Well, I sure caused a ruckus. The rent was late, but what else is new. I have yet to master the timing of my bills and my money. As a result, I find myself robbing Peter to pay Paul. As a result, I am constantly overdrawn and chasing my own ass. This month was especially bad, because not only did I have a late fee of $165.50, but if I didn't pay the rent by the 13th I'd have an additional $500 fine and be threatened with eviction.
So, I did what I always do. I asked my brother for help, and as usual he was livid. He calls April instead of me. Long story short, he sent the money for the rent, so I didn't have the extra $500 fine. I also got a lecture of how I am irresponsible, blah blah. I started to protest, but I didn't. Why poke the bear as it were?
So, then the 3 of us had this meeting about finances and my budget. I get approximately $1200 biweekly from Delta, and my disability check. Adding it all up and comparing my monthly expenses, I have plenty of money to cover my bills including the rent. My problem, is I wasn't making the rent the first priority. So, we've decided to pay the rent with my disability check. The rest of my bills are paid with my Delta money. That way, our rent is paid in advance of the 1st, and everything else just gets paid when I get paid.
I also got a chance to explain all of my expenses, including the loans I got to buy the living room furniture. That means I get another $100 from April and Erica. That will help pay for the furniture. Erica is also going to give me money for gas, and she is going to pay for Kyber's groomer. I usually put $50 of gas in the car per month. $25 every 2 weeks. We don't go anywhere, plus I fill the tank when it gets to half.
Now, if I could just figure out the food thing. I may try Factor. If I spend $80 every 2 weeks on food, that's $160 and I budgeted for $175. I have to either get a Dash Pass or stop getting take out. I really don't like to cook that much. If I cook something, I have a tendency not to want it. Besides, I have to work until 8 PM, so I need something quick to eat so I can go to bed at a good hour.
I'm still in charge of animal care. I don't mind. They are healthy, so they don't go to the vet that often. I had to drop their insurance because I could afford it. Pet insurance is expensive and with 3 animals it's just outrageous.
I now owe my brother $2900. I am going to pay him back if it kills me. I know he gets mad at me, but I'm determined to make it right. I feel very guilty when I call him. But he should realize that he is my last resort. I don't call him lightly. I try to work things out on my own before asking anyone for anything. Hopefully, if I can pay him back this amount, he will realize that I'm trying. Of course, I'm paying him back a little at a time. Next week will be around $250, after that, I'm hoping to pay him $500 monthly until it's paid off.
In the meantime, I'm also trying to save for a new car, a house and a vacation. It's a tall order I know, but I think I can do it. I just can't call out sick anymore and God forbid I cannot go on disability for anything.
Well, I guess that's all for now. It's 3 AM, and I have yet to get any sleep. I am going to try to get some rest. All this dancing around dodging financial bullets make a girl tired.
Peace, Joy, Love - B
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