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

2017 is Almost Over and What Will 2018 Bring?

This year has been full of many positive things.

For instance:

1. several student loans have been paid off
2. increase on both credit cards
3. one credit card changed from a secured card to unsecured
4. credit scores have increased but stayed the same

I see what needs to be done and it's time to do it.  Tired of being in this RAT RACE.  There has got to be a better way.  I've learned many things on this financial journey and all I have to do is continue to grow and build from what I already know.  

I've purchased: 

1. Roth IRA
2. Traditional IRA
3. Vanguard Account

Having 12 years until I retire has really put many things in perspective for me.  

Things that need to change or get fixed: 

1. new front door
2. security door
3. hot water heater fixed
4. sink replaced in kitchen
5. drip in sink in bathroom

I've been driving my moms truck since April, it's sad because I have 2 cars and both of them have the same issues which is electrical.  There has to be a better way!  It seems I get close and things just fall apart, I guess this is what you call living.  

For 2018, these are my goals.

1. Pre-qualify for a new home:  3 bedroom/2 bath/ 2 car garage and much space
2. 2009-2012 Chevy Tahoe
3. Move from Fisk
4. Rent out Fisk with a Property Manager
5. Oneal Street Property Manager
6. 2 more student loans paid off
7. saving $1000 a month
8. travel some place once a month
9. increase monthly payments to IRAs
10. Get our passports

There are so many things that need to be addressed in my life and all I can do is work to make it better.  Yes, I get emotional and hold on to past mistakes, but what for?  It really serves no purpose at all.  I'm 42 years old and still growing and learning how to be better.  My life isn't a mistake and the only thing that I can do is work to be a better version of myself.  

I'm thankful for everything the good, the bad, and even the ugly.  This journey isn't for not.  I'll continue to grow to be better.