well! :)
We had been looking at a few places while J has been home, and one came up. Our realtor has us on an e-list that sends us properties that fit our criteria as they come up or if changes occur (usually list price). I got an email late one night for a house that was within our price range, and is exactly where we want to be. We saw it the next day and immediately knew we wanted to put an offer in on it. We did, and it was accepted and we are now under contract!
The only thing, is that this is house is a short sale, so now we're in hurry up and wait mode.
I'm not a religious person, but I'm hoping and praying that everything goes smoothly with this process. We know that it is going to be lengthy, but we're fine with that since J won't be here, and it gives our landlords plenty of heads up.
I'm happy since I was able to do this with J rather than before where I was doing all the decision making.
Now, on to the mortgage! haha
Have good thoughts for us that all goes well! :)
October 25, 2011
Quick Update
Sorry for the lack of posting here, things were a little hectic in the countdown to J's return and then when he did return it's been fun catching up :)
I promise to get back into the swing of things here soon.
I'd like to start posting more about house hunting and what I'm doing to save money. Plus we have the new goals to look forward to when J goes back to Afghanistan (paying off the Canadian cards and the car....and the Jeep, which is AWESOME by the way :P )
Still reading all of my blogroll, so I am keeping up with that at least :)
Until then!
I promise to get back into the swing of things here soon.
I'd like to start posting more about house hunting and what I'm doing to save money. Plus we have the new goals to look forward to when J goes back to Afghanistan (paying off the Canadian cards and the car....and the Jeep, which is AWESOME by the way :P )
At it's first Jeep Show in MD
Still reading all of my blogroll, so I am keeping up with that at least :)
Until then!
October 10, 2011
Happy Thankgiving!
To my fellow Canadians and Happy Columbus Day to my American friends :)
Plan for today is to eat turkey leftovers (we had our turkey dinner last night, and it was yummy!)
Tomorrow we head to Buffalo (my parents and I) to have some fun at Seneca Casino. I haven't been to a casino in a while, so it will be nice to have some fun, and I already budgeted for it. Wednesday I return home. At least my landlord will be happy to know that we are not moving out as soon as we hd thought since the house deal fell through.
11 Days until J comes home! Cannot wait :))
I have so many things planned out to do and to not do while he is home for 30 days. We have to pack in as much as we can lol. Trips to Gettysburg, dinner there, his birthday (early), Capitals game, and absolutely nothing (where he can play video games all day if he wants...it's his vice, and I don't mind).
I love October :)
Plan for today is to eat turkey leftovers (we had our turkey dinner last night, and it was yummy!)
Tomorrow we head to Buffalo (my parents and I) to have some fun at Seneca Casino. I haven't been to a casino in a while, so it will be nice to have some fun, and I already budgeted for it. Wednesday I return home. At least my landlord will be happy to know that we are not moving out as soon as we hd thought since the house deal fell through.
11 Days until J comes home! Cannot wait :))
I have so many things planned out to do and to not do while he is home for 30 days. We have to pack in as much as we can lol. Trips to Gettysburg, dinner there, his birthday (early), Capitals game, and absolutely nothing (where he can play video games all day if he wants...it's his vice, and I don't mind).
I love October :)
September 9, 2011
Final Pay Offs!
Once again, yesterday and today was Payday for J and I.
The only payment I have to make from my paycheck is my Canadian MBNA (apparently soon to be TD Bank, found out they bought out MBNA) which will be in my Canadian account by Monday morning.
For J's paycheck we paid off the 5 remaining US Credit Cards!
Navy Federal Visa: $1106.93 PIF
Navy Federal MC: $948.05 PIF
CFNA Firestone: $1017.79 PIF
Dell Financial: $886.95 PIF
Care Credit: $750.07 PIF
We are US Credit Card Debt FREE!!!
This was the original plan for when J went to Afghanistan, but since he will be going back for another 5 months, our next goal, which will get updated here shortly, will be to pay off my Canadian Credit Cards, and the NFCU Auto Loan. Those are the definite goals. There are a few other things that we may add, but that will be addressed once we know where we will be. I have to figure out the whole tax free thing, and must find a good Tax person to help out. I'm a little clueless about all of that, so if you know of any good sites that explain the process of filing taxes when someone has worked overseas for a year, it would be much appreciated!
The next few paychecks will be used to pay our normal expenses (rent, student loan, water, electricity, etc) and most will go into savings.
Today....is a good day :)
The only payment I have to make from my paycheck is my Canadian MBNA (apparently soon to be TD Bank, found out they bought out MBNA) which will be in my Canadian account by Monday morning.
For J's paycheck we paid off the 5 remaining US Credit Cards!
Navy Federal Visa: $1106.93 PIF
Navy Federal MC: $948.05 PIF
CFNA Firestone: $1017.79 PIF
Dell Financial: $886.95 PIF
Care Credit: $750.07 PIF
We are US Credit Card Debt FREE!!!
This was the original plan for when J went to Afghanistan, but since he will be going back for another 5 months, our next goal, which will get updated here shortly, will be to pay off my Canadian Credit Cards, and the NFCU Auto Loan. Those are the definite goals. There are a few other things that we may add, but that will be addressed once we know where we will be. I have to figure out the whole tax free thing, and must find a good Tax person to help out. I'm a little clueless about all of that, so if you know of any good sites that explain the process of filing taxes when someone has worked overseas for a year, it would be much appreciated!
The next few paychecks will be used to pay our normal expenses (rent, student loan, water, electricity, etc) and most will go into savings.
Today....is a good day :)
September 5, 2011
Labour Day Weekend
Hope you all had a great weekend off. I had it off, which is rare since I usually work on Sundays. So what did I do this weekend? Absolutely nothing. It must be this change in weather, because I really didn't feel well today or yesterday.
Speaking of the weather, it is cold, raining and the leaves are starting to fall on the ground. Fall is just around the corner, so I felt like a change in my template was in order.
This week is going to be HUGE. When J gets paid on Thurday we will pay off his Navy Federal Visa and Mastercard, Dell Financial, Firestone, and Care Credit. With that, it means....ALL US Credit Cards will be paid off!!!!
We will start tackling my Canadian Cards when J goes back to Afghanistan. We just found out a friend of ours is being laid off, and she works in the sort of the same industry as J. So, I think we definitely made the right decision for J to go back. We'll be able to put a large sum away in savings in case anything should happen.
Hope you all have a great short week! :)
Speaking of the weather, it is cold, raining and the leaves are starting to fall on the ground. Fall is just around the corner, so I felt like a change in my template was in order.
This week is going to be HUGE. When J gets paid on Thurday we will pay off his Navy Federal Visa and Mastercard, Dell Financial, Firestone, and Care Credit. With that, it means....ALL US Credit Cards will be paid off!!!!
We will start tackling my Canadian Cards when J goes back to Afghanistan. We just found out a friend of ours is being laid off, and she works in the sort of the same industry as J. So, I think we definitely made the right decision for J to go back. We'll be able to put a large sum away in savings in case anything should happen.
Hope you all have a great short week! :)
September 1, 2011
August Recap and September Goals
August Recap
August was a good month.
15 No Spend Days SUCCESS! I had exactly 15.
Pay In Full 3 Credit Cards SUCCESS! PIF Home Depot, and My Navy Federal Visa and Mastercard
WORK OUT - Semi Success I worked out extra hard at TaeKwonDo and Did work out at the gym at work. This month I hope to continue what I have started.
September Goals
I think I have a handle on the No Spends, so I am not going to make it a goal any longer. It will be a goal in my every day life.
Pay In Full 5 Credit Cards
Become US Credit Card Debt Free
Work on my TKD form and Prepare for Black Belt testing
Clean My House Top to Bottom
With John coming home in 50 days I would like to have this house clean and organized. Since we will be waiting to buy a house when John comes home from his second deployment, I need to look for a storage unit and get things moved out that don't need to be here. Thus, giving us more room and ready to move when the time comes.
Updated numbers will be posted tomorrow!
August was a good month.
15 No Spend Days SUCCESS! I had exactly 15.
Pay In Full 3 Credit Cards SUCCESS! PIF Home Depot, and My Navy Federal Visa and Mastercard
WORK OUT - Semi Success I worked out extra hard at TaeKwonDo and Did work out at the gym at work. This month I hope to continue what I have started.
September Goals
I think I have a handle on the No Spends, so I am not going to make it a goal any longer. It will be a goal in my every day life.
Pay In Full 5 Credit Cards
Become US Credit Card Debt Free
Work on my TKD form and Prepare for Black Belt testing
Clean My House Top to Bottom
With John coming home in 50 days I would like to have this house clean and organized. Since we will be waiting to buy a house when John comes home from his second deployment, I need to look for a storage unit and get things moved out that don't need to be here. Thus, giving us more room and ready to move when the time comes.
Updated numbers will be posted tomorrow!
August 26, 2011
Payday and Payoffs August Edition
So yet another payday for J and I and more credit cards have been paid off.
My Navy Federal Visa and Mastercard are PIF!
The Home Depot card is PIF!
We also reduced J's Navy Federal Visa and Mastercard by $800
I'm getting ready for Irene to hit. It shouldn't be so bad here, but I have things like water, batteries and propane just in case.
And now for the news that I posted about last.
We didn't put an offer on the house, because after having 2 extra days to think about it, there were more cons than pros for the house. If I could pick the actual house up and move it to the county we live in now, it would have been perfect.
So..... with more news with that, J is going to go back to Afghanistan for 5 more months. He will come home for 30 days and then go back. This will eliminate my Canadian credit cards, our car payment, and a larger down payment (or funds for renovation/fixes) when we do buy a home. And...for J, he will get to buy some of the fun things he has been dreaming about for a long time. He would deserve it, as he's making the bigger sacrifice by going back.
With eliminating my Canadian cards and the car, I would have an extra $1700 every 4 weeks to help with expenses, and hopefully in the next year, a baby :)
The updated numbers will be coming in next week.
I will be going to Gettysburg with a couple of friends for history, (a little) shopping and a nice dinner.
Have a great weekend! If Irene is in your path, stay safe :)
My Navy Federal Visa and Mastercard are PIF!
The Home Depot card is PIF!
We also reduced J's Navy Federal Visa and Mastercard by $800
I'm getting ready for Irene to hit. It shouldn't be so bad here, but I have things like water, batteries and propane just in case.
And now for the news that I posted about last.
We didn't put an offer on the house, because after having 2 extra days to think about it, there were more cons than pros for the house. If I could pick the actual house up and move it to the county we live in now, it would have been perfect.
So..... with more news with that, J is going to go back to Afghanistan for 5 more months. He will come home for 30 days and then go back. This will eliminate my Canadian credit cards, our car payment, and a larger down payment (or funds for renovation/fixes) when we do buy a home. And...for J, he will get to buy some of the fun things he has been dreaming about for a long time. He would deserve it, as he's making the bigger sacrifice by going back.
With eliminating my Canadian cards and the car, I would have an extra $1700 every 4 weeks to help with expenses, and hopefully in the next year, a baby :)
The updated numbers will be coming in next week.
I will be going to Gettysburg with a couple of friends for history, (a little) shopping and a nice dinner.
Have a great weekend! If Irene is in your path, stay safe :)
August 10, 2011
On The Downhill Slope
The title of this post relates to quite a few things going on here.
First, we are a third of the way through August, and more than halfway through the Summer season. Soon, the kids will be back in school, fall will be here, the leaves will turn and gently float to the ground. The nights will become chilly, and the heavier blankets will come out of storage.
This summer has been very different for me. J has been over in Afghanistan and I have been here. Normally, J and I usually spend the summer months exploring the back roads, antique shopping, learning about the area history, and being together. It was very odd not doing that. I hope that when he comes home we can catch up on some of that missed time.
Speaking of J coming home, we are more than halfway through J's deployment as he will be coming home on October 21. The time has actually gone by a lot quicker than I thought it would. Thanks in part to being able to talk to J almost every day by email, phone or skype. $90/month for the internet in his tent, WELL WORTH EVERY DOLLAR. Of course, it's also an expense he can claim :)
Still counting down the days.
Finally, as you can see from my sidebar, we are more than 50% on paying off our credit card debt. When that sidebar gets updated tomorrow (payday) it will be over $20,000 paid off. Even I'm amazed at how much we've been able to pay off in such a short amount of time. I'm very thankful for the opportunity that J has been given, and of the sacrifice that he has made in going over to Afghanistan.
I was going over the numbers yesterday, and had revised my payoff dates. I originally had set our payoff date as 09/22, but I believe I can push that up by 1 payperiod (2 weeks) and have all of the credit card debt paid off by 09/08. The rest of J's paychecks would go towards paying our regular expenses (rent, water, electricity, etc) and savings for our down payment for a home.
I can't wait! :)
First, we are a third of the way through August, and more than halfway through the Summer season. Soon, the kids will be back in school, fall will be here, the leaves will turn and gently float to the ground. The nights will become chilly, and the heavier blankets will come out of storage.
This summer has been very different for me. J has been over in Afghanistan and I have been here. Normally, J and I usually spend the summer months exploring the back roads, antique shopping, learning about the area history, and being together. It was very odd not doing that. I hope that when he comes home we can catch up on some of that missed time.
Speaking of J coming home, we are more than halfway through J's deployment as he will be coming home on October 21. The time has actually gone by a lot quicker than I thought it would. Thanks in part to being able to talk to J almost every day by email, phone or skype. $90/month for the internet in his tent, WELL WORTH EVERY DOLLAR. Of course, it's also an expense he can claim :)
Still counting down the days.
Finally, as you can see from my sidebar, we are more than 50% on paying off our credit card debt. When that sidebar gets updated tomorrow (payday) it will be over $20,000 paid off. Even I'm amazed at how much we've been able to pay off in such a short amount of time. I'm very thankful for the opportunity that J has been given, and of the sacrifice that he has made in going over to Afghanistan.
I was going over the numbers yesterday, and had revised my payoff dates. I originally had set our payoff date as 09/22, but I believe I can push that up by 1 payperiod (2 weeks) and have all of the credit card debt paid off by 09/08. The rest of J's paychecks would go towards paying our regular expenses (rent, water, electricity, etc) and savings for our down payment for a home.
I can't wait! :)
July 21, 2011
Mid Week Update
This week has been interesting. I signed up for some overtime at work this week. I was going to do 4 days of 2 extra hours each for 8 total overtime hours. I cancelled today's OT though. Yesterday I went to Westminster, MD to spend some time with a friend who owns a vehicle restoration business. I got to help take out an engine, and see how to do some body work on a WWII Jeep.
If you don't know already, J and I do WWII reenacting. It's how we met actually and it's kind of our passion. Eventually we will have a WWII Jeep and learning how to fix and restore them is a great thing to have so that you don't have to pay someone to do it. Although, having a friend who owns his own business and would give me a good deal is always nice too haha.
Not much in the payoff department just yet. It all seems to happen when payday happens. Mostly I've been waiting for our credit reports to update. I had to actually call US Bank when they hadn't updated our equifax credit report showing a $0 balance. It hadn't updated since 05/2011 and it was paid off 06/16/2011. When I called, the representative was really rude, but I got her to update the reports, and as of yesterday, it is now showing $0 :)
Before, I had mentioned that my credit score had not updated when I thought it should. Well...turns out, the 658 score, is still the 658 score. I bit the bullet and paid for another report. Oh well, I'm hoping that with the updates here in the next couple of days when my Discover and USAA will show a $0 balance, or a $2500 reduction in debt will help and push that score up :)
J's score on the other hand. That's a different story. His score was 634 when we started on 05/20/2011. It then went to 641 on 06/13/2011 to 653 on 07/08/2011 to 672! on 07/18/2011! His score is better than mine! That's never happened. Oh, now it's on! lol If you knew me, you know how competitive I am lol.
I'm happy though too. He's never had a score that high. I'm hoping when all is said and done we will both be over 700. That's the goal anyway.
I did some number crunching the other day, and have reevaluated our payoff date. Before it was the 09/22/2011 paycheck that would have all of the credit card debt paid off. Now it will be one paycheck earlier, which is 09/08/2011.
I can't wait until then, and I can't wait until J comes home from his deployment in Afghanistan, 93 days. Not that I'm counting down or anything ;)
On the home searching front, I really really love the first house I looked at. But I don't feel it's right to make that decision on my own. So, I may end up sacrificing the home so that J and I can do this together. Plus, I'm going home to Canada here soon, so I don't want to be making any decisions and then not be able to get in contact with my realtor if something should come up.
I believe it will all work out in the end.
I've only had 1 No Spend day this week, which brings me to 9. The rest of this week should be no spends (today and tomorrow) which will make the total 11, only 1 away from my goal :)
Hope you all have been having a great week.
If you don't know already, J and I do WWII reenacting. It's how we met actually and it's kind of our passion. Eventually we will have a WWII Jeep and learning how to fix and restore them is a great thing to have so that you don't have to pay someone to do it. Although, having a friend who owns his own business and would give me a good deal is always nice too haha.
Not much in the payoff department just yet. It all seems to happen when payday happens. Mostly I've been waiting for our credit reports to update. I had to actually call US Bank when they hadn't updated our equifax credit report showing a $0 balance. It hadn't updated since 05/2011 and it was paid off 06/16/2011. When I called, the representative was really rude, but I got her to update the reports, and as of yesterday, it is now showing $0 :)
Before, I had mentioned that my credit score had not updated when I thought it should. Well...turns out, the 658 score, is still the 658 score. I bit the bullet and paid for another report. Oh well, I'm hoping that with the updates here in the next couple of days when my Discover and USAA will show a $0 balance, or a $2500 reduction in debt will help and push that score up :)
J's score on the other hand. That's a different story. His score was 634 when we started on 05/20/2011. It then went to 641 on 06/13/2011 to 653 on 07/08/2011 to 672! on 07/18/2011! His score is better than mine! That's never happened. Oh, now it's on! lol If you knew me, you know how competitive I am lol.
I'm happy though too. He's never had a score that high. I'm hoping when all is said and done we will both be over 700. That's the goal anyway.
I did some number crunching the other day, and have reevaluated our payoff date. Before it was the 09/22/2011 paycheck that would have all of the credit card debt paid off. Now it will be one paycheck earlier, which is 09/08/2011.
I can't wait until then, and I can't wait until J comes home from his deployment in Afghanistan, 93 days. Not that I'm counting down or anything ;)
On the home searching front, I really really love the first house I looked at. But I don't feel it's right to make that decision on my own. So, I may end up sacrificing the home so that J and I can do this together. Plus, I'm going home to Canada here soon, so I don't want to be making any decisions and then not be able to get in contact with my realtor if something should come up.
I believe it will all work out in the end.
I've only had 1 No Spend day this week, which brings me to 9. The rest of this week should be no spends (today and tomorrow) which will make the total 11, only 1 away from my goal :)
Hope you all have been having a great week.
May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
On this day I am thinking of my husband, who is a US Navy Veteran, and is currently deployed to Afghanistan doing work with the military so that hopefully they can bring an end to the war that is happening over there, and to keep those serving there safer.
We don't have Memorial Day in Canada so when I moved down here, it was a real eye opener to the celebrations and honouring of those who have served and those who gave their lives so that the United States can be the free country that it is today.
I work for Navy Federal and being able to help the men and women and their families of those who serve is a nice feeling day after day :)
This week is a short work week for me, I worked yesterday, I am off today (holiday) I work tomorrow, off Wednesday (regular day off) work Thursday Friday. Next week I start my official training for my new position, but my pay raise took effect yesterday (yay!).
This week is also pay week for J and myself. The plan is to pay off 2 or 3 Credit Cards. We have to Pay In Full J's Corporate Credit Card with this paycheck because he hasn't been able to file his expense reports as of yet. Once he does that, it will replace what I have used from his regular pay, which is $435.60.
My goals for PIFs are conservative, so I may in fact actually pay off things earlier than scheduled which is a bonus for us, and means that we may have everything that is scheduled, will be paid off before our September goal.
I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday, and that you take the time to remember what Memorial Day is really about :)
We don't have Memorial Day in Canada so when I moved down here, it was a real eye opener to the celebrations and honouring of those who have served and those who gave their lives so that the United States can be the free country that it is today.
I work for Navy Federal and being able to help the men and women and their families of those who serve is a nice feeling day after day :)
This week is a short work week for me, I worked yesterday, I am off today (holiday) I work tomorrow, off Wednesday (regular day off) work Thursday Friday. Next week I start my official training for my new position, but my pay raise took effect yesterday (yay!).
This week is also pay week for J and myself. The plan is to pay off 2 or 3 Credit Cards. We have to Pay In Full J's Corporate Credit Card with this paycheck because he hasn't been able to file his expense reports as of yet. Once he does that, it will replace what I have used from his regular pay, which is $435.60.
My goals for PIFs are conservative, so I may in fact actually pay off things earlier than scheduled which is a bonus for us, and means that we may have everything that is scheduled, will be paid off before our September goal.
I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday, and that you take the time to remember what Memorial Day is really about :)
May 25, 2011
Unexpected Deployment Cost
So, after not hearing from J for 2 days, and becoming really worried (and rightly so!) I finally heard from him yesterday night (or really early morning for him). Apparently food over there isn't as good as mine *wink* and he got some sort of food poisoning. They don't know if it is viral or bacterial, so they are treating him for both. Had to go to the doctor on base and get pills and an IV.
Orginally when we were preparing for him to go over there, we were told that his insurance would be good over there. WRONG! They take Aetna but his company wasn't on the list. So he had to use his debit card where his paycheck goes (which I wasn't going to have him take, but glad I did!) and $379 he's good to go. Funny thing is, they write the number down and process it in the states. Great, now I have to monitor the account to make sure there is no fraud. J doesn't really think of those things :P
Someone has definitely dropped the ball somewhere, and they are supposed to look into it. I will hopefully hear from J tonight again, or tomorrow morning with some news.
I'm just glad I didn't go all debt paying happy and not leave enough for what J had to pay.
Back to working the numbers...
Orginally when we were preparing for him to go over there, we were told that his insurance would be good over there. WRONG! They take Aetna but his company wasn't on the list. So he had to use his debit card where his paycheck goes (which I wasn't going to have him take, but glad I did!) and $379 he's good to go. Funny thing is, they write the number down and process it in the states. Great, now I have to monitor the account to make sure there is no fraud. J doesn't really think of those things :P
Someone has definitely dropped the ball somewhere, and they are supposed to look into it. I will hopefully hear from J tonight again, or tomorrow morning with some news.
I'm just glad I didn't go all debt paying happy and not leave enough for what J had to pay.
Back to working the numbers...
May 13, 2011
Pay Raise!
So I arrived at work today and found in my email an offer letter for the position that I was offered last week.
I totally wasn't expecting the offer letter because it normally works that you go to training, you 'graduate', you get out on the floor and then in about 30-45 days you get your pay raise.
I guess, now that I have moved into a more 'management' or 'responsible' position, my raise is effective 05/29! I'm not supposed to go into training until 06/06 :)
The raise isn't bad either. While I'm at the minimum for the GL that I'm at, it's still at $6100/year raise to my salary. That's over $500 more a month!
So happy about that. Even though J is over in Afghanistan and will be paying off most of our debt, it will be nice to be able to contribute to it as well as add to our savings.
So I've decided that I'm going to pay off 3 - 4 CCs next payday.
Pretty sure of the first two that will be paid, not sure of the third or fourth. We do have a couple of 'bills' to pay, including our County property taxes for our cars.
Going to pay the Car and Renters Insurance in full.
There's so much I want to do! It's pretty exciting! I'm not quite used to all of this. Especially having money in our checking accounts knowing that I've paid all of the bills on time.
Also, I had 3 No Spend days this week! Plus 1 last week. So my goal for this month was 10, and I've already had 4. I'm pretty pleased with myself so far.
Well, J is probably going to call me here soon :) Can't wait to hear his voice again.
I totally wasn't expecting the offer letter because it normally works that you go to training, you 'graduate', you get out on the floor and then in about 30-45 days you get your pay raise.
I guess, now that I have moved into a more 'management' or 'responsible' position, my raise is effective 05/29! I'm not supposed to go into training until 06/06 :)
The raise isn't bad either. While I'm at the minimum for the GL that I'm at, it's still at $6100/year raise to my salary. That's over $500 more a month!
So happy about that. Even though J is over in Afghanistan and will be paying off most of our debt, it will be nice to be able to contribute to it as well as add to our savings.
So I've decided that I'm going to pay off 3 - 4 CCs next payday.
Pretty sure of the first two that will be paid, not sure of the third or fourth. We do have a couple of 'bills' to pay, including our County property taxes for our cars.
Going to pay the Car and Renters Insurance in full.
There's so much I want to do! It's pretty exciting! I'm not quite used to all of this. Especially having money in our checking accounts knowing that I've paid all of the bills on time.
Also, I had 3 No Spend days this week! Plus 1 last week. So my goal for this month was 10, and I've already had 4. I'm pretty pleased with myself so far.
Well, J is probably going to call me here soon :) Can't wait to hear his voice again.
May 8, 2011
Payoffs!
So Hubby's first paycheck from his deployment came in, and while we didn't pay any CCs or Loans off, we did pay off some bills, and a pretty big one at that.
We had a lawyer fee for our Wills and a Power of Attorney for J - $250 PAID
Dental Scan - $93 PAID
Dentist for J (after Insurance) - $1274 PAID
His first paycheck wasn't a full paycheck as it was for only one week of being deployed, so hopefully the next one will be more for more to payoff :)
I'm starting to work on a payoff plan so that I have a plan of attack.
I look forward to having another Payoff update in a couple of weeks (ie: next payday ;) )
In a couple of days, I'll update with the start of payoff plan.
We had a lawyer fee for our Wills and a Power of Attorney for J - $250 PAID
Dental Scan - $93 PAID
Dentist for J (after Insurance) - $1274 PAID
His first paycheck wasn't a full paycheck as it was for only one week of being deployed, so hopefully the next one will be more for more to payoff :)
I'm starting to work on a payoff plan so that I have a plan of attack.
I look forward to having another Payoff update in a couple of weeks (ie: next payday ;) )
In a couple of days, I'll update with the start of payoff plan.
April 30, 2011
I'm Back!
Probably not that many people noticed I was gone haha.
Hubby deployed a week and a half ago. So far it's been ok. He's able to email me and they have a satellite phone that he calls me on it every few days.
He's doing ok over there so far, and I'm doing ok here haha. I'm sure it will hit me in a bit that he won't be back until October, and how far off that is.
His first big (well bigger than) paycheck is this week and we'll be able to start paying off things much faster and saving much more. I haven't got a plan just yet on what to pay or pay off first. I think I will wait until that first paycheck comes in and I will start to 'plan' it all out.
On another note, I will be starting a new position at work, which is more of a 'supervisory' position which means new hours, new responsibility, and more money.
I hope to be back much much more starting.....today! :)
May I'm going to try and have 10 no spend days.
I'm going to try and pay off 4 or more CCs and J's Personal loan (long story, and let's just say that I do NOT like the FAA out of Oklahoma)
And....stick to my Weight Watchers :P Hope to lose 5lbs. We'll see how it all turns out :)
Hubby deployed a week and a half ago. So far it's been ok. He's able to email me and they have a satellite phone that he calls me on it every few days.
He's doing ok over there so far, and I'm doing ok here haha. I'm sure it will hit me in a bit that he won't be back until October, and how far off that is.
His first big (well bigger than) paycheck is this week and we'll be able to start paying off things much faster and saving much more. I haven't got a plan just yet on what to pay or pay off first. I think I will wait until that first paycheck comes in and I will start to 'plan' it all out.
On another note, I will be starting a new position at work, which is more of a 'supervisory' position which means new hours, new responsibility, and more money.
I hope to be back much much more starting.....today! :)
May I'm going to try and have 10 no spend days.
I'm going to try and pay off 4 or more CCs and J's Personal loan (long story, and let's just say that I do NOT like the FAA out of Oklahoma)
And....stick to my Weight Watchers :P Hope to lose 5lbs. We'll see how it all turns out :)
March 12, 2011
Absent
So when I re-started this blog, I was hoping that I would be able to post at least 3 or 4 times a week on how things were going. Well, that obviously hasn't happened.
Things have gone a little off course, nothing really bad, but just enough to cause me to have to deal with other things at the moment.
Right now hubby is in Nevada training for the deployment. I haven't physically seen him since Feb 20 when I dropped him off at the airport.
It's been tough, but we'll get through it. Just like we'll get through the 6 months when he's deployed overseas.
Just wanted to check in, and let everyone know who may still read this blog, that I'm here, and hoping that when things calm down a little bit, I will be back. I can't wait to start posting about paying off credit cards, and loans here soon :)
Things have gone a little off course, nothing really bad, but just enough to cause me to have to deal with other things at the moment.
Right now hubby is in Nevada training for the deployment. I haven't physically seen him since Feb 20 when I dropped him off at the airport.
It's been tough, but we'll get through it. Just like we'll get through the 6 months when he's deployed overseas.
Just wanted to check in, and let everyone know who may still read this blog, that I'm here, and hoping that when things calm down a little bit, I will be back. I can't wait to start posting about paying off credit cards, and loans here soon :)
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