Almost a Year Later

There have been many things that have happened in my life.  To go back a few years ago, I found out I had thyroid cancer, cured, and this year, actually a few days ago I had a little boy.  So happy about that.  How does this deal with finances you may ask.  Well, I had to pay for the delivery, not the entire amount, but my co-pay which was close to 2,000 up front.  While in the hospital bed, this matter had to be satisfied.

The summer months
In my opinion, the summer months tend to be the hardest for me, why?  I don't know.  A lot of mismanagement of money.  I got Liam fixed that was 1,200, the check bounced.  Didn't do it on purpose.  The house on Oneal Street, put it on HAP, that was a great decision, but the deposit soon went.  Had to go into money I had saved to pay for the total cost of repairs.

Right now, I am overdrawn in my account close to 500, so that money will be gone when I get paid.  It's one thing after another it always seems.  On top of bills, I have to get my tags.  Last year, my mom get my tags for me.  This has to be done.  Another thing, I have to give my mom the money back for the delivery of the baby.  Not to mention, I am still in school, yes, I am!  Two terms behind to total 5000.  It seems I can't win for losing.  Don't know what I do wrong.  It's not like I just spend unnecessarily.

On another note, Liam still needs more work.  Don't think I want to drive Marybelle because that deals with switching gears.  I will not be able to drive for another 5 weeks.   My credit score will not go above 600 for some reason.

Blessings
I had the most awesome baby shower and didn't have to buy anything except a crib and 2 dressers.  I got everything and that is a huge blessings.  Also, one of my dear friends has a little boy.  She gave me a car seat.  The other day she came with several bags of clothes.  That is money saved.  Will not have to buy him anything for a while.  Maybe not until it gets cold.  So excited and thankful for all of the blessings.  I also got several gift cards.  Since I have exhausted all of my funds, did I mention I had to use the money from the baby shower to help with the house on Oneal.  Another thing, I was able to get a Navy Federal account, the money I had there is gone too.  Having the gift cards has really come in handy.  For that I'm thankful.

It's not that Bad
When it seems things are bad, I have to take a step back and count my blessings.  Life moves forward and in the bed, there's always something good.

Future Plans
Make sure I'm the best mom I can be for this baby.  Looking into getting another job, something online.  Also, I stay in the hood and my neighbors are super nosy, that has nothing to do with it, but I am moving my year of 40.  That will be next year, so within the year of 2015-16, I will move from my home.  I know what HAP is looking for and that is the route I plan on taking.  Previously, I wanted to have my own home built by 40, but now I want to move into a 4 bedroom, 2+ bathroom, 2 car garage, and a fireplace.  This house needs to be in a better neighborhood.  In order to do that save money for that and for the baby.  Also, work on my credit score.

It's almost a year since I have written here and I remember that I loved doing this.  Work with me, for I'm a work in progress.  Life continues to move and I am not doing the same things, but life continues to move forward regardless.  Not going to make any promises, but I will continue to use this to see the changes that have been made.  Another thing Marybelle is 17 months before she'll be paid off.  On that note, that will save 400 a month.  I tried to refinance my home and was unable to due to being late at the end of last year.  That sucks.  I can try again in September.  One thing after another.  My car note and house come close to 1000 a month, that really needs to change and quick.  Once Marybelle is paid off that money can go to something else.

Work with me I'm still learning.  Mind you, there's a baby in the mix now.  Save money for his future, plus, money in case of emergencies.  My tax refund goes to previous debt, but that money is gone now.  What I never do is pay house note or car not.  Thinking next year, I'll pay 2 to 3 months of car note and continue to pay on it monthly.  That'll help me pay Marybelle off sooner.  Medical bills seem to be an issue too.  Tired of getting bills, it just seems that there's never enough money and time to get things done.

I'll be just fine.  I'm learning and that's all I can do.  Thank you for reading, will try not to be done so long!

2013 Is Coming Fast

I do believe that I only used this blog twice this year and my finances of come to pieces.  There have been so many things that have taken place since the last time to wrote a post. 

For instance: 
Lost house of Parkchester, still haven't seen about that.  the insurance has lapsed and I haven't taken the time to do anything.  I felt like I failure and didn't and really haven't talked about this to anyone.
Direct tv disconnected
ADT from Oneal Street
Storage want to put everything on Craigslist or something, behind, next month things will be auctioned off, that isn't happening
Marybelle brakes and running hot
Liam air conditioning and loud noise
Wachovia
US Dept of Education
Tax Lien
Knology

On a lighter note, I do know where my money is going and that is a good thing.  I actually see now, where I didn't before.  Spending isn't a big thing.  I know where my money is going.  Not just wasting cash.  Not eating out anymore, which is a good thing. 

Now to put the money toward bills that have been lingering for a while.  Lossing the house to me made me feel like a total failure, as if there was no recovery.  Then I was told that just like I got that house and the other one, I can get another one.  Since it was put to me like that, I completely understand.  The money I receive should be used to help build up my future, not wasted on things that aren't important! 

This period has been a learning one for me and it is time that I make changes that will benefit me in the long run.  Not having a cable bill has helped me put that money toward other things.  Time keeps on moving and in 3 years I will be 40 years of age.  There has been so many money that I have wasted on things that have no value.  Many of which I no longer own and don't know what happened to them.  Life, true is a journey, but it is all how you make it.  Live and learn and don't hold on to the past.  Grow from it and become a better person. 

Daily I am learning what and what not to do.  I am going to make mistakes, but as long as I learn things will be fine!  No, I am not embarrassed of my happenings, I am here for you to learn from me.  It's ok, life goes on! 

I will not be away for long.  Like I always say, things tend to work themselves out, they always do. 

2010 What will it have in Store?

Making Money

One thing that I can truly say is I know I make money. It is evident I see it. As a matter of fact, I have it in case of emergency. What is funny about that is, I couldn't get to it if after 6 and it may be closed due to the holidays, at least it's there. I have had to pay my own mortgages. All three tenats (that includes my moms) have been late since November. What is really going on? One of my tenants is in jail. I deal with his sister. She had the total for November and December and someone broke in her car while at work. If I am not paid by the middle of January I am filing for an eviction. I know the house is a mess. My other tenant now is a grandmom (twice) has had to make some sacrifices to help her daughter. Things tend to happen at the end of the year.

Seeing What I Make

Looking back over the last year. Again, I know that I have money and where it goes. Yes, I did spend out for the holidays, and it was needed. Yes, I buy things I may not need. I do this because I finally have something to show for something. It feels good to know that I can buy this and not have to worry about overdrawing in my account. Now, what I need to do is pay off the Escalade. Due to Christmas and having to pay my own mortgages, I will have this paid off by January 31, 2010. Liam also needs some brakes. I need to call Firestone and find out exactly what is wrong with Liam.

Writing Leads to Reflexation

Looking back over my books. I write from time to time and over the years, I have always wanted the same things. To own property. I think it is the coolest thing ever. When I think about what it will take for me to get on it, I can't see anything straight through. Ok, let's see: Get with Carrie to find out what needs to be done

They don't erase anything

Find out about those 2 loans that should have been in deferment

Keep credit card below 40 %

Pay down MEA

Save money

Pay off Escalade

Have to put 10% down purchasing price

All over the Place, This is Me

I know this is jumping all over the place, stay with me please. Today, I will take my passport photo. This is something that I have been putting off for the past year. What am I doing? Who am I doing it for? Why am I even here? There is a vast world out there waiting to be discovered. Why not travel, there is nothing else to do. I am not getting any younger. Take the time out to enjoy this world in which we were given the opportunity to dwell. For me, 2010 is going to be about awakening, realization, focus, happiness, peace, enjoyment, and overall life. My place is this world, I may not know, but I am going to enjoy every minute that I am here.

New Job How would that Work?

Changing jobs would be wonderful and what is sad is I don't think I can do anything else. What is even worse is that I know I am worth so much more. Then at the same time am I lazy? I feel that going through the interview process is so whatever. I don't know. I don't want to be the classroom teacher forever and I will not. Taking my last class that I haven't participated in in a few days. Need to be doing something toward my Breadth Component. Thinking of my finances tell me that the Escalade will not be paid off until January 2010, I complete year, wow! Lists work for me.

Escalade January 2010

Saved money 1,000

February 3,000

Pay off Wachovia 2255.57

1,000 left over

March-May 6,000

MEA paid off April

US Dept. of Edu 12,000 Maybe I need to call to inquire about length of time of loan

Purchase house with D

Duplexs/ and more

Scattered Get it Together

This is what is going on with me right now. I am all over the place and need to get it together. This tends to be the story of my life. Slow down, mentally and just all over. I love the person that I am and know I can be so much better. I am not the best that I can be. At least I know that and knowing is half the battle. So today, I start anew. Eating right, focusing and what is important and not the spam, doing right by me. I will also post on my other blogs that I haven't said anything in a long time on. So I will deem this day, a day of renewal. It feel good.

Under Pressure

I will not pressure myself, but the time is not slowing down and in order to achieve my goals I my do what is right. Look toward how I can attain multi unit properties, travel, teach, and live my life comfortably. I am somebody that is worthy of having what I want. Seeing myself with what I want, just block out the spam.

I Think I am Getting Fed Up

Hello, it has been a long time coming. This school term is coming to an end. I don't have all of my grades, but in one class I have a 98.8. Hopefully all of my grades are good. Using this blog for my distance education course has been helpful, but it has taken away from my posting on the blog.

Things that have been Going On
Work started back the beginning of this month, this has been really tiring for me. As a matter of fact, I am tired right now. Just getting back into the swing of getting up at 6:00 am, taking a shower, to make it to work by 7:30 am, and be on duty by 7:40 am. Staying at work until 4:00 pm Monday through Friday for 180 days, does take a toll on the body. Not only that, dealing with middle school age children and co-workers can be stressful.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy my job and am proud to have one. Teaching for 9 years, the time has flown by. I have said time and time again, that I want another job. Thinking about it, going through the interview process can be more stressful then the actual job itself. To some degree I feel that I can't do anything else. I don't know, it is somewhat discouraging being in a position that you want to change, but don't have the motivation to change it.

Working for 9 years has given me money to do the things that I want. Truthfully, I am not where I want to be. Using My Financial Success has allowed me to organize my finances and be able to pay off my debts and get my bills to under $500 a month. That took time and dedication.

July and August have been very intense months financially for me. There have been some things that I was trying to do, that took away from my savings. Still recouping from that. Also, having to pay for school made a big change in my life. Mentally, I have gotten to a point that I am tired of being in school and really need to do what it takes to get it done. Today ends this term. Now, there are only 3 courses, 3 KAMs, 2 residencies, and 1 dissertation until I am done. So looking forward to that.

Currently, I had to go into my savings, which is fine. Reorganizing my finances has been something that I needed to do for the betterment of me. For the last few years I have been saying 40 retire. Well, that is 6 years from now. I also said that at the end of this school year I would not renew my contract. I don't see that. What will happen is work until school is done. I don't know how long it will be before I am able to receive financial aid. If I am unable to get it I will continue to pay for school. If I am able to get it, I will use it and that will be more money coming to me. That is a true catch twenty-two.

My Bill's
Wachovia $100.00 ($2,555.57)
US Dept of Edu $25.00 (13,402.56)
Knology $ $70.04
Mediacom $93.94
Braces $109.00
Geico
credit card $50.00
tax lien $990.00 ($5,500)

Plans for the Future
Of course, I have to pay for school that is a priority. I also had to borrow money from my mom that will be paid back at the end of this month. I still haven't paid anything on the tax lien. My portion will be paid at the end of this month too. Don't go to the beach this summer. I plan to go for Labor Day just need some type of relaxation.

Sometimes I can't see the forest for the trees. That's neither here nor there.
Walden University: $2,000 per month (October and November)
savings: $2,000 per month (September, December, and January)

Giving instructions is something that I enjoy, but I don't know what the future holds for education nor our youth. The teacher has been tasks with so many objectives that teaching really is the last thing that there is to do. I know I will not put in 25 years in the classroom. I am already tired and school just started. To me, my out is real estate. 10 properties by the time I am 40. There has to be a better way. There is it is just up to me to make it happen.

If this has seemed jumbled or just not fluid forgive me, this is how I feel right now. These are random thoughts that need to be put into action. In the words of Tim Gunn, I will make it work.

Learning From Every Post

There have been gains as far as My Financial Success is concerned. Every post tends to be different. Overall, this blog is about what steps I take to achieve financial freedom. The journey has been long and hard and I feel that I have grown every day. It takes time and dedication to grow from your own mistakes and to learn from what others have done.

Right now, I am at a block. To do this or to do that. Peggy has been giving me some sound advice. Growth is something that I am doing and I have to build to just say no to somethings. For instance, I know I can watch tv on the Internet, but to actually get rid of cable, that is going to take some time. I did get rid of HBO and Cinemax, keeping Showtime, Sundance, Starz, and Encore. Thinking really hard about getting rid of another channel. The phone is another issue, having the Internet and phone in a bundle has given me features that come along with the packet. Caller ID, comes in handy. Getting rid of call waiting, three way, and all the other things will save me money two. My phone bill may just be under $25.00 a month cutting those features.

Sometimes I get confused on what is more important. Here are the challenges that I face financially. Background history, two loans from undergraduate school have not been paid in full. They are in deferment until January 2011 (anticipated graduation date Walden University). Since I work at a low income school, I qualify for teacher loan forgiveness program. Due to having loans prior to October 1998 the money can not be taken off. Hence my wanting to get these loans paid off so my post graduate loans can be relieved.

Now that the tax lien has reared its ugly head, which is more important?

Wachovia: $2,680.57

Tax Lien: $5,927.42

US Dept. of Education: $13,402.56

The quicker I pay them off the quicker I can do other things. Maybe this is what I will do. Instead of paying $200.00 a month on Wachovia, I will be $500.00 a month of the tax lien. Wachovia will receive $100 and the US Dept of Education will get $25.00 monthly. More will be paid on Wachovia and the tax lien as I make more money. The tax lien and Wachovia will be done for by December 09.

What is important tends to take the back burner to things that hold no relevance to my life. It is so easy to loss sight of the main thing. This month was one of them. There are only 9 weeks to my vacation and I have wasted almost 3 of them. Relaxing, getting confused, and not doing a thing has me feeling lackadesic. The real estate bug has biten me again. Properties are out there waiting to be purchased and rented out.

Back to the debts. I am going to pay the minimum on the student loans and put the lump sum on the tax lien. I have to get what I want for me. Having the lien paid for will allow me other opportunties. Working extra, selling candles, and tutoring will support paying off debt. It will be done.

Right now, I feel anxious ready to make things happen. Taking one day at a time and doing what I can with what I have will help. Things will work themselves out. It takes me to always be ontop of my money and put it to good use.

Handling Money Takes Time and Effort

It's Your Money, What will You do with It?
Working with my finances has taken patience and understand. The patience has to come from within. It has taken time, learning, and building to get to where I am. Do not be afraid to discuss your finances. Your money isn't a dirty little secret. Stand up to them. The money is yours. Don't spend more than you make. Save some and grow from what you have. Material items what do they really mean? Honestly, nothing, and I know that. This is why I am working toward having something in the future.

Paying Bills on Time
Paying my cable bill was interesting. I was told that if a technican has to come out it is a $29.00 fee. What is that? I have some understanding of what the problem was. Paying my bills at the end of the month is putting me a month behind. The cable bill was the first bill that I paid when it came out. This is a new routine for me. Sticking with it will eliminate the late fees. I also paid my cell phone bill.

Tax Lien
The tax lien has taken time to get situated. Taking time to send paperwork to the Dept. of Revenue has cut penalties, fees, and other costs in half. Now I have to determine how I will get this debt taking care of. I know I have have it paid for before I can qualify for a loan. The quicker it is paid for the quicker I can move and get rental properties. Push comes to shove I can have this paid off in 6 months (December 09). This will give ample time to get my credit score up to move by the summer 10.

Walden University
My gpa is a 3.26. I am so proud of myself. With my gpa going above a 3.00 I am eligible for financial aid. Getting my courses done and completing the KAMs will have me a step closer to completing the program. My mind has to be in order to organize all of the things that I need to do to get things done. Procrastination is something that I have to get rid of. Something that has been racking my brain is what to do with the PhD once it is obtained.

Life After PhD
Having an online business would be great. Do I want to do the business school for secondary students, and adult learning center, buy duplexes? What do I do? So many choices and I know I can do more then one thing. Thinking less of myself is an issue too. I deserve so much more and being able to obtain it is totally up to me. Know what I want is the thing, I see it and getting to it really takes focus. To be in the world and not of it is such I serious thing.

July Things
savings $300.00 (Peggy, I am paying myself)
water $90.00
Geico $221.00
Knology $121.00
Wachovia $100.00
Tax Lien $500.00
US Dept of Education $25.00

Betty's Only
There is someone that has been helping me sell my candles. Coming into my cousins house, I made $30.00 in a matter of minutes selling Betty's Only candles. I will be giving him candles once a month to sell for me. Sitting on money. Just want to get the candles out there.

Posting on My Financial Success
Writing on my blog has helped me see what I am doing wrong with me money. Accountability and effort is what it has taken me to see the forest for the trees. Being honest to you about my money helps to be realistic about the money and what I do with it. I remember asking, "Where is my money going?" Now, I can say I know where my money is going.

This post may be scattered and given me a sounding board. Posting is relaxing and allows me to express myself.