Somehow March ended up being an expensive month. It doesn't seem like I did anything extravagant, but I also got a haircut, bought some house shoes:
I got my new-to-me bike fixed up, and I rediscovered my love of the Sweet Valley High books, which resulted in buying (me, buying books!?!?) a bunch of ebooks. They just make it so easy! I can buy them right from my chair! I got sucked down a bit of a rabbithole, but I'm still just addicted to those Wakefield twins.
I've also been as aggressive as possible with socking away money in my Roth IRA and putting money toward my stupid student loan debt. I'm pleased to report that not only will I be maxing out my Roth IRA contributions for the first time ever ($5000), but I am also actually (kind of) making progress with the stupid student loans! With the payments I make this week, my balance will go below $100,000 for the first time ever!
So the plan is:
 |
| Thanks for the tip! |
 |
| Just as awesome as when I was 12. |
It feels good, I have to say.
My plan for April is more of the same minus buying slippers and other incidentals. I do need to take a pair of shoes to the cobbler, so that will be an added expense, but since I'm improving something I already own, I don't mind as much.
April is a good month because it seems that spring is almost (finally!) here, which means digging out a wardrobe I haven't worn in quite a while. And it means it's finally biking weather! Since my work is not that far away, I don't spend a ton of money on gas, but it's always nice to spend even less. Plus, my new bike is pretty snazzy:
 |
| Tricked out with lights, a bell and a sweet basket |
--Pay at least $400 toward student loans every month. I'll pay more if I can, but I do also need to prioritize putting money into regular savings, which I haven't been doing as much
--Pay at least $400 toward Roth IRA. This means that I stay on track, and won't need to panic at the end of the year and sink my entire tax return into my Roth.
--Get back on track with regular saving. Saving for retirement is all well and good, but my car won't last forever, and what if I want to buy a house someday!?! Ack!
What are your plans for this month?
