Another Expense Dropping

Our gas company has informed us we have a credit on our account. We've been paying $108 a month on a budget billing plan. Some time last year, I was aware that we were paying way under what we used so I sent in extra so as to keep the monthly amount from going up. That combined with lower usage resulted in a credit of $224.45. They have also lowered our budget billing amount to $73. 

I think that means for the next three months I won't even have a bill or money pulled from our checking account. The new monthly amount saves us $35 a month, plus we don't have to shell out $224 from future income over the next three months. I guess it's possible the credit won't last three months if bills are higher than the $73 budget billing amount. Either way we are ahead on the bills, and that is always a good thing!

I restarted this blog and tracking because I was getting overwhelmed with what felt like increasing expenses. I was so focused on money going out, what we didn't have and how tight things felt. I have refocused to see the money wins and at feels like they just keep coming in! 

I hope you find your money wins. Thanks for reading about ours!

November Snowflakes

I'm just getting back into the swing of tracking and posting my money wins on this blog. Years ago money I found to throw at debt, I referred to as snowflakes. Today, I look back at November to see what found was found. I will list the incoming money wins like I used to, not sure if I will tally forward or not at this point, I guess if I do I will start in 2024. 

Ebay sale $57.08

Sling TV reward $10

Chase rewards $14.86

US Bank rewards $44.70

USAA rewards $31.99

American Express $56.98

ATM rebates $7

USAA interest $0.11

FNBO interest $142.64

NFCU interest $62.55

Total $427.91

Not bad at all! Grateful for higher interest rates on savings while we can get them. 

One update to my last post about the great dishwasher deal. There were three items that had to be purchased and sent with the installer when it was delivered. Turns out we didn't need two of them. I returned them for $33.35. Our net out of pocket for this dishwasher is now $75.23! I have used it a few times and it was worth every penny!

In other news, our youngest daughter accepted her first full time job, post college and is moving out (and away) later this month. While we will miss seeing her daily, I'm looking forward to her being financially self supporting. At minimum this will free up $300 in expenses, but likely more as we take her off our auto insurance, and no longer buy groceries to feed her. Is it okay to happy dance about this?! 

November was a good month of snowflakes and good financial news. How was November for you financially? 

The Four Walls

I know many of you reading are regulars and for the most part I think you are all still employed. However, if there is anyone out there who has lost their employment, or has reduced hours I want you to know about the four walls that can keep you fed and in your home for as long as possible.

The Four Walls is part of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. There are six additional baby steps, but first you must take care of your four walls before you pay anyone else.

These four walls are:

1) Food, you must use any money you have to first provide food for you and your family each time you are paid, or receive money.

2) Utilities, you want to pay your electricity, gas and water bills, so these basic services are not turned off. Television subscriptions and internet service are not considered must have utilities. If you are behind in making payments you should attempt to get caught up if possible. At a minimum be speaking with the utility service to make sure you are meeting the minimum payments that will keep services going. They may be able to work with you on a payment plan.

3) Rent or Mortgage, you want to continue making payments in full if possible to make sure you are not evicted or foreclosed on. Catch up if possible, but also contact landlord or mortgage company to see what options are available to you. They need to know that you have had reduced hours or are now unemployed. Generally, the more honest you are the better.

4) Transportation, fuel to put in your car, the car payment and insurance. You would much rather have a default judgement on your credit card than have your transportation repossessed and you cannot get to work. You may have to at some point make sure your vehicle(s) are not more than you can afford.

This is not all encompassing for every situation, but it's a place to start when you are in overwhelm with your bills. Unemployment is hard. You may have to try other types of jobs, find a side hustle, sell some of your belongings, but make these happen first. All other debt can be handled once you get a handle on these most basic necessities.

And you can get more information about Dave Ramsey's and his financial advice by doing a search online, there's a website, books, a radio show and YouTube clips of his show. I'm cheering for you!

Is anyone in this situation or know anyone who is? What questions do you have? What advice would you give?