My life is so different now. Responsible for a baby is something that I never thought I would encounter. Never under these conditions. It's my reality and I'll say it's mine to own up to. I don't know where I'm going or what I'm doing, but it's my life to do with it as I will. The transition is a scary one and realizing the things that I wanted to do and didn't is hard. There are so many things that kept me from doing other things. I'm in a great place, but my thoughts get the best of me. For instance, worrying about a reality that my never come to fruition is something that I do on a regular basis. I'm sad more than happy. I look at things that I shouldn't, I make myself sad. This isn't the time to be doing that, but I do. As if something gets into my mind and it festers continuously.
Now isn't the time to be down. It's the holiday season, is my mind reliving my past. This time last year was something serious, but it's over now. To me life will repeat itself, if changes aren't made, but it repeats itself sometimes anyway.
Financial issues:
Student loans
Mortgage (month behind)
Car Note (month behind)
Medical bills (2,000)
Mom (2,000)
On top of that, it's time to move into a better situation. Wanting better for myself and him. He deserves to have a nice backyard that he can play in. A decent neighborhood that's safe and secure. His mother needs to sit down and organize her life. Something that I'm truly having a hard time doing. It seems like I just can't get right, no matter what. It's me, no time. Thoughts are cloudy, feel like I can't do anything. Always rushing, no thoughts, just existing. This is not why I was given life. Morbid things are always taking the for front of my life. Tired, like there's never enough. Wanting to do right by him, not knowing if I'm cut out for this new position that I've been given. Thankful that I was chosen, but so much has changed.
This post like most, is a rumble of my thoughts, which aren't clear at all.
Pay something off, that's the least I can do. Did I mention that there are always car issues. Issues with Marybelle's seats. Liam is sitting in my moms backyard. I don't want to go anywhere or do anything. Afraid of getting sick again. What do I do, where do I go? How do I handle my thought? Always overdrawing in my account.
Transfer $100 to my Navy Federal account, and put $50 in my TIC account. I have many in MEA, that I have been getting when I need cash. Also, I need to open up him an account. I don't want him to struggle like I have. Want so much more for him.
Write a will, open him an account, get this business going. Get my life right, I want him to have better, but how can that happen if I don't want better for myself. Being in the dumps is something that I can't seem to shake, but it'll pass it always does.
Thanks for reading! Happy Holidays!
Showing posts with label personal finances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal finances. Show all posts
Friday, November 28, 2014
Friday, May 3, 2013
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.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Trouble is Always There
8 months later and still finances are an issue of mine. As the saying goes, I can't win for losing. Don't get me wrong things are good and I always get out of the situation I am in.
This is what is going on:
Parkchester about to go in foreclosure. Probably already in it $3500
Gas bill
TMobile about to be turned off
Direct TV turned off
Knology
Marybelle tire and brakes
Liam muffler and air
MEA
Tax Lien
US Dept of Education
Wachovia
I am blessed, don't get me wrong. There are plenty of wonderful things that have happened. I am glad to have been able to receive and experience all of them. Being able to conquer these financial issues will let me know that I can do anything. The sad and funny part of it all is that money comes in, and I misuse it. That is all that it is, I don't respect money. I said. I have two checks that I haven't cashed, one is almost 2 months old.
As I stated, money comes in and I don't use it how it should be. Plus I am owed $2850. Filing for an eviction tomorrow. Overdrawn in my account too. The story of my life. I can help everybody, but I can't seem to help myself. So very sad.
The other day I wrote out all of the bills that I owe. I get paid in a few days.
Should I take money out of one account to clear the checking from being overdrawn?
Pay gas bill
When I get paid take all of my money and pay off the foreclosure? Leaving me broke for the enitre month. ( I will get a refund at the end of June)
Family reunion at the end of June, need to purchase ticket and find a place to stay
Too hot to drive Liam, sometimes he doesn't want to crank
Marybelle's tire is flat and it has a sensor in it and her breaks need fixing
What makes matters worse is, I have the money, I just don't want to pay my bills. I said it, ok! That's the truth of the matter. Things always work themselves out. Didn't mention that the back of Parkchester is awful full of weeds. Working on turning that into a group home. Learn how to make arrangments with the different companies.
This is what is going on:
Parkchester about to go in foreclosure. Probably already in it $3500
Gas bill
TMobile about to be turned off
Direct TV turned off
Knology
Marybelle tire and brakes
Liam muffler and air
MEA
Tax Lien
US Dept of Education
Wachovia
I am blessed, don't get me wrong. There are plenty of wonderful things that have happened. I am glad to have been able to receive and experience all of them. Being able to conquer these financial issues will let me know that I can do anything. The sad and funny part of it all is that money comes in, and I misuse it. That is all that it is, I don't respect money. I said. I have two checks that I haven't cashed, one is almost 2 months old.
As I stated, money comes in and I don't use it how it should be. Plus I am owed $2850. Filing for an eviction tomorrow. Overdrawn in my account too. The story of my life. I can help everybody, but I can't seem to help myself. So very sad.
The other day I wrote out all of the bills that I owe. I get paid in a few days.
Should I take money out of one account to clear the checking from being overdrawn?
Pay gas bill
When I get paid take all of my money and pay off the foreclosure? Leaving me broke for the enitre month. ( I will get a refund at the end of June)
Family reunion at the end of June, need to purchase ticket and find a place to stay
Too hot to drive Liam, sometimes he doesn't want to crank
Marybelle's tire is flat and it has a sensor in it and her breaks need fixing
What makes matters worse is, I have the money, I just don't want to pay my bills. I said it, ok! That's the truth of the matter. Things always work themselves out. Didn't mention that the back of Parkchester is awful full of weeds. Working on turning that into a group home. Learn how to make arrangments with the different companies.
Monday, June 29, 2009
My Finances are Better than They once Were
Looking over finances takes time, dedication, honesty, focus, and a bunch of other things. You must be willing to bear all and open up about the money you make. While writing on My Financial Success I have realized that yes, I have wasted money over the years. Now, I am willing to make a difference with the money I bring home. Once upon a time, I couldn't tell you where my money went. All I knew is that it was all gone. No more and there where still 15 days left in the month. Truly, I got tired of living that way. The material items and that instantaneous thrill will only last for a moment. The financial value will have depleted over time, no longer being worth the amount that you spent.
No longer will I finance anything. All of my purchases will be with cash, check, money order or cashier's check. The interest rate and fees are ridiculous that are charged when you finance or take out a loan. What is the point? The extra cash you spend payin on that could be going to something else.
As for my cable, I got rid of Showtime. I am slowly cutting the extra channels. The phone and Internet can not be cut. I am sure there is something that could be done about my fews. To total I believe my monthly pay out is about $400.00 a month. That really isn't that bad. Working toward cutting more costs.
The tax lien has to be paid separately, so I am going to pay $450.00 for July and August. Those two payments will pay for the Ford Explorer. In September, I will pay $1,000 a month to get the Escalade paid for. Never let anyone use your SSN for anything. I can admit my ignorance. Also, if you purchase a vehicle out of state the sales tax is not included in that purchase. The SSN thing I knew that and I thought the person would handle responsibilities, I was wrong. Purchasing a vehicle out of state and tagging it in another county was new on me. You live and you learn.
These are my serious debts
Wachovia $3600
Tax Lien $6,000
US Dept of Education $13,000
In order to pay off my debts, I will put all of my extra cash toward the above listed challenges. Figuring out other avenues where I cut corners on spending. $24,000 will be paid off by August 2o1o. I will say it over and over, the money I make is not mine if I owe a collector. I will pay off these debts and have them behind me. In the mean time, I will save cash too. No longer will I waste the money that I make. I have a goal to retire by 40. Doing the things that I have been doing in the past have not been successful. Changing my money habits will benefit me and my family in the long run. Building generational wealth is my goal.
Haven't heard anything from my appeal letter for reinstatement of my financial aid. Will call tomorrow to find out what is going on. They said it would be 2 weeks, it has been 15 days.
The other day, I went to Barnes and Noble and looked over some personal finance books. They really motivated me to get back on track. Really tired of wasting money.
It takes a person to finally get tired of things to really make a difference, well I am tired.
No longer will I finance anything. All of my purchases will be with cash, check, money order or cashier's check. The interest rate and fees are ridiculous that are charged when you finance or take out a loan. What is the point? The extra cash you spend payin on that could be going to something else.
As for my cable, I got rid of Showtime. I am slowly cutting the extra channels. The phone and Internet can not be cut. I am sure there is something that could be done about my fews. To total I believe my monthly pay out is about $400.00 a month. That really isn't that bad. Working toward cutting more costs.
The tax lien has to be paid separately, so I am going to pay $450.00 for July and August. Those two payments will pay for the Ford Explorer. In September, I will pay $1,000 a month to get the Escalade paid for. Never let anyone use your SSN for anything. I can admit my ignorance. Also, if you purchase a vehicle out of state the sales tax is not included in that purchase. The SSN thing I knew that and I thought the person would handle responsibilities, I was wrong. Purchasing a vehicle out of state and tagging it in another county was new on me. You live and you learn.
These are my serious debts
Wachovia $3600
Tax Lien $6,000
US Dept of Education $13,000
In order to pay off my debts, I will put all of my extra cash toward the above listed challenges. Figuring out other avenues where I cut corners on spending. $24,000 will be paid off by August 2o1o. I will say it over and over, the money I make is not mine if I owe a collector. I will pay off these debts and have them behind me. In the mean time, I will save cash too. No longer will I waste the money that I make. I have a goal to retire by 40. Doing the things that I have been doing in the past have not been successful. Changing my money habits will benefit me and my family in the long run. Building generational wealth is my goal.
Haven't heard anything from my appeal letter for reinstatement of my financial aid. Will call tomorrow to find out what is going on. They said it would be 2 weeks, it has been 15 days.
The other day, I went to Barnes and Noble and looked over some personal finance books. They really motivated me to get back on track. Really tired of wasting money.
It takes a person to finally get tired of things to really make a difference, well I am tired.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Time is Now
There have been many things going on in my life. The main one is maturity. This has been an ongoing process for me. I don't know when it actually started to happen, but I know it is relevant in my life. I look at money in a totally different light. Gradual changes have taken place for instance: cutting up my check card, taking money out of my account monthly, bringing lunches to work. There are more, I just have to think about them.
I wasn't going to post, but I got the posting feeling. Overall, things are good. Am I overdrawn in my checking account, yes. Why, something did an automatic withdrawal that I wasn't ready for. I actually needed it so I didn't ask for a refund.
Big Steps
Today, I called to get my due dates changed for my cable and phone bills. Tomorrow, I am getting rid of HBO and Cinemax, these two channels will save me about $25.00 a month totalling $300 a year. The reason I changed my due dates is that with my cable bill I am not meeting the date so $5.00 is added to my bill. That's not much, but it could go to something else. I also need to call my insurance company because that is an automatic withdrawal when I don't have the funds in my account. This totals a $35.00 fee. Not good.
Finished bills
Liam $0.00 (received title)
ING $0.00
debt on credit report $0.00
This saves $380.00 a month to go toward any debt I choose.
New Bills
Walden University $4,310.00 for term
Wachovia $3,170 since 1993
US Dept of Education $13,784 (since 1993)
PhD Educational Techology
As for Walden, this will be paid off by the end of May. This is the only way I will be able to register for the next term. The way I figure, taking one class per term and completing one KAM per term, I will be finished with all courses and KAMs by August 2010. Being on academic probation is why I am paying for school. This will save money in the long run because it will be one less loan I have to pay back. I may have to pay for the next term too. It goes from June to September. If I do, that will be fine. In the meantime, I am going to apply for financial aid because my GPA will be up at the end of this term.
1993 Student Loans
Wachovia and US Dept of Education are loans I have had since 1993, that is ashamed. I am ok with that. Due to my job position I am eligible to have money taken off of my loans, but I can't have a loan prior to 1995. These must be paid off by the end of the school term 2010.
This is my plan:
Walden University : $1,437 a month until it is paid off
Wachovia: $25.00 a month until Walden taken care of after that all goes to Wachovia
US Dept of Education: $25.00 a month until Walden and Wachovia paid off
All of these are big ticket items. I know, but when life gives you lemons it is up to me to make lemonade. I sometimes wonder why these things keep happening to me. Is it because I thought it or am I being tested? Who knows, all I do know is that it is up to me to do the right thing and handle my finances.
Cutting back and maintaining are all apart of the plan. Going to the bookstore and reading personal finance books have made me think a little different. As long as I owe, the money I make is not mine. There are stories where people go on big vacations and have debt. The money spent on the vacation could have gone toward the debt. That made me think of myself. I want to take a cruise during Spring Break, but I can't do that. The money that I was going to pay for the cruise needs and will go toward paying my tuition to Walden. I will be Dr. Willetta Jackson.
We are half way through the month and I did a big thing. I went to Sam's and did my monthly grocery shopping. The items that I purchased will last for a while. The only things that will needed to be purchased are vegetables. I am proud of myself, shopping at Sam's made me feel grown. Honestly, there will be enough food left over for the next month.
Things are looking good and I am ready for the future to take place. I know what my finances are and where my money goes, now it's up to me to cut back and put the money where it is needed.
2010 is rapidly approaching and I have been teaching for 10 years. I have much to show, but there is so much more I could have done with the money I have made during this time. The time is now to make a difference in what I have been given. It's not about having the biggest house, the nicest car, or the most lavish parties. It's about making your money work for you. Knowing is half the battle. I know and now I am willing to make a change.
Something else, our vehicles take away from the cash that we have. Monthly payments, insurance, maintenance, upgrades, all of these things cost money and take away from other things you could be doing.
Liam is paid for. This is a list of all the things needed to be fixed on Liam, mind you Liam is a 99 Land Rover.
oil change and tune up
headliner
drain cleaned for sun and moon roof repaired
new tires
park light replaced
power steering
back speaker
new grill
back windshield wiper
back red light
power locks
These are not major items, but I will get the least expensive item fixed first and work my way up. When it rains it pours, but I love walking in the rain. Things will work themselves out and I will be successful in my endeavors.
I wasn't going to post, but I got the posting feeling. Overall, things are good. Am I overdrawn in my checking account, yes. Why, something did an automatic withdrawal that I wasn't ready for. I actually needed it so I didn't ask for a refund.
Big Steps
Today, I called to get my due dates changed for my cable and phone bills. Tomorrow, I am getting rid of HBO and Cinemax, these two channels will save me about $25.00 a month totalling $300 a year. The reason I changed my due dates is that with my cable bill I am not meeting the date so $5.00 is added to my bill. That's not much, but it could go to something else. I also need to call my insurance company because that is an automatic withdrawal when I don't have the funds in my account. This totals a $35.00 fee. Not good.
Finished bills
Liam $0.00 (received title)
ING $0.00
debt on credit report $0.00
This saves $380.00 a month to go toward any debt I choose.
New Bills
Walden University $4,310.00 for term
Wachovia $3,170 since 1993
US Dept of Education $13,784 (since 1993)
PhD Educational Techology
As for Walden, this will be paid off by the end of May. This is the only way I will be able to register for the next term. The way I figure, taking one class per term and completing one KAM per term, I will be finished with all courses and KAMs by August 2010. Being on academic probation is why I am paying for school. This will save money in the long run because it will be one less loan I have to pay back. I may have to pay for the next term too. It goes from June to September. If I do, that will be fine. In the meantime, I am going to apply for financial aid because my GPA will be up at the end of this term.
1993 Student Loans
Wachovia and US Dept of Education are loans I have had since 1993, that is ashamed. I am ok with that. Due to my job position I am eligible to have money taken off of my loans, but I can't have a loan prior to 1995. These must be paid off by the end of the school term 2010.
This is my plan:
Walden University : $1,437 a month until it is paid off
Wachovia: $25.00 a month until Walden taken care of after that all goes to Wachovia
US Dept of Education: $25.00 a month until Walden and Wachovia paid off
All of these are big ticket items. I know, but when life gives you lemons it is up to me to make lemonade. I sometimes wonder why these things keep happening to me. Is it because I thought it or am I being tested? Who knows, all I do know is that it is up to me to do the right thing and handle my finances.
Cutting back and maintaining are all apart of the plan. Going to the bookstore and reading personal finance books have made me think a little different. As long as I owe, the money I make is not mine. There are stories where people go on big vacations and have debt. The money spent on the vacation could have gone toward the debt. That made me think of myself. I want to take a cruise during Spring Break, but I can't do that. The money that I was going to pay for the cruise needs and will go toward paying my tuition to Walden. I will be Dr. Willetta Jackson.
We are half way through the month and I did a big thing. I went to Sam's and did my monthly grocery shopping. The items that I purchased will last for a while. The only things that will needed to be purchased are vegetables. I am proud of myself, shopping at Sam's made me feel grown. Honestly, there will be enough food left over for the next month.
Things are looking good and I am ready for the future to take place. I know what my finances are and where my money goes, now it's up to me to cut back and put the money where it is needed.
2010 is rapidly approaching and I have been teaching for 10 years. I have much to show, but there is so much more I could have done with the money I have made during this time. The time is now to make a difference in what I have been given. It's not about having the biggest house, the nicest car, or the most lavish parties. It's about making your money work for you. Knowing is half the battle. I know and now I am willing to make a change.
Something else, our vehicles take away from the cash that we have. Monthly payments, insurance, maintenance, upgrades, all of these things cost money and take away from other things you could be doing.
Liam is paid for. This is a list of all the things needed to be fixed on Liam, mind you Liam is a 99 Land Rover.
oil change and tune up
headliner
drain cleaned for sun and moon roof repaired
new tires
park light replaced
power steering
back speaker
new grill
back windshield wiper
back red light
power locks
These are not major items, but I will get the least expensive item fixed first and work my way up. When it rains it pours, but I love walking in the rain. Things will work themselves out and I will be successful in my endeavors.
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