If it's not One Thing It's Another

In my last post, I stated that things are not as bad as they once were. Now, I am begging to differ. Currently, there is a tax lien on my credit report that I was not aware of. Also, there are two undergraduate student loans that need to be paid off so I can qualify for the teacher loan forgiveness program. There can not be any loans prior to 1998 to be able to receive this forgiveness.

Day before yesterday I found out that I didn't meet the requirements to receive financial aid for this term. Turning lemons into lemonade. Not getting financial aid will cut down on the amount of money I will owe once I complete my PhD. On the other hand, this is $4,310 that could be going to something else. The world and it's occurances are something. There are actually three terms in one year. That totals $12,930 a year. I keep telling myself, this is money and interest I do not have to pay out once I am finished.

Credit Reports

Since finding out this news, my mind has been going a million miles a minute trying to sort out my plan of action to pay off my debts. Yesterday, I pulled my credit report and found that I have a 587, 635, and 635. My scores are better than they were without the tax lien.

This is my plan of action:

Pay $2,000 a month of debts for the next year. This will total $24,000. Using that money will allow me to pay off the tax lien in three months. Starting in September, it will be paid off by December. Through it all, I am going to continue paying something on Wachovia and US Dept of Education.

Life Happens

Life happens and it is all up to me to make sure I stay afloat. It is so easy to give up and just fall victim. I refuse to be a victim to my debt. Giving up vacations to pay off debt is a sacrifice and I am willing to sacrifice that money to have financial freedom. Another thing, I have $54,000 in school debt. The funny thing about that is I make about this much yearly.

Overall, I am somewhat saddened by not receiving financial aid. This is the outcome of not doing what is needed at the moment. Thinking about my life and how I have wasted time, energy, and money by not doing something when it needed to be done. No longer can I do that to myself. I am tired of doing this to myself and my money. Maturity is taking place and I am proud to say I am ready for the changes to occur in my life. Sacrifice is what is taking place in my life. I am ready for the changes and the debt will be handled.

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.

The Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

The Future of Distance Education

By: George Siemens

EDUC 8842: Principals of Distance Education

I agree with Siemens view on global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction. These elements do create an effective experience and allow distance education to stand on its own. Traditional classrooms offer face to face interaction and is scheduled at a specific day and time. Online learning gives the student enonomity and affords an opportunity to interact with individuals with whom they may not in an traditional setting.
Distance education benefits corporations by allowing them to interact with different offices around the world.

What online tools are available today to facilitate these interactions among leaners?
There are several tools that will facilitate interactions in the online setting.
For instance:
Assignments within the course shell allow for dailouge.
Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and other online social network sites give students another avenue to discuss course assignments.
Skype gives classmates a chance to use new technology to hold conversations about the courses.
Not only can these tools be used with the students, it can be used with the professors.

Siemens stated examples of what fuels distance education's growing acceptance:
The increase in online communicationPractional experience with new toolsGrowing comfort with online discourseAbility to communicate with diverse global groups

Distance education will continue to grow and change. Siemens feels it will be impacted by:
New communication technologies
Contribution by experts around the world
Increased use of multimedia, games, and simulations

Also in moving toward a growing shift in online education, it has been called the triple helix model of education. This is where universities, government, and businesses work together to provide and equip students with the online environment.

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.

What Changes Do I need to Make?

This month I haven't been doing the right thing with my money. Spending on unnecessary items, that really don't mean a thing. To be truthful, I don't know how much money I have spent since the beginning of the month. All I know is that it is much more then I wanted to spend. We have been eating out everday and that is more money coming out.

Walden University
I passed my courses this past term. I am taking two courses now and my independent study. Paying for school was trying and it let me know that I make a decent amount of money. It is all about doing the right thing with my cash. Now that another term has started I am waiting until tomorrow to find out if my GPA has increased. This will allow me to get financial aid which is greatly needed.

Paying Bills On Time
Thinking about my finances has me realizing that I have late fees on my accounts due to paying my bills when I get paid at the end of the month. Starting this month, I will pay my bills when they come.

Tax Lien
Disputing the tax lien made a major difference in how much I have to pay. In the beginning the tax lien was almost $12,000. Now it is $6,000 and that will be paid off by the end of the year. Paying the lien will allow us to finally be able to move and for me to get more properties.

Online Banking
The strangest thing happened with my online banking. Monthly, I pay for my braces using this service. In the mail, I received a late statement for $243.00. This is a late payment for May and June's regular cost. What has happened? May's bill has not been paid. The last time that I talked with secretary at the orthodontist office the May payment came the June's. I owe a late payment for this. Where was the check? This was an incident that occured that can't be explained. I have learned and I am truly thinking of taking the payment with me from now on. I will have to see first.

Things that I have done
windshield wipers
back speaker fixed

Things needed to do
sell candles
renew Betty's Only
raining and headliner (Liam)
new tires
grill fixed (Liam)
pass classes
get financial aid
get passport

June Bill's
T-Mobile $60.00
Water $90.00
Geico $221.00
Braces $109.00
Wachovia $200.00
Tax Lien $200.00
US Dept of Education $25.00

These are the things that I am currently experiencing. Daily, I learn from others and try to stay focused on what is important in my life. There is still so much more to learn. My posts are about my life and what it takes for me to obtain the financial security. Growing and building is what I am focused on. All I can tell you is what I know and read from others.

Principles of Distance Education

As you all may know I am in school at Walden University. Currently, I am taking two courses. One course, Principles of Distance Education is allowing us to use our blog to discuss our assignments. We have been placed in groups. My group consists of 3 members including Peggy Creighton and Erin Mitchell, and me.

Assignment
After reading the three articles by Moller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman, and watching or listening to the Simonson videos, compare and contrast the reasons these authors believe there is a need to evolve distance education to the next generation. Do you agree with their positions? Why or why not?

My Response
Moller, Huett, Foshay, Coleman, and Simonson believe there is a need to evolve distance education to the next generation because as time moves forward learners become more advanced. Coleman stated that distance education has been around for centuries or decades. For instance, the matchbook covers (be a detective online), correspondence schools, and distance education have offered e-learning to assist those people that want to learn other than using a conventional system.

Simonson says, today, distance education is widely adopted and approaching critical mass in society. With this growth, education is going to have to fit the learner. As a society, we are moving toward individualized learning, and distance education will provide that for the individual. In the k-12 environment, years ago there were no computers in the classroom, now each room has at least five. The education has to be geared toward the learner. The youth of today have the Internet, cell phones, video games, just to name a few. Having the variety of technologies, the education will have to adapt on order to meet the needs of the learners.

I do agree with their positions. The students that I teach are somewhat advanced and in order to grasp their attention the education needs to fit their interests. These student use the Internet and cell phones to interact with one another. Why can't they use these mediums when it comes to education?

Distance Education: The Next Generation

Resources
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's Accession Number: 33281719.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's Accession Number: 33991516.

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5). 63-67.

PF Bloggers Weight Loss Challenge

I have joined a PF Bloggers Weight Loss Challenge by Man vs. Debt. This challenge is from June 1 to July 31. What is crazy is I started a blog Can I Really Lose Weight. I haven't posted in a very long time, not that long, but still. Accountability is key. Working with a team will help support and fuss when needed. I can not let my team down.

Zeta Team
Krista http://change-jar.blogspot.com
Dusty http://chasingthebull.info
Bettsonly http://financialsuccessismine.blogspot.com
Jorge http://independentminded.org
SavingDiva http://savingforhome.blogspot.com

Check us out to see our progress. We will work together to lose weight.

Sometimes, I just don't Know

Payday was Friday and I have spent more then necessary. Things are working out for the best. There are many improvements I honestly can say, but that never is enough. As always, there are many things that need to be done. Here, I will work on sorting out my to do list for this month, financial obligations, and my business plans.

June Plans
get speakers fixed on Liam $170.00
headliner and raining in Liam $500.00
front yard landscaped $500.00 I guess
house cleaned free
throw away things haven't used or worn in over a year free

Financial Obligations other than monthly bills
Wachovia $2,780.57
US Dept. of Education $13,402.56
Tax Lien $12,000

Tax Lien
I wrote a letter to the Dept of Revenue in reference to the tax lien. The total cost has escalated to $12,000 give or take a few. That is awful, there are fees, court costs, accrued costs, and other fees that have come along with having this debt. First, I would like to say yes, I did receive paperwork on this debt, but when I inquired about the debt I never received anything stated exactly what it was in reference to. I have no problem paying the debt, I just want it to be a reasonable price.

Once the lien is taking care of I will prepare to move. There are always things that appear. They are there laying dormant, waiting for the most inopportune moment to rear their ugly face. That will not get me down. I will continue to build from what I have, put my cash to good use, and learn from others. I am looking forward to achieving financial success.

Savings Account
Last month, I started to save some money. It is about time. Within the last few months, I have finally realized what I am doing with my money and how to build and use what I have. I want to thank you and my blog for being there for me to sort out my financial ups and downs. This has truly been a learning process. My learning will never stop. There is so much more to be done with my money.

As for my savings account, I have had this for as long as I have had my checking out. I only had the minimum in it, that is a mess. I started to put money into it last month. Now I have $506.00 in my savings account. That is something big. When I get to $1,000 I may open a Roth IRA.

Business Plans
Paying for Walden University was a big step for me. I recieved a B in my class. Hopefully, I will be off of academic probation. Now, I am taking 2 courses this term. If I have to pay for school that will be another opportunity for me to achieve financial freedom. Turn obstacles into opportunities.

My doman name has expired, I must renew that. O, I haven't purchased my books for this term. That is another financial obligation, that is something that I should have done last week. Crazy.

As for Betty's Only, I have looked into getting a business license, that is something that will be done within the month. There has to be a way to promote Betty's Only. I have a product, I just need to promote it.

This is what is going on with me overall. There is more to say, but finally it all depends on my focus on the situations. What is more important? There is so much and I know I can get it all done. I don't want to work like this forever, there is another route. I know what it is, it is all up to me to get my finances and thoughts in order. Do right with what I have and I can achieve more.

Time Keeps Moving Forward

Finally, I am at a point where I know where my money is going. It has taken time, focus, dedication, and determination to actually see. Being sick and tired of overdrawing in my account, not knowing where money was going, and not being able to get the things done that are necessary. That is finally over.

Somethings that have Helped
1. Cutting up my check card
2. Not eating out
3. Filling up on 1/2 a tank
4. Monitoring my spending
5. Not purchasing wastefully

This month has brought about savings. I am still paying off the things that will allow me freedom, but I put up a little cash in my savings account. There is a checking and savings account with the same bank. I have the minimum in my savings account. I transferred $100 into my savings account. Now, I have $300 in that account. I will not withdraw this money for any reason. If I do have to withdraw I will put double back. That is my promise to myself.

In another account, I usually use this account to withdraw and replace money in the other account. I don't mean to be confusing, but I have stopped withdrawing from that account. Things are truly looking up. Other than the lien, all debts are up to date. School will be out for me as of Wednesday. This will give me some time to figure the lien out. I have to get an understanding of the total debt. Once that is done, I will start paying this off. The sooner the better.

Overall, I am proud of the growth I have made, there is still more to come. Since the month was hectic, I didn't go grocery shopping. There has been a cookout or something daily so that saved some money.

School
Is paid for now I have to complete one more assignment. The term actually ends tonight. My grades should be good enough where I can get financial aid. Have to see how everything goes.

Debts
Water $ 90.00
T-Mobile 61.29
Knology 75.00
Mediacom 70.00
Geico 221.00
First Premeire 100.00
savings 250.00
Wachovia 311.00
US Dept of Education 25.00
School Books 150.00 (don't know, but that's what I expect to spend)
Passport 99.00

Things to Do
Get headliner fixed
Raining in truck
Back speakers replaced
Something done to the front yard

The summer is going to bring promise and relaxation. Again, there is so much to do and I will get it all done. Just to be able to say I know where my money is going makes me feel so proud of my accomplishments. There are still somethings that I know I can change, but all together I want happiness and contentment in my life. Receiving those things takes an overall acceptance to just live and enjoy life, this is what I have vowed to do for myself.

Whose Money is this Anyway?

I have been afraid to write. For what reason I don't know. Thoughts of posting came, but I never set down to write about what and how I felt about my money. Over time, I have read personal finances blogs, books, quotes, etc. What I have learned is, this is my money and it is up to me to do right by it. Indeed, I work hard and in return I receive a salary. This is money that will come in monthly. Now here is where it gets tricky. Living above my means is what has been going on for years. The time to stop is now. There is so much more to life. Spending money until it is all gone. At the end of the month there is nothing. Debt collectors calling and overdrawn papers in the mail. Is this your money or are you working to pay bills? I don't want to live that way anymore. This will be the first month that I will have more money left over after paying bills. Finally doing right by my cash feels good.

I have been doing some Thinking

The mind is a terrible thing to waste and I wonder how I can use it to its fullest potential. Everyday I am bombarded with questions, tasks, life, and an array of other things that it is hard to truly stay focused on what is important. The things that are important to me are my family, school, and my overall life. Using My Financial Success has helped me realize that this is my money and it is up to me to use it to benefit me and my family. Sometimes I see people and what they have, but that doesn't matter. What matters is what I have and what I do with what I receive. Putting my money to work for me is more important than materialistic things. I am so over having the latest this and the latest that, I just want to be able to live.

Previously, I discussed wanting to own 5-10 acres of land. This is something that I have wanted for some years. All it takes is focus in order to achieve goals. I lost site of what is truly important to me. It is hard to gain focus again, but it is here and I will not let it go.

Reviewing my finances, now that Walden University is paid for, at the end of the month I will have $2000.00 left over every month. That is a major step in my finances. There needs to be more assessing going on, but for the most part that is what will be left over. Not overdrawing in my account and shopping excessively will save me. Before the summer is over, I am going to open a Roth IRA. This is truly needed and will benefit me in the future. So looking forward to that.

As for this lien, I am still working on that. I understand that this is something that I did to myself, but it is crazy. Looking for a lawyer as we speak, but this will not bring me down.

Being able to save more money and live off of what I recieve will be a big step for me.

June will bring on many changes for me, but I know that things will be alright. So money will have to go toward June, but not too much. All I can say is I am proud of myself and the growth I have attained these pasts few months. What I have learned has helped me and I look forward to moving forward.

Keep on Moving

Today is going to be random thoughts about my financial situation. There really hasn't been much going on. I changed the format of the blog. It was looking somewhat cluttered, junky! So I changed it to make it look better. The heading needs to be changed. I don't know what it should be. Crazy right? I want it to be fun, innocent, and about money. What should it be?

I have been spending money. Had a fish fry Friday, took out $100.00 for that. I have only $10.00 left. The car has no gas, that is something that has to be done too. Company will be here Thursday, I bought a shower curtain for the bathroom and a rug. The rug is too small. I should have gotten the larger one for $19.99. There needs to be pictures in the bathroom too. I may go to look for that tomorrow. I want some plants for the house, maybe three. Succulents would be great, they don't need much water.

- Expires 05/11/09

Walden Done
School is finally paid for. That is a relief for me. School is almost over which is good. Since it is paid for I can register for the next term. I must keep good grades. I applied for financial aid, getting good grades will qualify me for it. Paying for school has shown me that I can be debt free. All that has to be done is put money toward those outstanding bills. Doing that will get it paid for quick and save you on interest fees.

Things I have paid for:
Walden: done
TMobile: $55.00
Knology: $69.51
Mediacom: $88.98
W. GA Orthodontist: $109.00
US Dept. of Education: $25.00

Who I must pay:
ING: $15.00
SunTrust: $51.00
First Premiere: $50.00
Primerica: $80.00
Myself (savings): $100.00
Wachovia: $50.00

This savings thing is something that I just decided to do. Every time I get paid, I will add money to my savings account. I tend to spend more, pay of debt, and not save. That stops today. I don't know what tomorrow will bring so I must start now saving, but continue to pay off bills.

Never Trust
As for the lien, it is crazy. People are selfish and users. Never trust anyone with your personal information. I have lived and learned better. I will continue to do some research as far as statue of limitation. If that fells, I will pay for it myself. I can't have this hanging over my head. Also, keep documentation, it is always needed. There is so much more to my life. I am over it. Get me once that's on you, get me twice, that on me! I went to the GA Dept of Revenue to get the itemized break down of how much I owe. Still waiting to get a call to pick it up, how long will that be?

My Serious Debt
Tax Lien
Student loans: deferred

Emergency Fund
I finally have one of those. It feels good. Liam (Land Rover) is fixed kinda sorta. The moon roof is missing a bolt. That is a big hole that allows rain to get in. I got it plugged with a cork, I know. It only cost me $1.07. Pretty good, I will see if it stops it from raining in Liam. Been thinking about getting back speaker fixed, that was one of the things that broke first. I know that the speaker is really that bad, but it is one of the cheaper things to get fixed. With my emergency fund, I will save about $700-$1000 a month. Get Liam worked out, save, and pay off debt. With large bills, it would be good just to put a large lump sum on it.