It's Been a Long Time Coming

This feels so abandoned.  Like always, haven't been here in a really long time.  Overlooked previous posts and boy, I talked a great game and haven't done anything to make any situation better.  Now that's what one would call sad.  There have been many positive things that have happened over the year.  For instance, started seriously paying off debt.  I mean seriously, taking it slow, but getting it done.

Let's see:
Paying off students loans
Started reading Mr. Money Mustache
Opened a Vanguard account
Purchased two IRAs
Refinanced to 15 year mortgage
Got increase on credit

Debt:
Navient    380
Navient    1057
Fed Loan  3085
Allied Ser 6372 (This has to be paid off before I can re-enroll to complete Phd)
Navient    11,000 charged off
Navient    12,000 charged off

At this point, I feel somewhat obsessive about paying off these debts.  It's been too long for me to be saying financial freedom is mine and I haven't done anything to be financially free.  In other words, financial freedom hasn't been mine because I haven't paid off anything that I should have a long time ago.

With that being said, the 2 Navient loans will be paid off by the end of the year.  The Fed Loan will be paid off by March 2018.  The main thing is having most of the debt free and clear by December 2018.  The time has come for me to move, well us to move.  Better place, better environment for the both of us.  It's funny how we tend to live our lives.  For instance, I've had the cars I've wanted, but not the house I've wanted.

Things are looking great, just a matter of doing right by the money I receive, no more wasting it.  Do better is what I keep telling myself, do better.  Retirement is about a decade away.  It's time to do what's right.  It just dawned on me that I'll only have a few more years to pay on my house once I retire.  I should be able to put more on the house or refinance to a 10 year mortgage at some point.  In the meantime, credit scores need to be improved.  I've been working on those for years and nothing.  They'll go up, but drop in a matter of a month.  I'm going to keep working on these things and know that financial success is mine.  :)

Spending Spending Spending

Do I set up a payment plan with Navient or do I just let the loan do what it's going to do?  That is the question of the day.  I have the money in my other account, but it is already below what I started with.  I've paid my mom and a few other things.  To be honest, I'm glad of the things that I've accomplished, but there are goals set.

Navient (student loans)
To be honest, I really don't understand why student loans have to be such a bother.  Yes, I needed the loans to help pay for school.  Yes, they did what they needed to do.  Yes, I understand that they have to be paid back.  What I don't understand is the harassment that one has to endure when owing them.  It is awful and I'm sad that I was in a position to need loans in order to afford school.  Also, the interest rates are ridiculous.  No matter what, they have to be paid off.  I will make a call to set up a payment plan.  It's not in the cards, but it has to be done, no matter what.

Due to the student loan issues, my credit score has been dropping, slowly, but surely.  Trouble don't last always.

Things to do today
Get Liam $545.00, found out that he needs a new motor, that's not in my budget.  Either pay $4,000 for motor replacement or $1,887.55 for issues and that's not guaranteed that the problem will be fixed.  So, it's time to let it go.  I have to pay for the repairs and it's still not going to work.  Very very sad I know, the story of my life it seems.  On another note, once Liam is sold, I'll put that money toward paying off Marybelle.  I'm asking $3000, but under the circumstances, I'll take $2,000.  Putting $1,000 toward Marybelle will make me owe less of course.  I'll have it paid off sooner.  Once she's paid off she'll get sold too.  I'm ready to let things go and move forward.

I have been spending unnecessarily, but I have been getting things for the baby.  When the winter comes, he will not need anything.  I'm glad of that.  I found Thredup.com, a second hand store that offers clothes for babies and adults.  That's going to be my go to, plus JCPenney's for my babies clothes.  I have to have enough for all times.  You never know what will happen.

For the next few weeks I have to have enough.  June is coming fast.  Make sure my bills are paid.  Have enough money for gas and be able to put back what I've taken.  It seems, I never have enough.  Robbing Peter to pay Paul isn't a good look in this time and age of my life.

Things I Am Going to Do
Pay off Marybelle
Get floor fixed in house
Get student loans under control
Increase credit score
Move
Put back what I've taken away
Continue to put money away for him

June
mortgage
car note
student loans
cruise money (200)
babies party
credit card (First Premier and JCPenney's)
take baby to the beach

I see me, I see my life, I see my struggles, I see my successes, I see my pains, I see who I am, I see what I'm capable of, I see me.  The issues are real and able to be handled, I'll make it through.  Yes, I can.

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. 

Fear Sets In

Things have been moving forward and I have been putting my money to good use.  I got my tax return and I have paid off many outstanding bills.  Those bills that were $50-$200, it feels good, but I am afraid that I will not have anything to show for the money that I have received.  I want to do different this year with my tax return.  Not believing in myself seems to be an issue.  I am looking forward to positive results and making my credit score move up.  It has nowhere else to go, but up.  That's for real.  I have set many goals and am making them work. 

There is a goal that I have made, that took some of the money I had away.  Also, I have had to make some adjustments in my clothes.  That is more money that has gone to upgrade my wardrobe, so that is worth it.  I have also been eating out.  Ran out of groceries so that leaves me to eat out.  Not a good choice, but it is what it is.  All bills have been paid, need to change where my power bill goes, it still goes to my mothers house.  That's an issue too.  Another thing, I have set up automatic draft for most of my bills, I need to do that with my power bill and my water if that is an option. 

It feels good to look in my account and see all of the money that I have saved.  Now to not blow it.  There are some things that I need to get, but they will help me to become a better person.  What will I do when I grow up?  Where will I go?  What will be my position in life?  Will I complete this program?  Do I want to have a leadership degree?  Will I stay in the classroom for my entire career?  These are all questions that I want to know the answer to, but I will wait to find out.  I will continue to put my best foot forward, grow in walk with God, and do what I can to make things better. 

I am doing property manangement for a house around the street.  I have posted it on socialserve.com and I think it should be rented by the end of the month.  This is dealing with those on government assistance so that is money that is coming regardless.  Now as far as the other house, they have to go.  Tired of trying to get you to pay something you know you need to pay.  I went ahead and filed for an eviction.  Everytime I do this, it makes me feel some kind of way.  Like I really don't want to, but I have no choice.  It is part of the game. 

Looking at my life there have been some ups and downs and for the most part I have survived them all.  Learning as I go and trying to make the best of it.  As for school, I have received a specialist degree, now what about this paper that I have to write.  I have been in the program for a very long time and it doesn't seem like it will ever end.  I know I can't compare myself to others, but for real, it is time to move on to something else.  Looking at my future plans, I know and have always known, I don't want to be in the classroom forever.  There were plans I made that didn't come to fruition, but that wasn't what God wanted for me.  Sometimes, he will bring you to it, but not through it because it wasn't for you.  That is something that I have had to realize in my life. 

Things are moving forward and it's because I have made some adequate changes in my life.  Not doing many of the things I used to do, not being around many of the people I used to be around has helped me to progress in my life.  Sometimes it is hard, but you have to limit your interactions with certain people and things in order to see progress.  That I have seen.  Ordering my steps has helped me greatly and I am proud. 

Now, continue to put my best foot forward, not look back on old things.  Get over my art of sabatoge and continue to love and embrace the people that love and cherish me.  I am thankful for everything that has happened in my life, the good and the bad.  Thankful for the people that I have encountered over the years, because without them I wouldn't be where I am today.  Life has a purpose for you.  As long as you move forward and do what is right, things will fall into place.  What I'm realizing is that we want to be worldly and not Godly, that tends to pose a problem no matter what.  Love yourself.  Don't spend all you have!  Put yourself around people that are movers and shakers.  Give back to your community!  These things will help you grow into the person that you are meant to be. 

Continue to do Good Works

Things are moving an the right direction and I am so proud of my accomplishments.  I received my tax return yesterday and I am making moves toward paying off old debts.  To be honest, I was excited in the morning when I realized that my tax return was in my account.  As the day progressed sadness reared its ugly face.  This was due to understanding that that money would soon be gone.  At least it is going toward old bills that have been hovering over my head for a few years.  One of the first things I paid was Knology I owed $103 to them, next, I paid First Premier, which is my credit card.  I paid the entire debt which was $380.  I also paid for my mortgage.  Greentree is the worst mortgage company that I have dealt with.  My mortgage was sold to them and I truly don't like the company.  Whenever I call, I always get the same person.  My paperwork says that my mortgage payment is $405, but they say it's $600.  I don't what to believe.  Try not to get a mortgage with Greentree, because they are the worst. 

Overall, I am proud of my achievements and really looking forward to getting in a better place with my finances.  No, I am not perfect.  I am human living and having a human experience.  I make mistakes and know that things can only get better.  What I am thinking, I will take out a secured loan for $1,000 and pay it off.  That will help to bring up my credit scores.  The only thing they can do is go up.  This is the worst my scores have ever been and I am looking forward to seeing the progress of growth for my credit scores. 

Things to do:

1. Write letters to the credit bureaus pertaining to the debts I have paid and the old debts that are older than 7 years, they need to be removed.
2. Continue to pay for debts so that my credit scores will go up
3. Make an appointment with my credit counselor to see my progress and what are my next steps
4. Go to the bank and take out a secured loan for $1,000.  This will help increase my scores
5. Save, save, and save some more.  Work toward always have at least $3,000 in the bank at all times
6. Eliminate as much as I can and put that money toward outstanding debts. 
7. Clean out the refrigerators in storage and put them on Craigslist
8. Get rid of my storage unit that will save $50+ a month because I am always late
9. Put all bills on automatic bill pay so that bills will continue to get paid
10. Get rid of my wireless card, that will cut my cell phone bill down at least $50 a month
11. Find a house phone that will work with my alarm system that is cheaper than my current bill

These are all great things to do and I am looking forward to making progress.  It takes small steps that turn into big steps.  With the motivation and guidance that I receiving, I will be able to obtain financial success.  First, I must believe in myself and put my best foot forward at all times.  I can do it, the road my be long and hard, but with the help of the Lord, all things are possible. 

Will Everything Be Fine in 09? Sure they Will!

In my life it seems everytime I try to make a change something awful tends to occur. Honestly, I don't know what the problem is. The stars and the moon must not be aligned in my favor, who knows.

I was motivated about the year and now I am down and out. I know things will look up, but when? I seriously don't know. In my last post I was excited about the changes I have made in my life. As for this post, I don't know whether I am coming or going.

Here's What Happened
I let someone put a vehicle in my name and guess what happened to me? Now, I have a tax lien of $8,743.00 on my credit report. Eventhough the vehicle is no longer in my name this still has fallen on me. This is crazy, I never saw the car, drive the car, or had anything to do with the car, but this is a problem for me. I went to the tag office and they gave me a print out of where the vehicle hasn't been in my name since 2003 and it shows there are no liens on it. Learning lesson, don't give anyone your social security number for any reason. The car had no liens on it at all, but somewhere someone dropped the ball and now the problems goes to me. Aren't I the lucky one?

I can't file my taxes and school is about to start. I was looking for us a house, but that is not an option until this gets taken off of my report.

As of now, my credit scores are:
Equifax 576
Experian 546
Transunion 576

That sucks! Things happen for a reason and regardless it can only get better.

My Bills
Liam: 1,481
ING: 300
Student Loans: Another Thing

As of now all I am concerned with is getting a higher credit score. I am not in a financial situation where I can just ball out of control. That is where I want to be.

Another thing, one of my tenants may be moving due to an increase in her family. So if it's not one thing it's another. Thought about selling that house, but I may just lose money. I guess I need to lay low and just continue to rent it out.

My life feels like a big bag of chaos. I am spiraling out of control and I don't know what to do to get it back in order. My mind is running a million miles an hour. My eye has been jumping and I am not doing anything with the time I am given daily. I have been crying a lot too. I may be stressed or it my be depression. Whatever the cause I don't want any medication. I pride myself on not being a pill popper. I try to handle things without drugs.

As for my financial state, financial freedom will be mine. I will continue to keep it moving. Not let the petty things get me down. Pay off as much as I can and not look back. I will learn from my mistakes as well as others. Use what I write and read to lay the foundation of my financial success. I know things will happen, but it is not how you handle it, but what you do with it.

I have been Doing Much Reading

I have been reading different money management and financial planning blogs. They offer great advice on how to handle your finances. One in particular is Retire at 40. I love his methods and his plan to retire by the time he is 40 years of age. That is a great plan.

Cutting Back

One of the things that I have learned from Andy is don't waste money on paper napkins. You know that is something that I truly knew, but haven't put it into practice. I am not going to break down the amount of money you will save if you stop purchasing paper napkins, but it will come in handy over a years time. He suggested to purchase towels for the kitchen and the bathroom. This will save you money and you will not have to waste that paper anymore. Also, instead of spending money on Kleenex get you a handkerchief. You will wash it and not keep spending money over and over again.

Another thing that he discussed is cutting back on your waste. If you don't not recycle, you should start. Many of the things that we use daily end up in the trash can. Recycling can help the enivironment and cut back on your footprint on this Earth.

My Credit Score

I checked my credit score today and the student loan has been updated, it is no longer negative on my account. Equifax: 598, Experian: 604, and Transunion: 641 are my scores. Life happens and it is what you make it. I will continue to do what is best. I am no longer overdrawing in my checking account. This is the first time I have not been struggling for the month of January.

Organizing Life

I am going to take my time and organize my life. I admire Andy and his growth and determination. I will be there within a few months. I will come up with a plan to cut back on the things that are not neccessary in my life. It will be hard, but it is worth it. Today while at work I will make a mental note of the things that I can sell to make extra cash. Just thinking, I have a turkey fryer, never been used and also an old computer that is wasting space.

I am looking forward to building and growing. Growth takes time and effort. I see some growth, but the growth must continue.

One more thing. Wasting food, how many of us do that? I have been reinventing meals. For instance, the turkey, I made turkey a la king. I also made a beef and been burrito. To go along the the meat I made mashed potates and another day I made brocolli. Recreate is always good.

Take some time to think about how you waste and what can be recycled, or given away or even sold for some extra cash. I have been working for almost 10 years and I want to live my life to the fullest. Making the right decisions, be creative, earning extra cash and putting that money to good use will come in handy.

Think about your life and what changes you can make. All will work out if you believe.

References

Retire at 40

Things Happen for a Reason

Ok, my credit score as an average is 602. There is a house that has been on the market for the last few months. The price has dropped drastically. My real estate agent phoned last night. I felt upset and angry at myself for not being in a better financial state. But you know what? Nothing beats a failure, but a try. I am going to meet with her to see if it may be possible to purchase the property. It is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, fireplace, pool, 2 car garage. Since the economy has taken a downward turn, the house will be worth at least $250,000 when the economy improves.

This situation has really made me want to do better with my financial situation. Ok, not only this situation, but other occurances too. Today, I am going to look for creative ways to finance this property. If it is not for me, there will be another one that is much better.

Learning is an option and I will learn from everyone that I can. People have had serious experiences and I will get to a better place with education, interaction and determination.

I have been Thinking

Ultimately, I want financial freedom. I mean to be financially secure. I have been thinking about how I can do that. I don't want to work another job. I mean I work 40 hours a week with other peoples children, that is a little exhausting. The candles as I stated before can do better, it's just a matter of me doing right by them. I make decent money at my job, but it's doing right by that money. So here I am telling you that this has to stop. I will do better by my money. I will not over spend and I will have all the things that I want out of life. I don't want to live above my means, but I think I do that everyday. I am tired of not having the things that I want. I deprive myself so much, and I just have started getting the things that I want no matter how small or big it may be.

I have 2 properties and another that I manage for my mom. For one of my properties, I haven't paid the mortgage. I have been using that for the things that I want. Shame on me right? Ok, I said it. I have an account for the houses, but don't have a large balance in the account. As a matter of fact, it is under $100.00. Sad right!

One of my goals is to refinance both houses. Two credit scores are below 600 the other one is 641. My hope is to have a 700 credit score by December so that I can refinance both houses and change my terms from 30 to 15 years. Starting tomorrow, I will put my money toward better things, like saving and paying off some bills.

Really, the only things that I have on my credit report are student loans, houses, and some old debts that have been paid off. Why are my scores so low? Things will get better, I know they will.