And hooray! Today I get my annual escrow statement, and because of insurance and property taxes, my mortgage is going up another $100/mo. It went up $100/mo this time last year. So my income definitely has NOT increased by $200/mo since 2023, so where is this supposed to come from?!? I’m already down to cheapest groceries, essentials, everything. I don’t make enough now to cover the bills (utilities, phone, internet all gone up as well). I do have a roommate, which is absolutely necessary at this point. Thank God I only work five miles from home, cause the only place I go is work and home. When are we going to see some relief?

I cut off my 401k when I found out the main investments were Blackrock, Vanguard, State Street, and JP Morgan. Just need to let it fully vest before pulling out my measly $1500…

But you know what? I’ve learned there is so much that I’m okay living without…that’s going to stay with me no matter what happens, and I’m so thankful for that lesson!