State of the Union

November 2025

Why I’m Sharing This

Each month, I will be posting my real numbers — income, expenses, debts, and cash flow — for two primary reasons:

1. Transparency:
I want this blog to show real numbers and the actual journey from financial ruin → to being debt-free → to financial freedom.

2. Accountability:
Writing these posts keeps me honest, focused, and faith-driven.

If these posts help even one person feel less alone in their financial journey, it’s worth it.

Income Breakdown

(All numbers post-tax unless noted.)

W2 Income: $8.491
Side Hustles: $0
Other: $0

➡️ Total Monthly Income: $8,491

This month, I took a week off to join my family for Thanksgiving, so I took a big hit on the income front. Also, I didn’t receive rent from my tenant this month because it was paid in October.

Expense Breakdown

Major Categories

• Mortgage: $4,529

• Rent: $606

• Utilities: $366

• Groceries: $257

• Insurance: $0

• Telephone: $38

• Tithing: $0

• Loans: $3,271

• Personal Debts: $1,000

Daily Living

• Restaurants: $244

• Entertainment: $50

• Personal Care: $0

• General Merchandise: $80

• Online Services: $129

• Cable/Satellite: $0

Other Expenses

• Automotive: $337

• Travel: $251

• Electronics: $0

• Postage/Shipping: $0

• Office Supplies: $0

• Healthcare/Medical: $67

• Service Charges/Fees: $1,032

• Education: $1,929

• Other Bills: $10

➡️ Total Monthly Expenses: $14,197

Okay, let’s talk about this. Firstly, let’s talk about a win. My grocery category was much smaller… that’s because I visited family and with Thanksgiving happening, food (and leftovers) were provided!

Now for a negative: my credit cards and debt are eating me alive. The $3,271 and $1,032 loans and service charges/fees categories are almost all credit card related (save for some on my car’s behalf and student loans). I need to get these knocked out. Once I sell my house, that will free up about $5,000 per month as well as hopefully make me a little money that I can tackle a credit card or two with!

Sadly again, I chose not to tithe this month out of fear of adding to my credit card balances. This is hard for me.

Cash Flow Summary

Income: $8,491
Expenses: $14,197

➡️ Pure Cash Flow: - $5,706
➡️ Savings Rate: 0%

I knew this was coming. Considering I took a week off of work (which already decreases my income by almost $3,000) and traveled, I can’t say I’m surprised. This is a kick in the pants, though. I had to dip into my (tiny) reserves for this month so as not to incur more debt. Sadly, I’ll be traveling for one week in December too, for Christmas. Maybe I should travel home less often, but I have to say seeing my family is incredibly worth it.

Debt Snapshot

Here’s where everything stands this month, straight from my Google Sheet:

There hasn’t been much change here, just small fluctuations with the credit card balances; I am liking what' I’m seeing with the Earnest student loan and the auto loan. Those sparklines are music to my ears.

Things I’ll Sustain from This Month

• Didn’t really add to credit card debt

• Kept grocery bill low

• Got to spend time with family

Things I’ll Improve Next Month

• Keep restaurants under $100

• Sell my house (please, Lord)

• Tithe first

Closing Thoughts

Everything is a work in progress. I didn’t sell my house, didn’t tithe first, and didn’t keep restaurant spending below $100. I did, however, get multiple showings, prayed more and kept tithing more top-of-mind, and lowered my restaurant spending.

I just have to take it one day at a time. Until next time.