windfalls

From my understanding, when you get a windfall, even if it’s $5, it should go straight to debt. Well, I received $191 in medical reimbursements that I’m having taken out pre-taxed from my paycheck (like a cafeteria plan). Being already behind didn’t lend to lots of extra money. I ended up putting $25 towards my highest interest card that will not be paid off with the tax return. If I can keep doing that… it’ll pay off eventually. But, I feel like I’m not making the headway I should be. Husband and I really need to start focusing on eating at home. That’s one of our biggest problems. I also really wish I could get him to not spend money on little things like DVDs or fish (for example) at least for a few months. That’s $30 more we could have in our account next month or pay toward debt.

Since I’ve previously just posted credit card debt, here’s a layout of our other debt.

husband’s student loan: $13,180.87

husband’s car: $8839.79

my car: $21,702.99

mortgage: $197,801.55

I just did some research regarding my car payments.  When I bought the car I also purchased an extended warranty that was *thought* to be tacked onto the end of the manufacturer’s warranty.  This was not the case… they overlapped, so it was a total waste of money.   I requested to cancel that warranty, and the dealership put the full amount ($1330) toward my principal.  I was originally hoping to lower my monthly payment, but it was just considered a big payment.  I’ve also being paying a whopping $9 over the minimum payment each month.  (mainly because that makes my payment an even number)  I figured out that with the principal payment and the additional $9/month payments, my length of loan will be 68 months instead of the original 75 months.