I worry it sounds bad to have my after Christmas wrap up be all about the money, but I share my feelings all over the internet (so you know I’m deep) and this is a blog about personal finance. Plus, I think money and materialism is a part of Christmas, so it would be silly to ignore it.
I didn’t post earlier about Christmas shopping, because I don’t have a whole lot to say on the topic and I didn’t buy anything until the 19th. My goal was to spend as little on gifts as possible. No one in my family knows I’m in debt (other than my school loans, of course), but I’ve been playing the poor grad student card for years already.
I try to exchange gifts with as few people as possible, but some just insist on presents and when they buy me something, then it’s only appropriate to reciprocate. My sister is one of those people who never listens, even though we always exchange gifts with little or no meaning. I bought presents for my mom, dad, step-dad, brother, sister, and two nieces. For everyone else, who I would buy gifts for if I had the money, I tried to write a thoughtful note in a card. Unfortunately, I’m not crafty and baking isn’t really my thing, so writing a nice note is about all I can do. Total, I spent about $150 on gifts.
My birthday was the 22nd. (Pay day was the 23rd.) Christmas was the 25th. My parents are divorced, so I get gifts from both. They usually give money. My dad is particularly generous. So, after all is said and done, I am able to put $500 of my own money and another $1000 from Birthday/Christmas toward my credit card. WHICH. MEANS. I. CAN. PAY. IT. OFF.
That’s right, I have the money to pay off my first card. That snow ball is a-rolling!
I made the money transfer as soon as I could on Saturday and it should go through today. I just can’t wait to see Amount Due: $0.00
{ 9 comments }
Holy crap. I am so jealous but also, so impressed… that’s awesome!
You’re gonna be done in no time!
That’s such exciting news! I got a new offer from my bank to get a new credit card that would give me a chance to transfer all my current credit card debt to one card with 0% interest for 9 months, then a much lower interest rate for one of my cards. I’m thinking of going for it and I can’t wait to have that same feeling…
Well done on paying off your first card. I guess you still have a way to go with the other ones, but it must feel good to be making progress. Keep at it!
Congrats!!! That is certainly the best gift you can give yourself!
Well done, young woman. It always feels good to get to zero. I too have been recently stung by the christmas season, but I’m ashamed to admit that most of my spending was on myself. I can’t help it, those sales are just so tempting!
Now we get to play the fun game of when will my next paycheck arrive. With the boss out of town for who-knows-how-long, it may be interesting to get approval for my hours.
Awesome, awesome job, Ashley! I am still so impressed with how quickly you are paying down your debt! Keep it up!
Good work! That’s so awesome! Congrats!
YAY! Congrats – I’m sure that feels so so great.
Wow, you’re doing great!! It does feel good, doesn’t it?!
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