So I’ve been doing “mostly” good this year on my 2009 resolutions, (considering I was unemployed for 6 months) but I’ve got $7998 left on my 0% APR transfer before Advanta kicks my APR up to 16.99% come January 1, 2010. Yeah, seriously.
We just eliminated the $2500 American Express debt that my boyfriend had, which also gave us $26 per month back in minimum payments. Yeah, whooptee, I know. But the Advanta $200 minimum monthly payment would create lots more wiggle room in our monthly budget. Even without adding anything extra, I could take that and add it to the $187 minimum monthly payment we’re currently paying on the boat. But adding extra thanks to getting my FAT paycheck back, and the snowball becomes and AVALANCHE!
I’m getting ahead of myself though. Goal #1 for the rest of this year is to pay off that puppy by New Years Eve. I’ve got a large amount of cash sitting in my checking account right now, but it’s been seriously depleted by the fact that I had to front all of the expenses for a business trip to the east coast last week, as well as making the house, etc payments until I get my first check on November 13th.
But when I do get paid… it will be a really FAT paycheck! This will include 3 weeks of work, plus about $1300 in reimbursable expenses from that business trip. Minus approx $90 for health, dental, and extra life insurance for me and the honey, it should be seriously eye-popping!
So, I’m betting that I can kick this pig by the time the ball drops on Times Square, but I will tap into my $2000 Emergency Fund, if need be, to put me over the top by New Years. Cause 16.99%? Are they CRAZY?