They Wouldn't Be Called Resolutions

Knowing where my money goes has been an asset to me.  Money was being spent on things that I didn't need, I guess they were won'ts.  There are things that I have purchased that have never been used.  Wasting money is no longer an option.  The year is ending and there has got to be a better way.  The sign of insanity is doing the same things and getting the same results.  I don't want to do that anymore. 

A few months back I realized that there is this person in me that is trying to get out.  I will admit I am afraid of what it could be.  It is only good.  Shying away from things that bring me joy, so sad.  2013 will be a year of recovery, of what was lost, not getting those things back, but learning from previous mistakes and not holding on to them.  Using them as lessons to help me grow into the person that I am meant to be. 

Pay bills on time, if possible set up a bill pay with power.
turn in modem to Knology
pay mortgage behind 1300, 2 months and escrow
pay Marybelle on time
ask for settlement with companies I owe
pay off forecloser ask for settlement
Save $1,000 a month
find out about refinancing Marybelle

In the meantime, pay off things that have been lingering for a while.  Slowly get the house fixed, and save for those times of distress.  Things are getting better. 

There may be a chance for property management, if so I will let you know how that goes.  Also, have filled for an eviction already, she hasn't been in the house for 3 months.  Will see how that goes.  Was thinking, that if property management is an option, I will video the homes and upload them to see the before and after.  This is exciting, another endeavor.  Meanwhile, I will continue to do fun things. 

Work with me people I am only human and learning everyday, thankful for my gifts and the mistakes I made.  Without them I wouldn't be here right now.  Financial success will be mine, I believe it!

DIY, is Totally for Me

borax, washing soda, baking soda, and grated soap

As I have been working toward cutting corners and making things work, I have learned how to make my own washing powder.  I know, I that it was so cool.  I went to WalMart and bought all of the ingrediants and mixed them together.  What I made smells really fresh and clean, we will see what the outcome will be.  This is another way to cut costs.  Looking at the overall picture, I am home and when I am, I don't watch tv.  This is more money saved.  Cutting costs here and there will help to pay off these bills. 

Another thing, I feel much better about my past and the things that took place.  I had to go through to learn and get in a better place.  Everything is alright and things happen for a reason.  I am learning how to manage and not worry and stress over things.  Yes, money is important, but it doesn't equal happiness.  Life, joy, and love are wonderful aspects of our lives and we tend to push it away for crazy things.  Now, it's time for me to make a difference and put myself first and manage my life. 

It will be a journey that I am willing to take.  Tired of being in that place that I was once in, not knowing what to do to make things better.  Pay off all debt, not incur anymore and put all extra cash toward debts.  This will not be done in vain. 



2013 Is Coming Fast

I do believe that I only used this blog twice this year and my finances of come to pieces.  There have been so many things that have taken place since the last time to wrote a post. 

For instance: 
Lost house of Parkchester, still haven't seen about that.  the insurance has lapsed and I haven't taken the time to do anything.  I felt like I failure and didn't and really haven't talked about this to anyone.
Direct tv disconnected
ADT from Oneal Street
Storage want to put everything on Craigslist or something, behind, next month things will be auctioned off, that isn't happening
Marybelle brakes and running hot
Liam air conditioning and loud noise
Wachovia
US Dept of Education
Tax Lien
Knology

On a lighter note, I do know where my money is going and that is a good thing.  I actually see now, where I didn't before.  Spending isn't a big thing.  I know where my money is going.  Not just wasting cash.  Not eating out anymore, which is a good thing. 

Now to put the money toward bills that have been lingering for a while.  Lossing the house to me made me feel like a total failure, as if there was no recovery.  Then I was told that just like I got that house and the other one, I can get another one.  Since it was put to me like that, I completely understand.  The money I receive should be used to help build up my future, not wasted on things that aren't important! 

This period has been a learning one for me and it is time that I make changes that will benefit me in the long run.  Not having a cable bill has helped me put that money toward other things.  Time keeps on moving and in 3 years I will be 40 years of age.  There has been so many money that I have wasted on things that have no value.  Many of which I no longer own and don't know what happened to them.  Life, true is a journey, but it is all how you make it.  Live and learn and don't hold on to the past.  Grow from it and become a better person. 

Daily I am learning what and what not to do.  I am going to make mistakes, but as long as I learn things will be fine!  No, I am not embarrassed of my happenings, I am here for you to learn from me.  It's ok, life goes on! 

I will not be away for long.  Like I always say, things tend to work themselves out, they always do. 

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.

Things Tend to Work Themselves Out

The last few months were a mess for me, I didn't know whether I was coming or going, but now EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT NOW.  One may ask, what is so different?  I have decided not to worry and do what I can with what I have.  No need to worry, because things tend to work themselves out one way or another.  Still behind on my mortgages, but I'm alright with that.  By the end of this year everything will be much better than it was. 

Things that still need to be taken care of:
cable bill
ADT
overdrawn in my account again

Really sick and tired of being sick and tired.  It seems that I keep making the same mistakes and getting completely no where.  What seems to be the problem?  Holding on to the past, these are things that I can not change.  I haven't realized that I can do and be anyone that I want to be. 

Next Steps
move from where I am
get burglar doors
keep putting money into my accounts
stop worrying

Don't know what to say or do, feel sometimes that I am not worthy, but I know I am.  As always this is me venting!

This is the Skinny

Have cut all ties with the house on Colorado Street.  Staying with my mom, feel such like a loser.  Paying off bills, but not doing that in the correct order.  So, so very sad.  On a lighter note, I feel free from all of the stress that I had this time last month.  Follow me, you know sometimes, my writing is sometimes random.  These are the things I need to get done.  Also, I was told that I am lazy and I am not retired.  I truly understand what that means.  I do things at my own pace.  Not anyone elses.  I have also been told that I am a free spirit, whatever that means.  I guess I can look that up. 

Behind on mortgages
Power
Cable
Car note
House repaired on Fisk
Find me a place to stay:  This is really not working for me!
Get business license for WJJ Properties
Put houses under LLC
Doctor Hospital
ADT

Slowing down has really help me get it together.  I know I have potential, it's just tapping into it.  It seems that I keep making the same mistakes.  A budget is in my future.

November bills
Mortgages
Power
Car note
House repaired on Fisk
Have to find me a place to stay by February

Of course these are random thoughts, but last month was something, a big chaotic mess.  That landed me to here.  Make it work is what I say!  It's a long journey, but I will make small steps to get where I need to be. 

Also, good tenants!

Been Thinking Earlier Today

Almost finished moving everything.  I decided to leave the refrigerator and stove in the house.  If someone comes and steals it so be it. 

There are a few things that I have discovered throughout all of the things that have been happening!

1. Attach to nothing
2. Slow down, don't make the first decision that comes to mind.  Sleep on it and come up with a decision the next day.
3. Worry not, things have a way of working themselves out
4. Let people help me
5. Shop around.  Don't always jump on the first one.  Get bids, don't just tell them they have the job
6. Stop spending so much, take my time in making decisions
7. Be honest

What will happen is going to get a for rent sign and put in the front of the house.
Write letters to the mortgage company asking for a better interest rate and a grace period
Disconnect the utilities, all of them

As I come up with ideas I will post them.  To some extent I think I am crazy, but not as crazy as others.  Will work toward purchasing these properties and keep it moving.  Thanks for reading!

What Am I Doing Wrong?

This is everything that is happening in my life! 

First, been paying attention to the way things have been working out.  I have had cash 3x over and spent all of it.  On what?  Your guess is as good as mine!  Need to step outside of self and see what is really going on.  In my own opinion, I have taken on more than I can handle.  Getting this house fixed has cost more than I thought it would.  The guy I have working for me doesn't have transportation, therefore, he doesn't have the cash to buy his own materials.  Out more money there.  The positive side of that is he is finding things that are wrong and letting me know and fixing them.  The house should have been rented last week, not an options. 

The house that I moved my stuff into, got broke in.  So, I had to move everything yesterday.  They only took the television (flat screen, of course).  Plus, the neighbor had a video camera and caught them walking with it down the street.  Maybe the cops can decipher who it is.  Also, the money that they got from the tv is gone.  What is the world coming to?  Most of my stuff has been removed.  The only thing in the house is books, stove, refrigerator and some other things.  I did get storage, so that is a good thing. 

I thought that one mortgage payment wasn't paid, but she paid me in advance for this month.  Right now at this moment, I am going toward zero.  Supposed to close on the house at the end of the month, but I don't think that will be a good option.  Being that I owe

Suntrust 2x
Bank of America 2x
Person working on house $300
Materials to fix house
Power bill $400+ (of course this is late and I need to transfer service to Fisk to complete repairs)
Water bill
Marybelles car note $500
Marybelle and Liam's insurance $133

I am sure there is more that I owe, but looking all of these bills comes close to $4000, that I don't have.  Plus, I am supposed to close on the house at the end of the month.  As I and you can see that isn't going to be an option.  Make the first thing first,

Make sure there's enough money to cover car note
Pay person working on house
Get property manager to put the power in her name (will not have to pay late fees)
Pay the water bill
Let guy know that I still want to purchase home, but can't due to other obligations
Get Fisk situated and rented out
Move all stuff from other house

As things started to crumble in my face.  I realized that there are some business things that need to be taken care of, for instance, all of the properties need to be under one umbrelle.  Meaning there needs to be an LLC formed so that in cause of emergencies no one can take them away from me.  No co-mingling which I admit, I have been doing the entire time.  That is not a good way to go.  I will admit, I am not doing what is best for my properties.  It seems the better things get the worse they get. 

As far as the house that I moved out of, there were signs and my mind was not in a good place to recognize that.  For instance, I looked myself out of the house twice last weekend.  That was a sign and didn't see it.  Not dealing with the properties, but when going to work, I haven't been dressing up, just getting by.  All of this has to stop.  Today, I will make the most of what I have and make the main thing the the main thing.  Write letters to the mortgage companies to inform them that I will have the mortgages paid by the middle of next month.  Stop spending unnecessarilty.  I will admit, most of the money I have been spending has been going toward eating out.  Living between to homes is not a good thing. 

On a good note, me moving will save money and allow me to get caught up on all of these bills that I owe.  I have taken on more than I can chew.  Once things are caught up
Put all houses under an LLC
Apply for business license
Let tenants know there will be someone coming by every 3 months to check on the houses to make sure things are working probably.
Put money in the Suntrust Account and use that for business
Slow down

In some aspects, I feel like a failure, but I know this isn't the case at all.  I am being worked on and no one did this but myself.  Now all I have to do is remove myself from these situations and make the main thing the main thing.  Right now, the main thing is getting Fisk up and running.  In doing so, that will bring in cash that I didn't have.  I know that this too shall pass and when I get on the other side of this I will be in a better place.  Things happen for a reason and this is happening to let me know that I have taken on too much. 

Writing/typing has made me see things in a different light.  It has made me feel better about my situation.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  I am not the first and will not be the last to get in this type of situation.  I will be alright.  So first things first, write letters to mortgage companies to let them know I am aware of the late fees and will pay them as soon as I can. 

It doesn't seem like I will ever achieve financial success, but these are the roads to make it work.  Everything will be alright in a few months. 

This Too Shall Pass

Things are happening so fast and when something gets fixed something else goes wrong. What is the problem? The house on Fisk has a terrible problem. It is not that bad because it can be fixed, just now it's going to cost more than I anticipated. The life of a property owner.


Issues on Fisk
The entire wall has to be replaced in the bathroom
Plus some of the floor
The water pipes are leaking in the bathroom which is connected to the kitchen need to be replaced
Floor in kitchen has dropped has to be replaced

Ontop of all that, the next door neighbor has been complaining about the trees in the backyard. I removed limbs that were on this shed. There are still some hanging over the shed, but not on the house.

Not worried about anything. Tomorrow is my birthday, I will be 36. Looking toward making my life better, making the right decisions and bettering myself. There is truly nothing wrong. I may have bit off more than I can chew, but one thing I realized. Will this matter this time next year? No, because if not in Septemember the house will get rented out.

Last night, I sorted out my plans to see how much money I actually spend out every month. I am not doing the things that I need to to ensure that Financial Success will be mine. That is all changing! Taking my time to sort out the important things. I have goals and in order to achieve them there have to be some drastic changes to be made. I will make them and keep it moving. I will look back and so I have achieve the goals I have set for myself. No need to be upset and angry for the mistakes that were made in the past. Correct them and move on.

Also, looking to form a LLC for the properties, must seperate the finances and move from being a landlord to a business owner. The LLC will be WJJ properties.

Blessings Come in Disguise

Yesterday, a friend invited me to her house.  I didn't know why and to be honest, I wasn't going to go because I was tired and needed some me time.  Of course, I went anyway!  The purpose of her inviting me is that her son and his family was in town and she didn't want to be there with people she wasn't that familiar with.  She invited me and another one of her friends.  I have seen her before, but never engaged in conversation.  Yesterday was different.  We talked and come to find out she has properties too.  She older then I and didn't get her first property until she was 40.  To be able to talk with someone that has the same interests and more knowledge is a blessing.  We talked for hours, and she gave me insight on things that I need to do to better my game.  She told me that at this point, I am just a landlord and now I need to move toward being a business woman.  I am so thankful for this advice!  That truly was a blessing that I didn't see coming.  I receive it and will make the changes she suggested. 

Suggestions
Find the best free checking account with the banks I am affilliated with
Get one checking account for real estate and see if I can get a credit card
Get an LLC
It may be cheaper to put all properties under one insurance company
Get title insurance for properties that are being owner financed

She gave me her number to call.  Not going to be overbearing, so excited about what I learned!

The other day when I posted, I was not in a good place.  I was uptight and nervous about my financial obligations and decisions.  In my mind, I have sorted out what are the best options for me at this time.  For instance, I have Ike coming to redo the entire house on Fisk.  There is a for rent sign up in the front.  I went over there yesterday and sprayed while Wilfred put the deadbolt on the door.  That is something I need to do daily, spray until the house is clean of roaches.  Overall, the house isn't messed up.  She smoked so it has to be painted, the tile in the bathroom needs cleaning or replaced, the is a running spot on the carpet, and just cleaned to make it liveable.  This should be done by the end of August.

My house on Colorado, I gave him an option of allowing me to pay him a monthly payment since he was losing money on the house and take it off of the asking price.  He said he would have to think about it and probably redo the contract.  In my mind, why redo the contract when we just change these things later.  Then I had time to think with a clear mind and decided that that wasn't a good choice.  The reason being is that there are many things that need to be repaired on the house on his end.  I am purchasing the home owner finance and he hasn't checked my credit score or anything and my monthly payments will only be $500 a month.  Plus, the property in the back rent will come to me.  Then the house under the hill once I get that up and running that money will come to me as well.  Back to what I was saying, I am not living in the home.  My stuff is there and I am moving things around, putting stuff up, finding out what works and doesn't.  The reason I changed my mind is that many things that he said worked doesn't.  I don't want to close on a house that isn't totally functioning the way is should.  Be it that he doesn't live in the city, he hasn't had time to fix the things he said he would fix.  With me plugging things up, I found out that the dryer electrical plug doesn't work.  I had the cable installed and where the line is coming in that electrical doesn't work.  The front door lock needs to be changed and overall all the outlets need to be working before we actually close.  I am aware of the things on my end that need to be repaired.  Another thing, the hot water heater doesn't work, it is missing a key component.  I scheduled an appointment for the gas to be turned on, but it couldn't because something is missing from the unit. 

Tomorrow, there are many things that I need to do to make things better.  Thanks to the advice that was given.  Really needed and appreciated!  Changes are coming and they are for the better.  I will take my time to get things done and not beat myself up for the mistakes I have made in the past.  It is gone now and I will do better with what I have. 

These are videos of the houses.  Like I stated, they need work and I will make it happen. 

As I stated, I was in a bad place the other day, but now things are better.  My mind is clearer and there is focus on doing bigger and better things.  I can and will be successful!

Continue to Make the Same Mistakes, but Keep Moving Forward

For the past few days I have been in a kind of odd place.  My emotions are under control, but I can't seem to focus on the things that are important.  I have made many changes and paid off many of the debts I owe.  There is another issue at hand.  Many of the habits that I had have ceased and that is a wonderful thing.  Don't really like talking on the phone anymore.  I would rather text or send a message on Facebook or Twitter.  Overall, I guess, I have downsized my surroundings. 

I moved into the new house, but I am not living there.  There are some things that need to be fixed before I can actually live there.  Well, to be honest, we haven't closed and I don't want to be living there without having completed our contractual agreement.  As I stated in a previous post, I finally realize that I have money so that means that I go to the ATM and withdraw money for no reason. 

On a good note, these are the good things that I have done

Paid off all utilities from Parkchester

Paid for speeding ticket

Paid car note for Marybelle

Bought paint for my new residence

Got front of Fisk organized

Things that I need to do

Get new house fixed to move in

Get Fisk straight for someone to move in

Get heater taken out of Oneal Street

Squirrels in house on Parkchester, get hole fixed

Save $5,000 so that I can close

Pay rent for Fisk and Parkchester

Get tenant for Parkchester

Frustration was my friend the yesterday, I felt like I have taken on to much.  Like everything in my life I am my worst enemy.  Had the money spent the money or wasted it.  No need to worry, because tomorrows coming regardless.  This moment will pass and everything is going to work itself out. 

These are just my thoughts and me venting.  On my journey to owning 10 houses before I'm forty.  There are many good things that I have accomplished, but there has to be more and it will.

I'm Moving On UP

Things are looking up for me at the moment.  Life is great and I am finally making progress toward the things that I want to do.  I am so proud of myself and I have been smiling now for the last couple of days.  Who would have thought?  To be honest, this entire summer has been filled with many mixed emotions.  Crying, not working on my PhD, eating, and doing other things in excess.  I forgot to remember that all things need to be done in moderation.  To account for the excess, I have a cold nodule growing on my thyroid.  I have an appointment tomorrow to find out if or when I will have surgery to have it removed.  One way or another, it has to be removed.  There is no worry in my pertaining to this situation.  All things happen for a reason and I do believe this is the outcome of all the worrying I have been doing over these past two months. 

In the process of purchasing the three houses for $48,000 with $5,000 down owner financing.  The main house I will be living in that.  Never have I lived in a house that I have owned.  This is a big step for mankind!  The house in the back is already rented out.  With my other home and the one in the back, I will not have to pay my own mortgage.  So very excited, really not trying to pay a mortgage out of my own pocket since I haven't paid one since 2000.  That wasn't a mortgage, that was my rent. 

Once this purchase is complete, I will have a total of 5 homes not to include the one I manage for my mom.  There is a for rent sign out here now, I do think I have someone to move in for $450 a month.  The move in cost will be $900.  I can use this money to pay my mortgages, fix up the houses, or use toward my $5,000 deposit.  Trying to decide which of these is a better option.

On the downside of things.  I made a big purchase last month.  I bought the Mini Cooper, the car of my dreams.  Why?  Because I was bored and felt like many things were missing from my life.  I know that financial purchases don't satisfy that emotions, but it felt good to step out and do something that I wanted to do.  Now, I am feeling it.  I ran into a few financial issues. 

Speeding Ticket
Tag for Marybelle
Marybelle's car note (mini cooper)
Power bill
water bill
ADT
First Premier
TMobile
Closing on the houses

Did I mention the bills from the other house?  Now the only other thing to do is organize my next steps.  Haven't worked on anything pertaining to my PhD and time keeps on moving. 

Next steps

Prepare to move
Pay the bills

I am working toward being a better person and achieving all of my goals. 

Days Go By

Here I am laying on the floor with the television on mute, just being. I love my friends, each and everyone of them. They all have something different to bring to the table, and yet they are all honest and truthful about who they are and how they view things. I am thankful to have them in my life. It is going on two years of a complete change in my life and I still haven't come to a good place with it all. Regardless, there are still some major changes that need to be made for other things to enter my life.

I feel like something has been snatched away from me. My motivation, spunk is gone. I have mentioned being afraid of success and that I am. Constantly beating myself up for not being this person that I think I should be. What am I afraid of? Only I can give the true answer, but is it one that I am afraid to reveal even to myself. That is an interesting question. Khristy told me today that I should be open to receive all of the blessings that are out there for me. Is it true, that I could be blocking my own blessings? Am I afraid to receive what is truly out there for me?

No matter what, I get that I am not your typical 35 (soon to be 36) year old woman. There are many things that seperate me from the masses. I am a different breed of lady. And yet I don't know what I deserve or want out of life.

Remember I was supposed to have close to $10,000 don't have it, bearly have $5,000. Be thankful for what I do have. Ontop of all that, I am going to New York for a family reunion. I sent a request out of Couchsurfing, hopefully she will respond. I haven't gotten my ticket yet either. Did I mention, I have to rent a car too. It never stops.

Everything will be alright, where there's a well there's a way. Random thoughts, thought I would share.

Cheers