Moving Along

Things are the same, yet so different!  Am I debt free, no!  Have things changed, yes and no!  Am I in a better place, yes!  I'm glad that I am learning as I go and still making things happen.  Have we moved, no!  Are things in place for moving, yes!  What have I done in order to make things better?  Monthly purchasing items to help with fixing the house.  These things must be done before moving is a go.  Been sick and tired for years!  What's funny is I've had this blog way before people starting blogging.  Now there are a ton of blogs and podcasts that support Financial Independence.  This is great and I am still learning.  I'm excited that there are so many people that have achieved financial independence.  With social media we (people) are sharing their financial experiences and letting others know:  Yes, I'm in debt and I am doing what it takes to get out of it.

Over the years, I have gained 3 more credit cards and working toward handling my student loans.  Which are a thorn in my side.  Learning as I go!  I have opened a Vanguard and Fidelity accounts, started slowly, I'm really glad that I did that.  In my mind retirement is right around the corner and I have to be ready to get things together.

At this point in my life, I am ready to make things better.  That I have been trying to do all along.

Debt
Fed Loan Servicing
Capital One $3,499
Navy Federal $1827
Credit One $333

Goal:  All of these will be paid off be December 31in the mist of that, continue to purchase items to get my house together.  What is wrong with the house?  The floor has dropped in the kitchen.

Order of doing things
Plumbing fixed under the house
floor lifted in kitchen
kitchen outside replaced
fascia board
house painted
privacy fence

Life happens and I do get down, but I am not this person that spends, spends, spends.  44 is right around the corner and I want to make things better for us.  Small steps equal big results!  Sick and tired of being in this place.  At times, I feel like I can't get it together, but it has to happen.

I'm excited that I'm learning about the stock market and sharing what I have learned with others.  It will get better.  Plus, I'm behind, I wanted to have moved before my baby turned 5 well that was this summer.  Better late than never.

Good things
No car note

5 Years and Counting

Life happens and it's all on how you handle it.  This has been my reality for years now.  I know what to do, but life happens and there's nothing you can do about it.  Depression is a serious thing and I think I have been in it for way to long.  Doing things to make me feel better that wastes money.  When I think about the money and time that I have wasted with nothing to show it makes me want to do better.  Doing better is the thing, what must I do to do better? 

Looking at my home, I am blessed.  Waking up daily, I am blessed.  I have a career, I am blessed.  With my financial success, I haven't been taking this blessing to heart. 

Last year I opened up an account with Ally.  I am glad that I did, overall, I didn't save like I should have when I first started teaching, but it's better late than never.  As of now, I have about $250,000 worth of debt.  Majority of it is my student loan for a degree that I never completed.  The story of my life it seems. 

This is the breakdown of all of my financial issues:
First Premier 435 (paid off June 2018)
Navy Federal  1770 (paid off September 2018)
Capital One 2334 (paid off November 2018)
Receivable Management  5104 (paid off by December 2018, 250+ a month)
Federal Loan Servicing  194,000 (December 2023)

Yes, I have charged up my credit cards.  Plus, I am going out of town the end of the month.  That has to be covered.  I'm tired of not doing right and always being behind.  Something has to give.  As for accountability, this is something that I need to work on. 

Going back to the depression thing I don't want to do anything, not even organize the house.  I'm tired of being sick and tired.  No exercise, no eating right, nothing.  My posts are always scattered due to my mind bouncing all over the place.  It seems I am always behind.  Always.  There's always something to do, but I don't want to do it.  Nothing.  Sometimes I question my mom abilities.  Don't get me wrong I do what needs to be done, but for real I could be better.  So much better. 

There are things that need to be done in the house: 
fascia board replaced again
house lifted
floor in kitchen, dining room, and front room replaced with pergo flooring
new cabinets in kitchen
house painted
fence replaced in backyard

As I stated earlier, I have an account with Ally.  I withdraw money from the account monthly, which in no way shape, form, or fashion is that ok.  Because it's not.  Today, I have 1900 in the account.  Monthly, I will add 500 to the account, by the end of the year there will be 5435 in that account.  I will either use that money to pay off something or continue to let that money grow. 

Marybelle just got out of the shop, that was $500.  I'm glad that I had the money to pay for it.  Again, life happens.  There's always something.  This is what living is.  Also, been working on something that I wanted to do for a long time.  I started and stopped.  Now it's time to pick it back up. 

Life is happening all around and no matter what it is not going to stop.  Using my credit cards hasn't helped, but I will get it together.  11 years until I can retire and at this point I'm ready.  Having a little boy changes things.  Making sure he has what he needs is hard, but I was giving this opportunity and I'm going to make the best of it. 

My goal is the save and get out of this debt.  It is hard, but it will be worth it.  I'm only human and making the best of it. 

Will I Ever Get This Together?

Spinning wheels and getting nowhere fast.  Been on this financial success journey for years and in my opinion I haven't gotten far at all.  I write and I don't write, I make promises to myself and don't keep them.  This journey is a trying one, but worth all the effort.  When I complain, I'm told that that's what we call living. Am I living wrong?  What is the problem?  In real life it seems I can't get right, but then there is everything to be thankful for and for that I am thankful!  

My debt is something that really bothers me and makes my life miserable.  Again, things are wonderful!  My problems go on and on!  Number 1:  Health is my mine concern.  Number 2:  Making sure I can take care of my baby.  Number 3:  Handling my financial success.  Number 4:  Making sure I do the right thing.  Number 4:  Be present for my mom.

In life period I get caught up on putting money in the right place and not spending on food.  That's my biggest issue, food.  When I try to do right something happens, car goes out, washing machine dies, glasses get broken, anything that could happens does and I'm just tired.

To date, there have been several debts that have been paid off, but there are several more that need to be tended to.

Where does time go, money, your life?  Where does it all go?  Away, that's where it goes.  The plans that I've made for my life, where did they go?  I wonder from time to time, what did I do wrong, where did I go wrong?  Now, the question is what to do to make things better?  I don't need to get discouraged at all.  Keep fighting this battle and put money where it belongs, to my debt.

Issues
Capital One $779  May 2018
Navy Federal $1450  June 2018
Obgyn  $5354 paid off by December 2018
Navient $12,388 $11,488 or to $10,000 first  December 2019
Fed Loan Servicing $193,280  December 2028 Call because they are not taking my Public Loan Forgiveness paperwork

Now what needs to be done?  Get over myself and do what is best.  Continue a good fight and not give up.  This is one of the hardest things I have done.  What makes it so frustrating for me is that I'm not this person that goes hard and shops, shops, shops, I don't do that.  I can't seem to get it together.
Negative self talk is what can sabotage this entire financial journey that I am on.  Honestly, like always, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.  This is getting old. 

Rethinking my problems, have to take my time organize and not get down due to my own financial issues.  The credit cards were supposed to help with getting my credit score higher.  They did for a few and then it went for not.

It's ok, it's alright!  Things will get better.  As long as I stay focused, don't get side-tracked, and use money for my (our benefit) things will be fine.

Things to do
Get Marybelle towed and fixed
Get Liam towed and fixed
If too much money both cars will be sold
Clean house top to bottom
Save $500-$1000 a month
Get over myself and my issues and do the damn thing
Come up with a plan to get rid of this $193,000 debt
Read more
Save for a down payment on another house

Things in House
kitchen counter tops
kitchen cabinets
kitchen/dining room floor
front room floor
fascia board house
house painted
fence fixed
storage unit removed from yard

It doesn't seem that I have been in my career as long as I have and it's been a long time.  Now, I have only 12 years to retire and do what's best for us.  Use my salary to pay off this debt.  It's really not much, but it is something that has hindered me from doing and being what I want to be.

Things will get better, if there is extra money it will go toward the lowest debt that I have.  I made a plan that if we don't eat out, that money saved during the week will go toward debt.  We will see how that works.

This blog is supposed to help me, but in real life I don't want to face my problems.  If I ignore them they will go away and that is not the case.  They tend to get worse instead of getting better.  All it takes is me, me doing right by my money, not offer spending and focusing on being the best me that I can be.

It's a Journey to be Filled with Accomplishments

This financial journey is not the easiest one to be on.  I'll be the first to admit that!  It's a roller coaster, filled with ups and down, flips and flops, curves, and slides, but it is all worth it.  It seems that it isn't but it is.  As you know, my biggest issue is all of this student loan debt that I have accumulated over the last years and still haven't completed this PhD, go figure.  In my mind, I'm over it, but I know this is something that I need to complete one way or another.  I do know that my topic will have to be started all over due to the program not being in use anymore.  Knowing what I know now, I may not have consolidated my loans because they fall off after 20 years.  Never was told that!

Working on getting the house in order.  Still need to get the last 2 rooms redone plus the hallway and I'll be finished with the back of the house.  Then to the kitchen.  It's a work in progress and I can do it.  When the dust settles, I will inquire about refinancing my house.  When that is done, all I will have to do is pay for 15 more years instead of 20.  The house will be paid for by the time my baby is 15.  That will be a complete blessing. 


Paying things off seems to be the story of my life.  Never seem to get there.  Always something.


Medical:  5,683 (200 a month)
Walden:  6,597 (75 a month)
Navient:  10,429 (75 month)
      11,162 (25 month)
Fed Loan Serv:  172,475 (25 month)

By the end of the month the medical will be down to $4083, I may put half of it toward that debt.  Depending on how things are looking at the end of the year.  Walden should be paid off by December 2017.  The goal is to eliminate as much of this debt as I can and still not accumulated anymore.  That will be the hard part.  Looking at the debt like this makes me feel great that I can see it, but knowing that I did this to myself makes me feel some kind of way.  Hindsight is 20/20. 

Having the Mini Cooper is great, but now that I have this little boy, it is a little too small for the both of us.  Really looking into getting a new vehicle at the end of the month.  Paying cash for it, no more than $12,000 I want to spend.  Also, was supposed to go to the salvage yard today to see about getting rid of Liam.  He's been in the front yard since last year.  It's time to let go. 

In my mind, that will be the start of letting go of many other things in my life.  I feel stifled, holding on to past things that serve no purpose in my life.  Let go of things that wish me no good, because I am blocking blessings. 

I Got This

Of course, life keeps happening whether I'm with it or not.  The other day, I got pulled over because my tail light is blown and busted.  How long has it been this way?  For years, but it's time to get on the good foot and make things right.  No, I didn't get a ticket, I got a warning which was a blessing and I completely receive it.  The next thing that happened.  I was overdrawn in my account.  Why?  Nelnet took too much money out of my account.  It probably was my fault, but it wasn't right.  The manager wasn't acting concerned about it.  It took a teller to assist with the situation.  If it was up to the manager, Nelnet would have refunded my money, that would have taken 4-6 weeks.  This made me have to go into the savings which I'm already down due to paying my mother.  It's alright, I've been blessed tremendously and I am thankful.

Currently, I am working on my home.  I'm glad that I have the funds to get it repaired.  My fascia board is really bad, over the years, squirrels have been chewing and making it look awful.  By the time I get off work, it will be fixed.  Yes, to that.

Also, my house had a gas leak.  The gas company come and turned the gas off at the heating unit.  It doesn't have to be fixed until the fall.  That'll give me some time to get that done.

Next things
Flooring inside house (front room, kitchen)
House painted
Trees cut around the house

My cars
Liam repaired (towed)
Marybelle tail light and cover, seats fixed, headliner

No matter what, life is going to happen.  It's a matter of how it is handled.  I'll admit, I haven't been on my Ps and Qs, but there is always a season.  It's the season to get things done.  I have a plan and I am going to make it work.  I listen to many adults and I am proud to say that I'm going to be just fine.  No matter what, I got this.  Many times, it doesn't seem like it.  I get down and out because I want help, someone to come and sweep me off of my feet and handle all of my responsibilities.  That isn't my reality.  In the meantime, these things have to get done.  It feels good when my business it taken care of.

Plus, I have a little boy that I must take care of.  He's here to stay, no matter what.  The house is in disarray, there is only time to get it together.  Also, I have to get my car cleaned, it is awful.  This is my life and I got this.  It feels like I don't from time to time and I do feel like I'm going to lose it, but again, that's life.  I deserve a standing ovation, pat on the back, something, but I'll give it to myself.

When things get tough, wipe it off and keep it moving.  I'm going to be alright.

Things to do
Continue paying student loans
Save money, save money, save money

I'm alright all I need to know is that!

Bumps in the Road

As long as you live, there will be bumps in the road.  Many times it is done because you aren't living right.  Other times, to make you aware of the changes that need to be made.  In my world, patience has been working on me for some time now.  I said it a while ago, that there is a young lady that is trying to get out.  She is her, but things are not as they should be.  Not for real.

As I stated before, I get close and something tends to happen.  I guess that is the thing we call life.  So there has to be major adjustments made.  Something has happened that has made me rethink things.  First, I need to find another place to stay.  That is one of the steps and second, it needs to be cheaper than what I pay now.

As you probably remember, my credit has taken a downside and have been working toward making it better.  In my mind there is no clarity.  There is chaos in most of my thoughts.  Nothing is clear and it seems I can't seem to focus on anything.

To be honest, the devil has made me feel some kind of way.  That is because I am probably on the verge of a major break thorough.  One thing is for sure, I am thankful because out of bad does come good.  This has taught me that I need to be more secure and even though I am from that area, it is time for me to move on.

Today, I will look at other options on how I can get things better and move toward being this better person.  Yes, it did make me sad, but things could have gone in a different direction.  I am better and things will be better.

My situation is not that bad, but it is mine!  No one can take that away from me.

Issues:
behind one month on mortgage due to paying for Walden
Sallie Mae behind
Walden owe can't get back in school until I pay for previous term
Liam hose fixed and flat tire

Tired of always being on the losing end.  When will I finally get it together?

It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better

Yes, I have been spending money.  No, it's been on need things.  Not all of it, but there are things I have gotten done.  For instance, I got the beams in the front on the house replaced.  That was really needed.  I haven't been cooking haven't felt like it.  There's something going on, and I don't know what it is.  I am not comfortable in my house and looking forward to being just that comfortable. 

My credit score has dropped lower than it what.  I do believe that it will be a quick fix.  Last year, I took out a personal loan to pay for school being that I have exhausted all chances of financial aid.  I am currently still in school and this should (I hope be deferred).  Once that is handled the score will go back up. 

There are several debts that have been paid off.  Now that there is no financial aid for me, I have to pay for school on my own.  It's really not that bad, but $2,000 every 4 months is alright.  At the same time pay off debt as well as eliminate it.  We will see how this cookie is going to crumble. 

Walden $2,500 per term June-September
mortgage $650
Roku (Netflix and Hulu Plus) $ 21.00
TMobile $150
Charter $65
Water
Power
Gas
$650 on credit report
medical $1064

It seems that the more you cut back, the more comes your way.  I have no more cable, disconnected several things that I didn't need.  I've been selling things are Craigslist and using that money to pay off a debt.  I even bought a piggy bank and that change goes toward debt.  I have said it before and will continue to as long as I am not financially stable.  As long as I owe, the money I make isn't mine.  Of course, I must sustain myself, but the excessive spending has to stop somewhere.  In the meantime, continue to grow in comfort in my home. 

Did I mention:
Hose on Liam, heavy noise
Marybelle  new tires

It's always something.  That's what one would call living!  There are still several things that could be sold and I will continue to do that.  I did sell a box spring and mattress today.  So things are working themselves out. 

I also thought that I have been teaching for 14 years coming up and it's time that I decide what the next few years are going to bring. 

I can only Go Up

My credit scores range from 506-561.  I am working on paying off all the things that I can.  For instance, there are 4 outstanding accounts that need to be paid.  I have a thought, I have money that I don't want to spend, but let build, borrow off of that money and pay it off.  Continue to save and put the money where it is most needed.  

There has been some excessive spending here and there, but if I continue to cook, that will help me save some cash.  I purchased a ledger, this should help me keep up with all of my finances.  I can make this work.  

Order for taking care of these bills, I sent in $200 today, the final payment will be mailed by the end of this month.  The total cost is $464.

Directv $464

ADT    $1064

Medical $900

Medical $574

Pay $200 everything month until they are all paid off.  I did pay for my braces, no more payments on that.  I paid for 2 months of storage.  Not paying that bill after the end of this month.  I have to do right by my finances.  Plus, the property management is working out.  The place has been rented out.  All extra monies, put in a good place.  I did sign up to do a outside yard sell.  This will give me a chance to sell the candles, but the weather really looks bad.  

I must not do wrong by the money, I keep saying that.  I don't want to end up with nothing to show for what I had.  I know I waste much, but I can't continue to do that.  Overall, I feel good about where I am going and what is going on.  

Things I've gotten rid of

Directv               140 a month

Caller Tunes

Braces paid in full  100 a month

Ancestry.com  

Things I need to get rid of

Wireless card 

Anyway that I can cut corners I will try, the only reason I haven't gotten rid of the home line is that it's connected to my security system.  

Plus, I am going to take some time off from school and Sallie Mae has been calling and calling.  Majority of my debt is student loans.  When looking at my credit report, I really don't have bad debt.  I do have a credit card with a $300 limit.  Paying off the above debts would help my score much.  My goal is to have at least a 650 credit score by the end of the year.  I do believe that can be done if I keep putting money where it should be.  As long as I owe, the money I make is not mine.  In my mind, when I get ready to spend put that money toward a debt.  

Paying off debt is very important to me and it may get obsessive.  Have to have something to worry over.  

Bills that I pay

mortgage

water

power

gas

Netflix

Hulu2

TMobile

The money that is left over should go to debt.  Did I mention I am going on a trip this summer.  I have to get this paid for soon.  

I haven't been the best financial planner, I know, but I can and will handle this issue.  

Do you Know, Because I don't

I have said it before and I will say it again, time keeps moving and it's up to me to make a difference. If you have been following my blog you may realize that I am somewhat scattered from time to time and that is what is going on right now. I don't remember the last time I posted. Well actually, I do remember, but I don't know the date. I am proud of my actions and the things that I have accomplished. Right now at this moment, I don't know whether I am coming or going. I feel that I talk a good game, but I don't actually put it into play. This is why I asked do you know, because I don't. In my mind, I see myself owning 10 properties by the time I am 40 years old which is in the next 6 years. My how time flies. I also thought about quitting my job at the end of the term, but I am not in a financial state to do that. What I have planned is to work another year and save $24,000 by the end of the year. The tax lien that I found out about at the beginning of the year will be paid in full by the end of this year. It is crazy that it has taken an entire year to get this taken care of.

There have been many gains over the last few months and I have been working hard to make it happen. Clarity is what I need right now at this moment in my life. I tried to see about getting a property by February 2010, but my credit score has dropped tremendously. When I inquired about my scores I was told that I can't spend but 40% of my credit card balance. The loan that I took out to pay for school has to be paid down by $2,000. I also have 2 student loans that show up on my credit report, they say that I was behind, but they were in deferment. It seems as if I can't win for losing. Then ontop of all that, I will have to put 3% down on the next home that I purchase.

This is my plan of action:

Pay off the Escalade $4,900

Pay off Wachovia

Save $10,000 pay August 2010

Pass last class

Complete KAM I

Purchase 1 4 bedroom 2 bath

Purchase 1 triplex

In my mind, I am somebody all I have to do is focus and keep the main thing the main thing. See how easy that sends, yet it is so hard to stay focused. Why does the mind tend to move toward the bull? That is where my mind tend to dwell. At this point in my life, I know that I can do and be anything that I want and the time to start is now. Thank you for be a sounding board for me to express myself. To be honest, because of the blog and other experiences I know where my money goes and it has allowed me to save. Thank you again!

More Money More Problems

It's a rainy morning here in Columbus, GA. That doesn't stop the fact of bills having to be paid and life moving on. Regardless, things are constantly moving forward. It is how you handle situations. Stress doesn't make anything change, maybe your emotions and some physical aspects of yourself. The stress will not make the bills or problems go away. Maybe this seems to be somewhat gloomy because I may be tired, but really there is nothing wrong.

Like I stated in my previous post, I did receive my tax return. I paid off several bills, this put me a month or so ahead. School is another thing. There are so many things to do and all of the time in the world. 24 hours just doesn't seem like enough time to do anything especially when you work from 7:40 am-4 pm daily excluding Saturday and Sunday.

Bills
US Dept of Education $13,709 + (putting $25 a month)
Wachovia $2,795.34 ($168.00 a month until paid off, depends on other obligations)
Walden University $2,810 ($2,000 I have to withdraw $ from other account)
Tax Lien $8,000 (this is some bull, don't have anything to say, but I may have to take care of this on my own)

No Grocery Shopping for Me
Due to all of my financial issues, my other half went grocery shopping for me so that saved about $200 for the month. That is a blessing in disguise, thanks for all of the support!

Spring Break
Friday will be the last day before spring break. Really thinking about going somewhere that I will not have to spend much money. Medieval Times in Atlanta. If we go there we can stay with one of my friends and just pay for gas and the tickets. It all depends. Will sort out plans today! As a matter of fact, right now, my main thing is paying off school. I must register for my classes. Can not be left behind.

Thankful for Progress
I am thankful for all of the progress that I have made. Reading PF blogs has really been a support for me. If they can do it I can too. Multiple streams of income is what I am striving to achieve.

Flood Insurance
I did get the flood insurance on my property which I may never use. The city did some rezoning. Last year was the first year of needing the insurance. I didn't get it on my own, so SunTrust got it for me. The policy with them is $700 for the year. State Farm offers it too, that policy costs $580 a year. I faxed the policy to SunTrust last night. I will get an updated mortgage payment. Having a cheaper policy will drop my monthly mortgage payment some. That is a good thing.

Taking One Day at a Time
There are so many things that I want and need to do for this blog. I will take my time and get things together. Maybe I will help someone with their finances. It is hard, but overall it is worth it, seeing financial and personal growth. I am glad that I decided to start my blogs.

It is Never Too Late

Today, I started a 403b with my job. I had one before with Valic, but haven't been contributing to it for a while. As a matter of fact, I just borrowed from that one earlier this year. I am currently paying it off. Valic is owned by AIG and the government bailed them out not to long ago. Will Valic be around for the next few years? Who knows? Especially with the way the economy is today. My plan is to continue to invest in my 403b and add 100.00 more yearly. I am so behind, but it is better late then never, right?

I think it is a good idea to diversity. Have funds built up in a variety of areas. I am learning and know that where there is a will there is a way. I am 33 and not getting any younger. I will continue to learn from others and put my best foot forward.

I also went to put in an application at one of the junior colleges in the area. Let's see where that will go. Extra money is always great. Making money online is also another option too. How to do that? I put this site on http://www.feedburner.com/ and I need to optimize it. I know it takes a few days for sites to crawl. It's funny how many have made money online without any efforts. What's the problem? Is it me? I will continue to do my best and put money in the right places. Do right by my houses, get a cd, continue to invest in my 403b, and learn more about the stock market.

Overall, I want to be comfortable when I get older and before then. I want to enjoy my life and be able to have the things that I want. I also want to help others have there dreams. If I write something that will help you, I have done my part.

Below are some random sites that you may find interesting:

http://www.balancetrack.org/moneymanagement/index.html

http://www.mymoney.gov/

http://www.pitecreative.com/staging/caps/