On the Verge of Vacation

Well, tomorrow I leave for vacation. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I had a real vacation outside the occasional two or three days here or there. I haven't had a week off from work in about seven years, and during that week, I moved from one city to another. It was far from fun or relaxing. Other than that, I think it's been about nine years since I've had a weeklong vacation.

I'm anxious about the money situation. We're going on a cruise, and I'm guessing things on the ship are going to be expensive. I'm afraid I'll go overboard (pardon the pun) while caught up in the excitement of being away. There's nothing I need, but I'm sure I'll come across things I really want. I'm going to try to be as practical as I can without killing my fun.

By the time I get back, it'll nearly be time for July's monthly update. I dread it somewhat because I know that the savings amount has gone down quite a bit. And it may not be over yet. But maybe knowing I have to update here will keep me mindful of my spending over the next 10 days.

So until then, happy budgeting!

Cue the Dance of Joy

I've been a good girl: In the last week, I've arranged to pay back -- from my paycheck and from savings -- my credit card for the items I've charged recently. I hated having to get even more money out of savings, but had I not spent the first savings withdrawal on random things instead of using it to pay for the credit card purchases to begin with, I wouldn't have been in the position I was in. It will feel good to go on vacation knowing that I have that taken care of.

Also, that stupid dress I ordered and returned (see previous post) has already been credited back on my credit card. If only all businesses worked so quickly to process returns ...

Another thing that feels pretty damn good is that my most recent payment on the Little Beast has resulted in a balance of a scant $511 and some change. I can't even put into words how good it feels! And just think, if this feels good, how great is it going to be when I make that last payment in August?!

Shopping Bulimia Strikes Again

A couple posts ago, I detailed the slippery slope I'd started sliding down. One of the items I bought was a little cotton knit dress. It was the color that got me -- this beautiful, rich fuchsia. The color of raspberry sorbet. I could see myself in it, and in my vision, I looked fabulous.

And then it came today. Yeah, not so fabulous. Nope. Not. At. All. It's basically not much more than a long T-shirt, and a flimsy one at that. Any thinner and you'd be able to see through it.

I spent 70 bucks on it, too. That's the worst part of the whole thing.

So tomorrow I have to start the process of doing all the crap one has to go through to send back a package.

When will I learn? Why can't I stop? And what makes me think that these things I order are going to transform me (and thus my life) into whatever it is I think I should be? OK, OK ... that's beyond the scope of a debt blog, but you get my point.

Anyway, the dress is going back.

June 2008 Update

It's that time again. Here are the debt details:

Little Beast: $835.63
Big Beast: $15,955.80

The savings balance is in its usual spot.

While the directions of both the debt and the savings balances are going the right way, they aren't where they should be. And I don't expect things to get back on track until August, as I've mentioned before. I almost feel like not updating the numbers until then, but that wouldn't be right. I mean, I decided to blog the debt so I could track my progress, for good or bad. And that's what I'm going to do.