Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November Recap

OK--so far, so good for a start to the holiday season.

My total indebtedness has receded by $347.76 to $89,772.44. Not great (though I'm glad to get out of the 90 thousands into the 80's), but I'm not sure it will be even that good for December. Time (and Christmas) will tell.

In the meantime, having three new people living with me has meant increased utility costs but it's so nice to just hand over the bill and have my roommate pay her fair share. How come it never worked that way when my adult children lived here?

It's been easier and nicer than I thought to have my friend and her two children around the house. She cooks meals for her kids and includes me--I had forgotten that Diet Pepsi and nachos do not a meal make. How wonderful to come home to a warm home and a free meal.

Thanksgiving was the usual family madness but somewhat quieter than normal. My sister who lives in New York spent the week with me which is always fun. She comes with a list of restaurants she wants to try. Since it's at her expense, I joined her as much as possible.

We also got up at 5:00 a.m. to hit the local Black Friday half-price "socks and towels" sale. I don't get why people are proud of avoiding Black Friday, but then again, I don't get up at midnight to get the two flat-screen TV's some store is putting out either. Socks and towels are more my speed--no one is going to get killed over either of them.

Forward to Christmas!

14 comments:

Michelle said...

I think you're doing good! My total debt is at around $150,000 and that is my mortgage, student loans and car loan. BLAH!

Beth said...

Enjoyed your update, Grace.

Glad to hear there's an upside to houseguests. Have a wonderful December.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like everything is working out fine. Good for you!

Jane said...

In Canada we don't have the same sales as you do on Black Friday. I might be tempted if there were and I needed something. But then again, I hate crowds and would rather shop when it's less busy. I think some people are just glad they resisted the temptation to spend spend spend, and like me, don't enjoy the chaos. Of course we also work on Black Friday so that complicates things. I did browse the internet on Cyber Monday, but again, the deals are limited in Canada.

Juhli said...

Progress is always good! Keep chipping away at that debt and celebrate (without spending of course) your progress.

Sharon said...

Getting up at 5:00 a.m. to buy socks and towels?? Hmmmm...now I'm starting to wonder about you? :)!!!

Congrats on going under $90K!

Happy December, Grace!

Grace. said...

But Sharon--EVERY sock and EVERY Towel in the store (a fairly large chain department store) was one-half price! How could I resist? I go annually to buy them for Christmas presents, stocking stuffers and, of course, for my household. For my sister and I, it's something of a tradition to be first (or thereabouts) in line at 5:00 a.m.

Hawaii Planner said...

Happy to hear that your houseguests are providing you with nice benefits (like a home cooked meal!) That's fantastic. :-)

Living Almost Large said...

I bought tons for black friday mostly deals after the electronics rush. Love it.

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Anonymous said...

Your doing pretty well on your retirement. Just keep on pushing out those debts and before you know it, you're debt free! I also bought socks for myself because they were on sale last black friday. :)

Lisa said...

I do avoid Black Friday.... but it is because I like to sleep in. :)

Congrats on lowering your debt!!

Have a great December!

Workingboomer said...

You go girl! Tell is like it is! Great blog!

Oren said...

To me, it is less important how much your debt goes down, and more important that it is going down. If you keep to it, you will get there.

You might want to think about getting the citi dividend credit card if you don't already have it for holiday shopping. It won't help you shop less but at least you'll get 5% back in electronics, clothing stores, department stores, and toy stores.