April Recap

A lot has been going on this month! Where do I start? Where do I begin?

Added $15,000 to my Emergency Fund

I think it’s a lot easier to focus on one big financial goal at a time (I’ll probably contradict myself in a second). Because I paid off my non-mortgage debt last year, I am now able to put a lot more money toward my account that is only for emergencies. Real emergencies. Less debt means that I’m able to make more decisions with my money. I am in a MUCH better position with my emergency fund and finances overall than I was two years ago (government shutdown anyone?). That’s another story for another day. LOL

So, What’s Up with May?

May is a no shopping month! Besides bills, contributions, special events, and emergencies, I’m really trying to curb my spending for the month. As I’ve said before, buying food is where a lot of my money goes. It’s way more convenient to go pick up a rice bowl rather than cook or meal prep after work. And, sometimes, it gives me a reason to get out of the house when I’ve been teleworking all day.

New Goals for the Year?

  • Maxing out my TSP - This year will be the first year that I will max out my Thrift Savings Plan contributions ($19,500)! I used to think that this was nearly impossible when people would tell me, “This is what you need to do.” Like, how?! I keep going back to it, but eliminating my non-mortgage debt has given me so many options and shifted my mentality even more. It’s a great feeling.

  • Knocking $5,000 off my mortgage principal - I want to have the mortgage on my house paid off within the next 5.5 years. I think I can do it in a shorter length of time, but that will require some planning. Sometimes, it’s hard to fathom paying off six-figure debt in less than a decade, but it can be done. I’ve seen it happen!

IG Lives

If you don’t know by now, I’ve been hosting Instagram Lives over the past few months. I’ve featured several guests and led discussions related to personal finance, as well as other general topics. Make sure you join me for my next one that is coming soon!

And, there you have it. Let’s see what May has to offer!