January Debt Payoff Update: Progress, Budgeting Wins, and Financial Goals
January was a solid month for my financial journey.
I was able to cover my bills, pay off over $500 in debt, and invest in some furniture for my apartment. AND SAVE!
While I will no longer be breaking down every single expense (because it is a lot of work and a little more personal that I care to share), I do want to highlight my progress and goals for the year ahead.
Y’all know where I started.
Tackling Debt: The $30,000 Goal
One of my biggest financial goals for this year, leading up to my 33rd birthday, is to pay off $30,000 worth of debt. Since my birthday , I’ve already paid off around $1,500, which is a strong start…but I still have a long way to go.
Debt payoff is never easy, but sticking to a budget over the past few months has made a huge difference. I’ve had to prioritize, make sacrifices, and be intentional with where my money goes. But now that I’ve built some momentum, I can focus on maximizing my income and staying disciplined with my spending.
Budgeting Wins: Staying on Track
One of the biggest takeaways from January was that sticking to my budget works. It has been no where near perfect, but I’ve been able to balance debt repayment, living expenses, and even some small quality-of-life spending.
By continuing to track my spending, prioritize debt payoff, and avoid unnecessary expenses, I can keep this momentum going. February is another chance to refine my strategy and push even closer to my long-term financial freedom.
Looking Ahead: Focusing on My Craft
With a more stable financial foundation, I can now shift some of my focus to honing my craft at work. My income plays a crucial role in my debt payoff plan, and improving my skills will only open up more opportunities. As I continue to pay off debt and stay on budget, I want to explore ways to increase my earning potential.
Final Thoughts
January was a step in the right direction. While the road ahead is still long, I am m proud of the progress I’ve made so far.
If you’re also on a debt-free journey, how did your January go? What strategies are working for you? Let’s keep each other accountable!
little boop #558: Recording
I keep telling myself to record my yoga and upload it to youtube, but I really have no interest in editing the videos.
little boop #557: content
I know I probably say this like once a week, but I truly love my apartment.
The Dangerous DEI Scapegoating: Trump’s False Narrative on the American Airlines and Black Hawk Collision
On January 30, 2025, a tragedy occurred when an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this heartbreaking event.
In times like these, our focus SHOULD be on mourning, supporting those impacted, and ensuring that we learn from the incident to prevent future tragedies.
But nah
Your president Donald Trump, (from here on out will be referred to as 47) has once again used a tragedy to push a harmful and misleading narratives this time blaming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the crash. This is not only factually incorrect, but it is an incredibly dangerous claim to make.
Suggesting otherwise is just wild to me.
47 made it clear that one of his first executive orders will be to eliminate all DEI initiatives.
Did that on day 2.
Let’s be clear: DEI has absolutely nothing to do with this accident. DEI initiatives existed (because you know that Executive Order was signed on day 2) to ensure that workplaces, including the military and aviation industries, foster diverse and inclusive environments while upholding the highest professional standards. These efforts do not compromise safety nor do they hinder performance; in fact, they enhance them by bringing in the best talent from all backgrounds.
It tracks that he would use this to justify his signing the Executive Order. Even if it makes no sense.
As part of the 92%, I find this deeply concerning. It signals a future where people of color, women, and other marginalized groups will face even more barriers to employment and advancement than we experience now.
The idea that diversity equates to incompetence is not only offensive but rooted in a long history of bull shit. That exclusionary thinking that has kept talented individuals from opportunities they rightfully deserve.
The next four years are going to be wild, to say the least. We are watching history repeat itself in real time, with attacks on diversity efforts intensifying.
The real danger lies in misinformation, fear-mongering, and policies designed to turn back progress.
We have to keep our head on a swivel , continue advocating for what is right , and push back against these harmful narratives.
little boop #556: laundry and dishes
Doing dishes and doing laundry is not the issue. It is the putting them away right away that takes me out. Whew. I will put them away later.
little boop #555: Focus
During the fast, I deleted my social media and some shopping apps. I feel more focused and have so many less distractions. I don’t know if I will redownload some of the apps. I know I will bring back IG and threads for business purposes, but probably nothing else.
little boop #553: weight
My weight goal for 2025 is to get under 200 pounds. Honestly don’t know how much I weigh now, BUT I feel heavy.
little boop #552: Munckin or singapura
After I get my Fiat, I will be getting a itty bitty kitty.
little boop #545: Growth
My hair is growing rather quickly. I am already thinking about if I am going to rock a fro or will I be getting a protective style?
little boop #543: pencil
Because of what Elizabeth said in Lessons in Chemistry I will be exclusively using pencils for a while.
little boop #542: Bulk
Got enough tissue to last me a year. Yes, it is a black owned company.