2017 debt so far

So, I was thinking that I hadn't gone into anymore debt this year and then I remembered I had to replace my heating and cooling system this year. So, I went into a huge amount of debt this year. $13000 to be exact. But, I'm on track for that to be the ONLY debt I incur this year.

I'm socking away money into an emergency fund now as well as trying to build back up my RRSPs (when I was on mat leave I took out almost all of my RRSP money - which created a viscous circle of owing taxes). I put away money into an RESP and a savings account for my son every month (on top of his allowance for his weekly mad money).

I'm still addicted to watching 'til debt do us part'. Even though I've seen all the episodes that they've been airing I still usually remember something else I should be doing.

My big problem is still eating out. I take my son out for dinner once a week (it's like our entertainment) and he gets McDonald's once a week (it's his favourite). Then I probably get take out once or twice a month (to get my Thai or Indian fix). Not near as bad as I used to be, but still not great. I've tried not getting a drink when we go out, and most times I forgo dessert.

I was trying a different Pinterest recipe every week, but once the summer hit I stopped and just relied on my BBQ (which I picked up for cheap off a Facebook group). I'm hoping to get back to cooking once school starts up again.

Mortgage Status

I was using my debt calculator on my mortgage today and if I am calculating correctly I should have my mortgage paid off in just under 9 years (possibly fewer). This is huge! I have no other debt. Of course, that timing puts me right when my son will (hopefully) be going off to higher education of some kind. I have RESPs for him, but who knows how much it will cost at that time.

I know I've made mistakes in the past and if I hadn't of made them I would be in such better shape today, but I've hopefully learned and will continue to learn and make the best of the situation as it stands today.

9 years! I'm so excited.

Equity and Birthday

So, I was wondering how much equity I have. I did a quick calculation and I appear to be worth about $200 000. Not a huge amount, but not horrible. Since I have consolidated all of my debt into my mortgage I am hoping to be able to make bigger payments (which I've been doing) into that amount.

This summer hasn't been great for keeping the spending in line. I spent more than I probably should have on my son's birthday (party and gift). I kept the party to 3 kids, but with food and excursion it was probably $150 - $175. The gift was $200 (but he hasn't put it down since he got it, so I feel like it was money well spent).

My toy / gift budget for the year is used up so I don't know what I'm going to do for Christmas. I don't think Christmas will be as extravagant as the birthday present, but I'll still need to find some money for something.

According to my budget spreadsheet I've been going over budget $400 a month on average, but according to my bank account I have extra money for the year. I'm not sure where I screwed up on those two things (I'm hoping the bank account is right).

I've been losing money on my investments and I'm hoping that is just for now (I talked to an adviser at the bank and that's what they believe).

Next year should be a good year in terms of debt repayment.