We finally got our raises at work. Mine was $3.85 per hour higher and I am so happy! The raises were effective July 31, 2017 so on this paycheck, they retroactively lumped what they owed in the paycheck so I have a huge chunk. I plan to apply half that lump to my EF so I will be halfway to my annual goal. From what is left, I plan to divide into payment towards my CC debt and also to beef up my sinking funds.
Finally! A Raise!
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0% CC transfers always make me nervous because it has a component of risk. If life throws a nasty challenge, you get a punishing interest rate if you miss the end date. If you know your 'scorched earth', bare bones budget [mortgage, escrow, heat/light/water/trash, basic cable/internet, phone, food, loan, vehicle operation/maintenance/insurance] times 3 is a good EF goal.
I hope you'll take action to work out rough figures for income tax for any anticipated rebate.
Use some of any tax rebate to push the EF goal forward. I suggest a combination of 'pay yourself 1st' savings, + a % of retro pay raise + the majority of any tax rebate to help with CC pay down as quickly as possible. For example, I'd contribute to any employer retirement program to capture any matching funds but throw anything extra that comes to hand against the CCs as sums become available. I hope you'll re-examine every line item in your budget and carefully consider each expenditure. I found an amazing change in spending habits when I spent only cash for an entire month, just like the research says!
If you list February spending, these knowledgeable people can likely make a few suggestions to help find 'leaks.'
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