Surprise!

I totally forgot that I had made an additional payment to store credit card #2 at the beginning of the month when I was paying my bills online.

What happened:

I had gone online to the store's website to make a payment because I was concerned that my online payment through my bank wouldn't make it on time (due on the 4th of the month). Last month, I got dinged with a $25 late fee for paying via my bank on the 1st - it did process in time. So, I paid the minimum online via the credit card's website . . . then went ahead with a $100 payment via online banking . . . and then for some reason I forgot I paid it and threw another $30 at the bill. When I checked the credit card's statement online yesterday, the smaller payments had hit but not the $100. Today, I checked my online bank statement and saw the posting for all three payments and promptly rushed back to the store credit card's website to recheck my statement. It turned out, I had paid the bill off entirely!! Actually, I have a credit now of $13.

So - let's update the figures!

Store Credit Card #1 is PAID OFF!!!

Store Credit Card #2 is: PAID OFF!!! HAPPY DANCE!!!!

Visa Balance: $153.46

Master Card Balance: $275.87 (just verified today this is the correct number)

Total credit card debt is now: $429.33

I've paid off a total of $759.80.

Wow, I can't believe that I have now two fully paid off credit cards and two others that are well on their way to being paid off. It feels GOOD.

After I posted yesterday about wanting to kick my daily Starbucks habit I also did some reflecting about my recent lunch eating habits. Lately, I've been eating out for lunch almost every day of the week. This not only has been unhealthful but expensive (at about $6-8/day).

After work last night, I went to Trader Joe's for the first time in awhile. They have really great inexpensive microwavable lunch options like bean and rice burritos, noodle bowls, and pre sliced fruit. I spent about $30 but stocked up on food for lunch for the rest of the week AND got dinner items as well. I also bought some chai latte powder mix which I tried this morning - it was delicious! I have a cute travel mug (from Starbucks) that I used and didn't miss the coffee at all. I also bought some bran apple muffins for breakfast - I didn't try one today but I will tomorrow for sure.

The confusion on my Store Credit Card #2 payments made for a happy ending but also makes me think that I really need to get serious about getting organized about my budget and my bill paying. A few months ago I posted about putting together a budget . . . and I've used Quicken in the past to track expenses and balance my check book . . . but I've never been able to stick with it. I realize that I need to make an effort toward making that a positive habit.

At any rate, I'm definietly stoked about the progress I've been making - slowly, quietly - and it feels SO good to know that in two months I'll be credit card debt free and ready to tackle the bad stuff on my credit report.