by Hope
Made an extra $1,500 car payment today! That brings my balance down to $11,437.27.
I wrote that sentence and wished I could just mic drop and walk off.
Every time I get an extra payment I evaluate what I have coming, what my “extra” balance is and determine how much I can put toward debt and still feel safe. Finished a larger project and received payment in full…
$1,500 extra dollars toward my car.
With this extra payment, even if I just stick to my $2,000 per month payment, it will now be paid off in August. It is just getting closer and closer. I will have a 3 year old car, completely paid off.
What this proves to me is that I can save for a car. If it has only taken me 2 years to pay this one off, I can save for another and never find myself car less or better yet, in need of a car loan again. Needless to say, I won’t need to do that for a while, but it is doable. After this one is paid off…it’s time to pay off my student loan. Then I will start a car sinking fund.
Anticipating a Tax Refund
When I first wrote about my goal #3, I forgot about my taxes. I still haven’t filed but I anticipate that I will get a refund. Of course, I have no clue the amount. But that will only serve to expedite paying off this debt as well.
My plan is to sit down and begin working on filing my taxes this next weekend. I really have no idea what to expect since I know there are a lot of changes this year. But I’ve finally gathered everything I think I need and blocked a couple of hours to sit down with it.
Has anyone filed their taxes? Any surprises for you?
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
So exciting! Your progress is fantastic and your writing is so upbeat that I know you’re dancing a bit as you knock this balance down.
Absolutely! Every time I log a payment and watch that final payment amount go lower and date get closer, I get more an more excited. It has been a LONG road!
You are on a roll – that is awesome!!!
Thank you. My eye is on the prize…clear title in my hands!