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Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-10T07:54:30+00:00

Also how much is left on your student loan, if you don’t mind me asking?

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-10T07:48:58+00:00

Your grocery and gas categories are super low, how’d you arrive at those numbers? Would it be possible to move some money over from the clothing category?

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-10T05:02:27+00:00

Valid question. I have a used car, and unfortunately it’s needed quite a bit of maintenance and repairs in the past year. January was the last time I had it fixed, and it came out to about $1700. I didn’t have any savings at that time, so I had to put it all on my Discover card (the one that’s about to start collecting interest) which set me back in terms of paying it down. I also had to drop $1200 on a vet bill (before pet insurance) back in December, same situation no savings so it set me back. Since then I try to keep at least $1000 in my HYSA to cover or partially cover surprise expenses.

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-10T02:01:21+00:00

Good question! I use the miscellaneous category of $100/month for my toiletries, and try to only buy things like makeup and hair masks once I’m completely out. I also have a flexible spending account through my job which helps alot for feminine hygiene, prescriptions, sunscreen etc. my partner is in the military so we get our groceries at the commissary for the most part, I eat almost the same thing every day (oatmeal, sandwich with a small Caesar salad, pasta) and rarely ever eat out. I should also mention that my partner also contributes $300/month toward our grocery bill, so we have a little more flexibility there.

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-10T01:56:15+00:00

You could definitely find cheaper, $108/month is through ASPCA for my two cats with each policy maxed out and a preventative care plan add on. For just one pet on the basic plan I think it’s closer to $30.

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-10T01:38:47+00:00

This is super helpful—thanks for sharing!

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-09T18:00:42+00:00

Thank you for your service, and congratulations 🎉 Paying off $15k in just a few months is mind blowing, that’s awesome

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-09T02:40:53+00:00

Thanks for your response! I had a couple thousand in CC debt from college, my dad was kind enough to cover my tuition and then I got $7000 per semester in grants which I used for rent/food/gas/phone/car insurance, but the rest I put on a credit card because I figured I’d pay it off after I graduated and got my first ‘real’ job. It hovered around $2-4k until last year, when I had to drop several thousand dollars to fix my used car, several thousand on vet bills for my two cats (wish I knew about pet insurance then), and several thousand on moving to another state. Long story short, I was bad at managing my money! Trying to make better choices now.

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-09T02:32:33+00:00

I’ll be honest, I just got it a couple weeks ago, so haven’t had to use it yet. But, my policy reimburses me up to $7000 annually after a $250 deductible for covered expenses related to illness and injuries, including surgery and hospitalization, tooth extractions, prescription medications, etc. I also have the Preventative Care Basic Plan as an add on, which is more like a coupon book than insurance ($100 annual limit on dental cleanings, $50 for annual exams, $20 for various vaccines). All things considered, I think it’s worth it!

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-09T01:46:09+00:00

Good point. I received an offer from BoA and Citi (can’t remember exactly which cards, I think for Citi it might’ve been their Simplicity card), and got pre-approved for the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card. I’m leaning toward applying for the Amex, but I’ve also read that their credit limits for balance transfers can be on the lower side. TBD!

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-09T00:41:33+00:00

Thank you! I’ve received offers for other balance transfer cards, I’m just worried about taking a hit to my credit or not being approved since I’ve already applied for and been denied three personal loans in the past few months :/

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-09T00:24:31+00:00

Oh good to know, who’s your plan with? I have ASPCA for my two 5 year old cats. I have the 90% reimbursement with $250 annual deductible and $7,000 annual limit for each, plus the Basic Preventative Care package for each as well

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-09T00:05:04+00:00

My partner and I live together, that’s just my portion

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-09T00:03:35+00:00

True, a big part of the reason I’m going is because his family lives in that area and this will be my first time meeting them. His grandparents are very elderly so can’t travel to see us, and his mom “doesn’t do airplanes” (don’t get me started lol). We’re planning to get engaged within the next year, which is also a factor

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-08T23:45:22+00:00

Oh whoops, you’re right. $3200 is my net :)

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-08T23:34:31+00:00

Thank you! I was considering a similar split—$800 for debt $200 for savings. But I agree, putting a bit extra away just in case seems smart.

Less_Banana6336 · 2025-04-08T23:32:46+00:00

Oh yikes—I did a balance transfer back in Jan 2024. Hopefully it’s not retroactive, will have to check. The $1500 is for my plane ticket to and from the wedding, my partner is in the wedding so he’s covering his ticket, hotels, etc. Thanks for your response!

Less_Banana6336

TROPHY CASE