Can you believe it’s almost Easter? That means it’s time for our March financial check-in—and no, this is not an April Fool’s joke.
We’re still working toward some pretty lofty goals, and this month was a mix of progress, reality checks, and a little tough love.
Where We Started March
- ~$4,000 in credit card debt
- $42,000 in vehicle loans
- $55,000+ in student loan debt (payments officially back in play)
And once again… nothing went to savings.
Our big goal for the year is still to save $50,000 so we can qualify for a loan and eventually purchase 13–20 acres with a barndominium and a small garage.
The Reality Check
The last couple of days this month hit like a ton of bricks.
More than ever, I understand how the system can feel stacked against everyday, working people just trying to get ahead.
But—real talk—we’re not off the hook either.
We:
- Ate out about four times
- Splurged at the grocery store (steaks + desserts = no regrets… but also… consequences)
That’s about $200 that could’ve gone toward:
- Debt
- Bills
- Savings
Small choices add up fast.
The Wins (Because They Matter Too)
Now for the good news…
🎉 We’re down to about $1,000 in credit card debt
That’s a huge improvement from where we started, and I’m counting it as a major win.
Loans Update
🚗 Vehicle Loan
We made the minimum payment again:
- ~$500 toward principal
- ~$600 toward interest
That brings the balance down to around $41K-ish.
Not ideal, but still moving in the right direction.
🎓 Student Loans
I was able to apply for a lower Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan, which is a big help.
- Made a payment of $122
- New minimum going forward: $66/month
Still sitting at around $55K in student loan debt… for a degree I’m not currently using.
Side note: If anyone knows of a Chemical Engineering role for someone about 10 years out of school—holla at your girl. I’m definitely not the only one from my class in this position.
Looking Ahead: April & May
The next couple of months are going to be… interesting.
I’ll be heading to Florida for about a month to:
- Help my mom sort out some things
- Celebrate my niece’s graduation
And apparently… go on a camping trip.
I have not been camping in 20 years.
Please send thoughts, prayers, and maybe bug spray.
Final Thoughts
This journey isn’t linear.
Some months are about big wins, others are about learning where the leaks are. March was a little of both.
We’re still showing up, still making progress, and still moving toward the bigger goal—even if it feels slow.
If you’re on your own debt payoff or savings journey, I’d love to hear how your month went.
Happy Llama Home 
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