I paid off my car today! I'm excited to conquer another debt. I will continue to put the money I paid each month on my car into my savings to be used for household maintenance. The laundry list is long. One step at a time.

Another e-bay sale $48.00. 98% of the items listed were free to me.

$200 saving in coupons and retail vs sale prices. I'm running a tally every month to deposit into my savings.

$65 doing a project myself instead of hiring someone to do it for me. I took a good look at the problem and discovered I could fix it myself.

2014 is my biggest challenge. All of my extra income and savings will go to the principal on my mortgage. A lump sum will be paid yearly(easier to track payoff amount and date).

My car will be paid off in 9 months. Looking forward to that payment going to the mortgage as well.

I received a speeding ticket a few weeks ago. I passed another vehicle that was moving at a snails pace. I was on my way to work thinking I would be late if I stayed behind this person. My employer is very firm about punctuality. It's ridiculous. One person is late and everyone is verbally scolded for it.

I am guilty and should have known better. I have no idea how much it's going to cost but I hear the fine along with traffic school could cost over $300!

I had jury duty for three days last week. My employer does not pay so I used two vacation days and one day will be unpaid (boo). I firmly believe if we are expected to do our civil duty, we should receive full compensation.

At least my week ended on a positive note...I had dinner with friends and the food/company/conversation was fabulous.

I listed 6 items this week on e-bay and they all sold! My net profit after ebay/paypal fees is $104.62. The best part...I received these items for free. Not too shabby I will deposit the money next month into my Roth IRA.

YAY!

The bathroom project is finally finished! YAY!
The figures are:
Primer 18.97
Paint: FREE (thank you SG)
Mirror 34.99
Light fixture 79.28
Switchplate x (2) 6.99
Caulking 6.98
Toilet Seat 30.00
Labor: 300.00
Total Cost: $477.91 and worth every penny!

It was an exhausting weekend. The plumber pulled the toilet, the tile man fixed broken tile, my handyman/painter was sealing cracks/patching walls, priming, painting, installing new light fixture the entire weekend.

I've painted the interior of my home numerous times.
It was nice to have someone else do a room for a change. I also appreciate the attention to detail. I estimated $1000-1500 for both kitchen and bath projects. The total for both is $797.94. If I add the unexpected expense for the exterminator ($350) the grand total is $1,147.94.

I'm feeling overwhelmed with the outflow of cash lately. I also paid my homeowners insurance and my car insurance is due in a few days.

I also have visitors coming in for a few weeks in March. If anyone can tell me where the money tree is located, I'd greatly appreciate it

Technically I'm overbudget in cash by $20. I need to use the money I earned babysitting to get by this month. I really wanted to use it towards my OH NO fund.
CVS Bonus bucks: $2
TJ's gift card: $20

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I've come to the realization, my income does not support home ownership (at least not the home I currently occupy). I've been a homeowner for 12 years. I've lived in my current home 8 years. There are so many things that need attention. I don't have the funds to handle.
Windows - original wood from 1930's. They are badly damaged and need replacing.
Paint - The exterior of my home has peeling paint, rotting wood, and windowsills. It needs repair and paint.
Sprinklers - Need to be repaired, reworked. They are a mess.
Garage - floods during heavy downpours. Needs drywall and who knows what else to stop the flooding.

I refinanced the first year of ownership to a 15 year loan. I only have 8 more years before it's paid off.
Do I hang on or bail before the ship sinks? I'm meeting with my accountant in March and will speak with a Realtor regarding pricing. I know it's a bad market for selling but if I can get a reasonable price, I'll accept. If not, I'll stay put until it recovers in a few years?