New Year off to a good start

Long time no post. There wasn't much change toward the end of last year, but this year is already rocking and rolling.

I got a new job, with a significant salary increase. I'm keeping my monthly spending basically the same and applying all the rest to my credit card debt.

Besides the new job, which was New Year's Resolution #1, I also resolved to take better care of my finances this year. No more stupid late fees. I've updated all my automated bill payments and savings transfers.

I purchased the materials to fix the window treatment in my condo & I identified a closet solution for less than $50. Now I just have to find a stove for less than $500. I'm thinking I should be able to make the move in September. *crosses fingers*

I've decided to cash out my 403b from the old job. I know, I know - retirement savings are sacred. The thing is, I hadn't put away all that much, and between a higher salary (with match) and employer contribution, I'll have the whole thing replaced by fall. Plus I can do a lot with that money right now.

I'm going to apply again to the credit union this summer. Things are looking much better than last year. I should have Capital One paid off by the end of May & then I'm closing that one. I'm keeping HSBC open until I have another usable card - hopefully from COFCU.

I may need to buy a laptop sooner than I had planned - so I'm hoping I don't owe income tax. And I hope my property tax is lower than what I saved. Then there's the tax rebate.

The only negative so far this year is that I missed a payment to Bank of America (MBNA) because the automated withdrawal order expired. There doesn't seem to be a late fee attached, and I'm doubling this month to catch up. So it shouldn't be too bad.

The biggest thing will be keeping track of my spending to make sure my variable amounts don't go over budget.

Whew.