My Payoff plan - tips?

[uRabbit]

Thanks, papa_squat!

I know the Starbucks is an unneeded expense. And yes, we do get out and have FREE fun. Just take a look at my flickr page! --> Flickr: uRabbit_foto's Photostream <-- Most of those are from last weekend. And that's nothing compared to our 22,000 pictures on our computer. Last weekend, we took a 5 mi walk down one of our city's most historic neighbourhoods.

Starbucks, though. It is our one treat. I believe that when you're paying off debt and living uber-frugal, everyone needs one financial treat. It happens to be Starbucks for us. We don't eat out. We don't go to movies. Etc. It's our one little thing, and it's just how it is! :P Haha. One tall Starbucks (smallest size) once a weekend.

Her parents are unemployed, living at her father's parents'. My parents, even, are in the middle of filing bankruptcy. We do have a friend with a baby about four months older than ours. I told my wife last night, actually, that we should work something out with her. Nice mind reading!

[uRabbit]

Since we are going in today to sign that loan to payoff the credit card and refinance our car, I was wondering - What should I do with the card now? I closed my Best Buy card (still waiting for that to go through!), and am thinking of closing this one. However, I know it looks good to have a credit card open. So after I see the payoff for both cards show up on my credit report, what should I do with it?

[uRabbit]

Got that loan taken care of! Woot! $136/mo, 36 mo. Also has the payment protection on it.

[maat55]

[QUOTE]

We have cut down our Starbucks expense. We now get it twice a week, get the smallest size, and the cheaper drinks (like iced full-leaf teas). It used to be anything grande. Ha. And I figured since it is our only entertainment activity, it was excusable.

This screams that you are not serious about debt reduction.

I have looked for part-time jobs to work around my current 9-5 M-F schedule, but unfortunately it is pretty difficult to find such a job. A job in massage would most likely work (but I need to put on $125 for my license), and I could pick up shifts at work, but they would be overnight shifts.

Take the overnite shift until you get your debts paid.

[papa_squat]

I checked out your blog and I do think you are taking debt reduction seriously. Reality checks can be rough, but it's the best way to get the motivation. Keep it going, and learn as much about finances as you can. Dave Ramsey books are a great way to learn, and I'm definitely still learning a lot here.

Glad you hear you're a fan of walks with the family! I love long walks and hiking & biking with my husband. These are great, free ways to entertain and spend time together. Staying positive is the best way to stay motivated. Good luck and keep the good news comin'!

[uRabbit]

We are going to use a free app I got for my phone to go Geocaching this afternoon!

And thank you, papa_squat. We are very serious. Ha! So, yesterday, after signing the loan, I thought, "Oh man! This calls for celebration! STARBUCKS!" But no! Hehe. We did, however, get Starbucks... for FREE! When you purchase Starbucks whole-beans (which we budgeted for), you get a free tall drink when you pay with a registered Starbucks card.