nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on Jun 2, 2020 12:26:02 GMT -5
I can confirm the cuteness of baby Hope (thank you social media). She is CUTE as a button and I love when she pops up in my newsfeed bankergurl !
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 31, 2020 22:30:08 GMT -5
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Post by nikiz628 on May 30, 2020 12:58:33 GMT -5
DD is making great progress packing, donating and discarding. If you count all the pens, pencils, markers and paints the numbers are in the thousands! And more clothes and books and tchotchkes. She has a bin of who knows what and a trash bag full of stuffed animals in the basement. She asked me to just toss them...she doesnt even want to look. I've done a bit of my stuff as well. A dozen items out of my closet and in the donation pile. The entire house is in shambles at the moment. Pulling stuff out of every closet drawer and corner. It's driving me nuts, but it will all be over in two weeks or so and I will have an opportunity to completely reset the whole upstairs. Have a great weekend everyone! It always gets worse before it gets better!
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 29, 2020 12:44:10 GMT -5
UPDATE ByeDebtBye: 05/29/20 $22,832.40 (09/28/18, $33,407.11, WIRR180)
Down $1,015.75 since last update and hit $10K paid off! Yay! Way to go on the 10k milestone!!
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 29, 2020 11:35:26 GMT -5
Speaking of brokers, ours says we should close on our refi in a week-ish, so that is very exciting. I already re-eval our budget in June every year, but I'll have to make a few adjustments for the new mortgage payment and the new HELOC. They paid off our old HELOC (from adding on to the house) and opened a new one for us with an amazing 1% intro rate for a year + no closing costs. It's about $2,000 less, but that's okay. It's nice to have if needed. Part of the plan for our cash out refi is to have a pool installed. True to our luck with hiring contractors, we are pulling our hair out trying to get people to respond. I know COVID is partly to blame, but come on, it's an email/text. One pool guy said he would come 2 weeks ago, never showed/never heard from him. Then he reappeared in our inbox and said how about last Friday? Okay. Never showed. H texted him and was like "are you planning to come?" He responded with how about tomorrow (last Saturday). H agreed only because this is one of the only companies that can install what we are wanting. He did finally show, took a few days longer than he said to get us the quote, and the quote was WAY higher than what he had originally ballparked us. So, now we don't know what to do. H contacted a pool place in Indianapolis that a few of our friends have used. They've been very responsive. We would have to pay a little more since we are 90 minutes from them, so outside their normal service area, but hey- at this point good customer service is worth the extra $$. Stay tuned to this saga to see if/when we end up with a plan lol. Are you getting in- or above-ground? All the houses I'll be looking at will be getting a "how in-ground friendly is it" assessment. Not gonna put one in any time soon but down the road. I think it's the Cali woman in me. Ideally, we would be getting an inground, but we can't justify $45,000 right now. So, we are looking at the recessed above grounds. The flighty pool guy can completely recess a rectangle above ground and concrete around it, so that it looks JUST LIKE an inground for $16,000-$20,000 depending on what size we pick. Still high, but we are learning that "pools ain't cheap". If we just did a standard above ground, we would save the most money. I was just spoiled as a kid with an inground pool, so it's hard to shift to an above ground idea. #firstworldproblems
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 29, 2020 11:16:44 GMT -5
Speaking of brokers, ours says we should close on our refi in a week-ish, so that is very exciting. I already re-eval our budget in June every year, but I'll have to make a few adjustments for the new mortgage payment and the new HELOC. They paid off our old HELOC (from adding on to the house) and opened a new one for us with an amazing 1% intro rate for a year + no closing costs. It's about $2,000 less, but that's okay. It's nice to have if needed.
Part of the plan for our cash out refi is to have a pool installed. True to our luck with hiring contractors, we are pulling our hair out trying to get people to respond. I know COVID is partly to blame, but come on, it's an email/text. One pool guy said he would come 2 weeks ago, never showed/never heard from him. Then he reappeared in our inbox and said how about last Friday? Okay. Never showed. H texted him and was like "are you planning to come?" He responded with how about tomorrow (last Saturday). H agreed only because this is one of the only companies that can install what we are wanting. He did finally show, took a few days longer than he said to get us the quote, and the quote was WAY higher than what he had originally ballparked us. So, now we don't know what to do. H contacted a pool place in Indianapolis that a few of our friends have used. They've been very responsive. We would have to pay a little more since we are 90 minutes from them, so outside their normal service area, but hey- at this point good customer service is worth the extra $$. Stay tuned to this saga to see if/when we end up with a plan lol.
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 29, 2020 11:11:34 GMT -5
I reached out this morning to the mortgage broker I've used the past few times. I said I had some questions about how to best line myself up for a move later this year. I'll outline some of the same questions I've asked here, about the repayment vs savings and having cash on hand for DP. will report back after I have that conversation! Great idea! Can't wait to hear what the broker says.
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 28, 2020 13:34:12 GMT -5
2020 Savings | START | CURRENT | GOAL | STILL NEED | Emergency Fund | $1,000.00 | $2,000.00 | $2,000.00 | GOAL MET 5/28/20 | DS1's Savings | $1,960.29 | $2,061.29 | $2,200.00 | $138.71 | DS1's Savings | $734.55 | $835.11 | $850.00 | $14.89 | TOTALS | $3,694.84 | $4,896.40 | $5,050.00 | $153.60 |
NikiZ628 5/28/20 $4,896.40 (Goal $5,050.00 WIRS2)
Hit my first EF goal for 2020! I am re-evaluating our budget for the rest of the year (like I do in June each year) and will determine the next goal for the EF then.
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Post by nikiz628 on May 28, 2020 11:55:40 GMT -5
UPDATE: Race #4 5/28/2020RACE #4 | INTEREST RATE | STARTING BALANCE | LAST UPDATE | THIS UPDATE | DIFFERENCE | Truck Loan | 4.8% | $24.945.53 | $22,341.23 | $22,044.43 | -296.80 |
NikiZ628(4) 5/28/2020 $22,044.43 (6/26/19 $25,195 WIRR197)
Total Paid in 2020: $1,781.90 Total Amount Paid Off: $3,150.57
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 28, 2020 11:19:45 GMT -5
CCL- the floors and the nightstand are gorgeous! I love giving furniture makeovers! That turned out very well! Iggy aka IG- Oh girl, that's a lot to handle in one day. If I were you, I would purposely mismatch all his socks for awhile. In all seriousness, I am glad you recognize the overload and have found ways to modify your day to lighten your load.
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Post by nikiz628 on May 25, 2020 22:10:01 GMT -5
I got all the stuff planted that I could (I ran out of potting soil). I need to get 1 or 2 more bags and I should be good to go.
I set up a decluttering sale FB group this weekend. My goal is to start listing all the stuff piled in my garage for sale (lots of clothes, random household items). I don't want to do anymore yard sales because they are exhausting. My mom, sister, and I usually hold a big sale once a summer but its gotten less and less profitable for us over the last few years. I chalk a lot of it up to me selling off all my "hot ticket" items and mostly having clothing left.
I also want to sit down and do some "decluttering" on our budget and finances this week too. It's somehow almost HALFWAY through 2020 now, so it's a good time for a quick re-eval.
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Post by nikiz628 on May 24, 2020 20:57:34 GMT -5
It has rained here all week, so our grass got a little out of hand in the yard. I finally got out there today to mow it, even though the real feel was 95. Of course, a storm started to move in as I was mowing so while I was thankful for it to cool off quickly, I had to stop 3/4 through because of rain. At least I was able to finish it afterwards, so now we just need to weedeat tomorrow.
I'd also like to get some veggie starts moved out to our container garden tomorrow. And finish planting the last of the flowers a friend of mine gave me (she ran out of room to plant them). Always game for free plants!
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 24, 2020 14:36:37 GMT -5
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Post by nikiz628 on May 23, 2020 12:36:24 GMT -5
These two PhD's researched all things about raising babies and decided they could put him on a schedule. I don't think they have figured out quite yet that they are on his schedule. Ohhh those first time parents. Thinking they know better. 🤣
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Post by nikiz628 on May 21, 2020 11:18:54 GMT -5
I’m planning to venture out today for a grocery trip. We are still good on tp, so if I can’t find that it won’t be the end of the world. We could use a restock on PT, but who knows if I’ll find them. I’m mainly interested in stocking up on meat, as the prices keep climbing. Meijer still has a 2 pack limit on a lot of the “hot items”.
Honestly, I’m just really looking forward to some solo time. I haven’t had any since my last grocery trip 2 weeks ago. Mama is getting frazzled 🤪.
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 21, 2020 10:57:46 GMT -5
Had a small "well, crap!" moment today. Was going through my bank website and saw a charge on the AmEx. Turns out, I had one of my chewy.com autoships aligned with the wrong CC. Paid the balance on the AmEx and then deleted that card off my chewy.com. On the flipside, my Imperfect Foods order didn't come with everything I wanted so that pending amount will be less when it solidifies. In other news, Indiana opens up further on Sunday. That includes gyms. I may just have to go take a look in another week or so. I sat through the governors briefing yesterday to hear about youth sports. Illinois canceled all of them but apparently Indiana can start them up this weekend (minus contact sports like football and lacrosse). It doesn’t really matter because our Little league decided last weekend to cancel the season. It stinks but I’m kinda looking forward to a summer of no obligations outside the house.
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 19, 2020 15:43:43 GMT -5
UPDATE: Race #2 5/19/2020
Race #2 | INTEREST | ORIGINAL | LAST UDPATE | THIS UPDATE | DIFFERENCE | Auto Loan (SUV) | 4.00% | $32,991.93 | $10,418.85 | $10,030.82 | -388.03 |
NikiZ628 (2): 5/19/20 $10,030.82(3/26/18 $32,991.93)
Total Paid in 2020: $1,915.28 Total Paid Overall: $22,961.11*My goal for 2020 is to get this loan under $7,500..... SO close to dropping under $10,000! NEXT MONTH!!!!!
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 19, 2020 14:31:08 GMT -5
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Post by nikiz628 on May 18, 2020 14:13:13 GMT -5
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Post by nikiz628 on May 17, 2020 20:15:11 GMT -5
I managed to keep my house in pretty good shape this week after my 3 day cleaning spree last weekend for the appraisal. It made my usual Sunday cleaning day much quicker.
Last weekend, we repainted our atrocious deck out back. It was meant to be a bandaid for the appraisal but I am actually REALLY loving it. I repainted two of our old swivel chairs and caught new cushions on clearance for them. I repainted our makeshift firepit table too. Added on a couple decorative items and my backyard deck no longer gives me anxiety! We are planning to put a roof over it this summer, because we have ZERO shade. It will be so nice when that is finished up.
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 17, 2020 20:11:50 GMT -5
nidena- She is very lucky to have someone as knowledgeable re: finances as you are to reach out to.
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Post by nikiz628 on May 17, 2020 20:08:38 GMT -5
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Post by nikiz628 on May 17, 2020 20:07:57 GMT -5
I expect the kitchen to be spotless by the time the show is over
Since you DO generally maintain your kitchen well, how about using the inspiration from Hoarders to tackle something else?!
I do usually get to a couple of areas during a hoarders episode. If they show the kitchen being horrible nasty - I jump up and do a few minutes in the kitchen. Disgusting bathroom - I go there for a few small chores. And - is it just me? My kitchen is usually taken to spotless about 2 or 3 times a week, sometimes less. But it can go from spotless to disaster in just 1 or more days of inattention. There were only 5 episodes this season, so I only do 1 per day at most. Sometimes will take 2 days to get through an episode. Yup. And it doesn't help that we don't have a very "large" kitchen, so even a bit of counter clutter is like a bomb went off.
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Post by nikiz628 on May 16, 2020 16:53:17 GMT -5
My degree is also in Business, concentration Marketing. I find that I actually use it quite often. Working in retail, I'm constantly thinking: How can we best present the product so that folks buy a poop-ton? Or, in the case of the non-profit with which I volunteer: Is the website as user-friendly as it could be. You might be using your degree all the time without realizing it. You’re probably right. I do a lot of volunteer work (PTO, Little League board, etc). I’m in charge of PR for our Little League (and I am secretary so always designing flyers) so I’m always “marketing” our league. I handle social media for our PTO and LL as well. Thanks for pointing that out. ❤️
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on May 16, 2020 13:11:44 GMT -5
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Post by nikiz628 on May 15, 2020 19:28:08 GMT -5
We got our appraisal report back. All the cleaning and staging was worth it! (I know that's what it's not based on but dangit, I spent 3 days getting this place perfect haha). We added $34,000 to our home value with all of our renovations. We only spent about $23,000 so we definitely came out ahead!
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Post by nikiz628 on May 14, 2020 19:32:39 GMT -5
idlechatter- Kudos to you for applying! I am sure that was tough!
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Post by nikiz628 on May 14, 2020 19:30:28 GMT -5
In other news, our cleaner came back today for the first time in 9 weeks! The house looks great! DH and I have been keeping up with it, but frankly she does a better job. Since she has been paid 100% of her salary for the entire time, she insisted on staying an extra 2 hours to do the entire house. (I will give her extra, we pay her at the end of the month.) Yay for a super clean house!
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Post by nikiz628 on May 13, 2020 14:35:38 GMT -5
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Post by nikiz628 on May 13, 2020 11:51:59 GMT -5
Ok, credit card info gathered and I am ready to post the numbers. Race #5Race #5 (CC Debt) | Interest Rate | Starting Balance | Citi Best Buy | 0% Promos Only | $1803.93 | Discover | 0% until 1/9/21 | $6,501.76 | Cap. One Quicksilver | 22.99% | $4,200.00 | Menards Store Card | 26.49% | $2,252.61 | Total: |
| $14,758.30 |
NikiZ628 (5): 5/13/2020 $14,758.30 (5/13/20 $14,758.30 WIRR 227)
It's definitely more than I thought before adding it up. Funny how that happens. Obviously my goals are to knock out those ridiculous interest rate cards first. And then tackle the Discover card before the promotional period expires. The Best Buy card is only used if we can get the X amount of months interest free. I have the list of promo expiration dates so that I make sure each promo purchase is paid off before expiring.
So that's my pay off plan at the moment. Here we go...
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