Wednesday, December 28, 2011

June 28th, 2012!

If my calculations are correct (they are) and there are no unexpected large expenses and no overspending I will be debt free on June 28th, 2012! 15 months after starting this debt free journey $25k of debt will be gone!

This past year has been tough. I still have some bad habits that I need to work on, but I know I've also accomplished a lot.

June 28th can't come any faster. I'm looking forward to 2012! Ready to close the 2011 chapter.

Cheers.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

When It Rains, It POURS!

2011 was actually a pretty calm year.

Aside from my wonderful debt free journey and a really bad car accident that resulted in a financial windfall, the year has been pretty normal.

Within the last month, it has been going to hell in a hand basket, pardon my french.

My boyfriend's childhood home is now officially owned by a bank. Thanks to his dad who didn't pay for the mortgage. FYI his parents are no longer married.

My parent's are legally separating after 30+ years of marriage, my dad is moving back to his homeland in January (a third world country in Asia).

It has been quite overwhelming! I can't help but feel these mixed emotions of disappointment, sadness, anger, etc. etc. mainly disappointment.

These are our damn parents making really bad decisions! People we used to put on pedastals.

And what does it all lead to?!? BAD "FINANCIAL" DECISIONS.

My boyfriend's dad gambles. That equates to losing your home even though he has a great job and military retirement pay.
My dad is impatient, and at 57 is cashing out his large 401k so he can go back home and party hardy! Hello taxes and penalties!
I don't feel like my mom is protecting her property and finances from my dad.

My naturally positive and optimistic self is trying to deal with this in the best way possible.
- These are lessons to learn. Personal & emotional.
- It will only get better, when you're down the only way is back up.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

OH YEAH: My Car!

I'm back and I feel good!

I'm officially down to 1 more student loan and a little thing called my car loan!

I didn't mention this before since the car loan was under my dad's name. I've been giving him $250 a month to pay for it since I started my full-time job in 2009.

WELL, After accompanying my boyfriend to purchase his first car a few months ago (he's been driving hand me downs). He wasn't approved for the preferred rate with the dealership because he's never had a car loan before.

My boyfriend has great credit and savings so he called his credit union and they approved him for a car loan in just a few minutes.

I've been giving my pops money to pay for my car since 2009, I should be getting credit for paying my car! So we transferred the car loan to my name. It's now officially my debt.

Here's my numbers!
Student Loan: $6469 at 5.72%
Car Loan: $6851 at 3.99%
Emergency Fund: $1000
Savings: $5360

I'm very proud of my numbers now! The little savings fund is actually a big pile of money I'm stacking to pay off my car loan in one nice swoop early next year.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Wise Decision: Financial Windfall.

So I made the best of my bodily injury settlement and paid off a student loan!
The rest went straight to savings.

I now have two student loans left.
Student Loan 1: $6556 at 5.69%
Student Loan 2: $1989 at 2.22%

I'm planning on paying off my Student Loan 2 in 5 paychecks! So come October, I will have my last student loan left.

$8545 left! I'm going to finish the rest of this year strong!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Debt Update & Financial Windfall.

I'm back!

Slowly paying down debt, but haven't made any huge strides lately. I'm hoping I'll get back into the groove 8/25/11 paycheck.

I now have a $1000 emergency fund.

My three student loans are at $11038, almost in the 10k range.

I didn't mention this but I was involved in a very bad car accident in late June. Blessed and lucky I came out of it with little injury.

Because the other car was 100% at fault I'm in the process of getting a bodily injury settlement. Extra money is great, but not under these types of circumstances. Just that type of experience stinks!

Planning on putting it straight into savings. And let it sit for awhile.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

CREDIT CARD DEBT FREE!

Credit cards are gone! I've managed to pay off more than $4,000 since March.

Now it's my 3 student loans that add up to $11,124 that I'll be working on starting in August.

It feels good.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Almost Consumer Debt Free!

My credit cards will all be paid off as of July 14th! Now the hardest part is to keep balances off of them.

I will be tackling my student loans the rest of the year and saving, saving, saving!

UPDATE: Credit cards are officially done tomorrow! Let someone borrow money and they paid me back earlier!

CREDIT CARD DEBT FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Re-Think!

Okay I've been paying off my debt so much that it barely leaves me with anything to live off of. It's really uncomfortable for me!

I'm not going to stop my debt repayment plan but I've re-done it. I was planning on paying off Student Loan #3, but instead I've decided to save.


2011 Paychecks: Snowball/Plan
14 7/14/2011 $1,044.00 SAVE IN CHECKING
15 7/28/2011 $1,044.00 SAVE IN ING
16 8/11/2011 $1,044.00 SAVE IN ING


I'm not going to be debt free by the end of the year, because I moved some stuff around. But I really want to beef up my checking and savings account.

I will have one student loan left at the end of the year, I keep telling myself it's okay.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

$11k Range!

Hello $11k!

STUDENT LOANS $11,211.00
CC $690.00
TOTAL: $11,901.00

Feels good. Summertime is here and although I'm working 9-5 Monday through Friday, a lot of birthdays, graduations, parties are coming along!

It's leaving my checking account at an uncomfortable level. I guess that's the norm when you're paying off your debt in huge chunks, leaves little room for fun money.

The debt reduction journey continues!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Reflection.

I've been on the road to financial self-improvement.

I understand that it's all a choice and day by day progression.

In the beginning of March 2011 I was about $16,375 in debt and now I'm staring a much smaller number of $12,428. Next paycheck I'll be in $11k range.

I'm really proud of myself.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Debt Update: Paycheck 6/2.

5/23/11
STUDENT LOANS $11,258.00
CC $1,733.00
TOTAL: $12,991.00

TODAY:
STUDENT LOANS $11,211.00
CC $1,217.00
TOTAL: $12,428.00

Did $516 worth of debt damage to my credit card. Two more payments of $517 and $700 and it is gone.

I've introduced credit cards back in my life. I have been using a credit card for daily purchases. It's actually one of the first credit cards I've ever had from 2005. It has a cute max credit limit of $200. Of course, I've been paying it off before any interest is applied to my purchases.

Mentally I'm still all in this debt elimination plan. I can't wait for July, credit card free and I'll be tackling my student loans $700 at a time!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

$80 between now and 6/2!

I have $80 to live on between now and next payday 6/2/11. I'll probably use $40 of it for gas next week.

I think I unknowingly set myself up for a per paycheck zero-based budget! I don't feel comfortable with just that much in my checking account, but then again I know that every bill has been paid for and nothing will be automatically deducted.

I did have some random expenses that led to it being at $80, a quick trip for fast food, a really nice dinner, contact lenses and dog grooming expenses.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Hello $12k!

I'm in the $12k range!

I have 1 credit card left, then I'm tackling my student loans the rest of this year.

The Plan:
I will try to eliminate my last credit card of $1733 in 3 paychecks. That's almost half my take home pay per paycheck but I'm determined!

Now for the numbers:
3/15/2011
Total Debt: $15,655

5/10/11
Total Debt: $13,490

5/23/11
STUDENT LOANS $11,258.00
CC $1,733.00
TOTAL: $12,991.00


I found a wonderful blog called Debtspiration (www.debtspiration.com). It's a blog full of money quotes. I come back and read Debtspiration from time to time.

My favorite quote:
"I want you to realize that whether all of this takes a week, a month, or a year, that precious and limited time is going to pass whether you are doing something about your life or not. I promise you that at this precise moment next year, your life will be better or worse than it is right now. It will not be the same; the choice to improve it or let it decay is undeniably yours."
— Phil McGraw, Ph.D., Self Matters

Love it and all it's applications! You'll either be fatter or skinnier, more in debt or less in debt, have more savings or nothing at all at this precise moment next year. I wonder where I will be in May 2012? One day at a time.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Credit Scores.

I've never had too many problems with my credit score except for two extremely dumb things.

During college I lived in a house with roommates. We all were responsible for one bill that we had to open under our name, so I got the cable bill.

We paid on time and all that good stuff. When the school year ended, we went our separate ways and I moved into an apartment. I never bothered to look at my credit score.

Two years out of college I decide to check my score and report and see a cable bill in collections for a measely $52! It was one of those balances that lingered after we assumed we had paid the final bill.

My credit score was in the 600's. I called the collections agency and paid it off right away. Contacted Experian and told him the bill was settled and my score improved.

Another dumb thing that gets me is I applied for a bunch of credit cards in college including a Capital One card with a credit limit of a whopping $300. Yes dumb old me forgot about a small balance or ignored it (shame!) and didn't pay for it for 60 days! So there's a little red on my report.

DUMB DUMB DUMB!

Well as of this year I started at 712. I closed a few store cards, okay more like 4 of them (Macy's, Target, NY&CO, Kohl's) and it improved my score because I improved my open credit card utilization AND the average age of my credit lines got older! Yes I know. So now I'm at a 762!

I highly recommend Credit Karma for your free credit score (www.creditkarma.com). Yes there are a lot of advertisements, but they're pretty useful if you're shopping for financial products.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

2009 - 2010 - 2011: Where's My Money?

I have been employed with my current company since March 2009.

I was just thinking where the heck did all my money go? I started at the company with a salary of $38,500 and received 2 raises and 2 bonuses since.

2009 is a blur. I really don't know where my money went. All I know is I spent a lot of money that Christmas 2009. It was my first time buying presents on a salary.

2010 I took a bunch of trips. I went on a cruise to Mexico, a mini vacation to Palm Springs, 4-day trip to Washington D.C, planned/paid for a baby shower, went to Las Vegas for my friends bachelorette and planned/paid for a lot of that too. Just lots and lots of random expenses.

2011 is clearer now that I have a plan. I did start off the year by adding on more debt with my trip to Miami and Europe. But I'm also on my way to paying off a total two credit cards! Working on my third soon.

I finally set a date to be debt free as well. I calculated that I should be debt free by February 2012 or sooner if I really push it.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

My Living Situation.

My Living Situation:
I live a pretty simple life as a 25 year old.

- I live with my parents rent-free but pay for gas, electric, water and sewer.
- I work M-F 9am to 5pm. Boring job, but wonderful co-workers and boss.
Go home after work and relax by surfing the internet, watching t.v, running errands, hanging out at home with my parents and dogs. Sometimes I'll hang out at a friends house or apartment.
- Spend time with my boyfriend on the weekends, if there are any get-togethers or parties with friends and were up for it, well go.
- I try to travel once a year.

I live my life daily thankful for my wonderful family, my pets, my friends who I have known for years or grew up with and a great partner/boyfriend who I've been with for 10 years.


My Financial Situation:
- I make $41,241 per year, before taxes and deductions.
It's funny how the only negativity in my life is my debt! Paying for past mistakes in the present time sucks. I'm more determined then ever to get debt out of my life. That way I can save, spend, give and plan for the future the way I want to.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Budgeting.


How do you budget?

I keep it pretty simple budgeting paycheck to paycheck and I use post-it notes!

My take home pay after taxes and deductions is $1234.
I pay myself first so a direct deposit goes into my ING savings then I direct deposit my dad my car payment (he bought me a car in 2007).

That leaves me with about $919-$1044 (depends on how much I put in savings) for bills, gas, food and debt.

Let's take this coming 5/19 paycheck.

I get out my handy dandy post-it note and write the following:
- Paycheck date 5/19-6/2 (6/2 will be my next paycheck).
- All bills due between 5/19-6/2 in this case a cell phone, student loan, gas & electric.
- I put a (+) sign next to any debt I'm snowballing. In this case my Best Buy credit card at $435.
- $919 on the bottom left is how much money total I have.
- $322 is how much I have after paying for bills and debt snowball ($919-$597). So that $322 is gas, food and fun money.

I set up my next post-it a few days after payday. Tada!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Debt Update.

4/21 Numbers:
STUDENT LOANS $11,364.00
CC $2,493.00
TOTAL: $13,857.00

5/10 Numbers:
STUDENT LOANS $11,322.00
CC $2,168.00
TOTAL: $13,490.00

Managed to subtract $367 from my debt. Next 5/19 paycheck, I'll be making a final payment of $435 to my Best Buy credit card and that will be done-zo.

Then I can tackle my last credit card (Citi) and focus the rest of the year paying off most, if not all of my student loans.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Little Things.

I'm saving myself $120 per year because I cut down my texting/picture messaging from a $20 plan to a $10 plan.

I happen to have an iPhone, so my bill with data and minutes was $58 a month. Now it's only $48! I don't pay as much monthly because I also get 25% off from my employer.

I also got rid of my gym membership. I just haven't been going. So that's another $30 a month, $360 a year I'll be saving! I think gym memberships are worth it, especially if you take the group classes.

It's the little things!

Monday, May 2, 2011

5/5 Paycheck and The Beach.

We've been having lovely weather here in Southern California, I went to the beach two days in a row over the weekend. Best free thing you can do is get your umbrella and beach towel set-up, get your book out and just soak up some sun.

I've been reading Your Money, Your Life and I think it's an "okay" book so far. Not as motivating as Total Money Makeover.

My 5/5 paycheck will be doing some debt damage, can't wait till Thursday to get those payments in. That includes a big hit to my Best Buy credit card! One more payment after this and my Best Buy credit card is officially paid off.

I'm trying to knock out my last credit card, a Citi card in 3 paychecks. That means throwing $500+ at it three times! I can do this!

I'll update my numbers soon.

Friday, April 29, 2011

2011 and 2012.

2011: The Year I Pay Off MY Debt.
2012: The Year of ME.

Dear Self,

After I get all this debt paid off I have some goals. Leave this job by June 2012 and get a job I enjoy with an organization I care about.

You have 13 paychecks in 2012, save 50% and enjoy the 50%, take a trip to some far off place with CASH.

That is all. I will do this!

I Love Paydays.

I feel much better now that I have a plan, now that I'm attacking my debt.

I know exactly where my money is going, I know that I will have my credit card paid off in 2 paychecks! I have money for gas and I even have some fun money.

I have been engulfed in my financial plan. I stare at my handy dandy debts/savings/bills/payday excel sheet all the time!

I can't wait to see where I'm at next year. I look forward to having my debt paid off.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Mentally Challenged.

So like I mentioned before the daughter of one of my best friend's is turning 1 in two weeks. I've been fighting the urge to splurge for her gift and I won!

I really wanted to get her earrings. I have bad skin reactions to fake earrings and her being a little one I wanted to avoid that so the only criteria in my book for her gift was that it was real gold.

I found a website that sells fine jewelry for children and there were these $85 earrings that I was dying to click and buy. But I've been telling myself the past few days that the price is just way too much! I was looking around online and remembered KMart!

I went on that website and they have a wonderful sale on earrings, plus free shipping plus $10 off your order.

I found some beautiful earrings that are real gold at a fraction of that price. It's a small feat for me.

If you didn't know my weakness is buying fairly expensive gifts for people I love. It just makes me feel good. But it's also gotten me into credit card charging trouble as well.

So I beat this challenge!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Debt Free by 2012?

That's what I'm aiming for! According to my calculations I can be DEBT FREE by the end of this year.

The rest of my paychecks for the year total about $18,992 after taxes, deductions, etc., etc. And like what I said last post I'm $13,857 in debt. Obvious answer is of course you'll be debt free by the end of the year!

I'm scared though. I hope I don't dissapoint myself.

The other crazy thing is that our 3-year contract with my company and the organization we are providing services for ends next year. We'll either be renewed another 3 years or lose our contract. Word on the streets is there is a possibility we might lose it.

I may be jobless next year. It's in my best interest to get rid of this debt.

MISSION: DEBT FREE BY 2012!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Updating My Blog Name! Just Kidding.

I am now officially $13,857 in debt!

Just last month on March 24, I was $14,969 in debt. I've managed to pay off a little more than $1000 off in one month.

Makes me very happy.

I also finally went to the library and checked out Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. I got the audio book and listened to it in my car and at work. I've actually listened to it about 4 times now.

I especially love the first 3 chapters. So motivating.

A few events are coming up and I need to watch my spending. First of all it's Easter weekend, my best friend's daughter is turning 1 and we're celebrating a friend's birthday in Los Angeles. This equates to MONEY - MONEY - MONEY. So I have to keep my eye on the prize and watch my expenses. And of course, DO NOT USE THE CREDIT CARD! Better yet, I'll be sure to leave it at home.


Here's the breakdown of my debt:
STUDENT LOANS $11,364.00
CC $2,493.00
TOTAL: $13,857.00

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

On Hold.

I have a lot of friends who are getting engaged, married or having children. Of course it's because I am now in that 25-30 year old category, when most of this stuff happens.

I don't necessarily want to get married or have children right now, but it's all blurry and far away because I am in debt.

I really agree with a lot of PF blogs that being debt free is freeing. I don't really feel free right now.

Debt stinks, I want to get rid of debt, I want to be free and for now my life feels like it's on hold.

Monday, April 11, 2011

40 Days 40 Nights.

I forgot to mention what got this debt paying off mind-set going. I gave up using credit cards/buying new clothes for Lent.

Keeping it simple and not getting into religion, it's 40 days and 40 nights of sacrifice, prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-evaluation before Easter.

I've done well so far, I used my credit card once for a $10 purchase and paid it off the next day.

I haven't bought any new clothes as well. I'm surviving, I'm rotating a lot of clothes I never wore, I have a good amount of work clothes as well. Just using what I got!

I also threw another $50 at my Miami/Euro trip debt, so now my credit card has a balance of $150.

Come 4/21 paycheck that thing will be officially paid off!

I'm also going to tuck that credit card in an envelope in my room and not carry that card with me anymore.

So here's my debt:
STUDENT LOANS $11,408.00
CC $2,853.00
TOTAL: $14,261.00

Thursday, April 7, 2011

4/7 Paycheck.

A big sigh of relief. I only have $200 left to pay off my Euro/Miami trip balance, this balance was $1600+ just two months ago.

It feels good! So after this $200 is paid off I can focus on my last two credit cards. I got these two cards last year because of splurges.

The first card is a Best Buy card. At least it's tangible stuff. I managed to rack up $920 buying a DSLR camera, water-proof digital camera, a XBox Kinect and two games. Although I'm happy with my two camera purchases since I use it often, I've only played the Kinect like 3 times. I'll never buy electronics or games on impulse. I'm just not a video game person and oh yeah $920 bill? No thank you.

A part of me wants to sell the Kinect. I also got a Nintendo DS like two birthdays ago that I used maybe twice. Maybe I can sell that too. I'll sit on it for awhile, but there's a likely possibility I might go that route.

The other card is a Citi card I took a 0% intro APR on till next year. This splurge was a Las Vegas trip last September, for my friends bachelorette party. The bill was $1783 in one weekend. Best girls weekend ever! So much so that I have no desire to go back to Las Vegas ever again. Okay maybe again someday, but never spending that much on a weekend ever. I could have went to Kauai, Hawaii a trip I've been wanting to go on for awhile.

I plan on spreading out my paycheck to pay both of these credit cards off between the next 5-7 paychecks. I'm more determined then ever to pay these off and not use my credit cards.

I also threw $169 at my student loans this paycheck.
And!!!!! I also cleaned house on my store credit cards. I closed my Kohl's, New York and Company and Target card.

I know it'll dent my credit score closing these account. But I still have 6 other credit cards, with large credit limits and one was opened back in 2005 as well as 2006.

It feels good to get rid of those low credit limit cards and it's kind of a freeing experience. Be gone temptation and consumer debt!

I'll update my credit card and loan numbers once everything has been processed, but all signs lead to progress!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Confession.

I have a confession. No one really knows how in debt I am.

They know I'm in debt, but I've never fully exposed how much it actually is. Even my boyfriend of 10 years who gives me full access to his finances, finance records even bank passwords doesn't know. I tell my parents it's $2500, my boyfriend and friends $5000, but I haven't told them that I'm almost 15k in debt.

It's just such a large number.

Why don't I tell someone close to me, even just one person? I feel ashamed, guilty and most of all stupid. I make one of the higher salaries out of my friends. I also work in the financial industry, I'm on the side that advocates saving for retirement. So I tell you blog world.

I've been progressing with my debt. I haven't used my credit cards and I'm almost done paying off all my trip (Europe & Miami) debt. This paycheck I'll owe only about $480 on my trip debt. Depending on how much I have left after savings and bills I can maybe throw $230 at it making my remaining debt trip debt $250. I'm giving my self a pat on the back because when I came home from Europe my card was at $1600+!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

My Very First Credit Card.

I remember my first credit card, it was my second year college I was 19 years old and my roommate had an iPod. I wanted one too! So I went on the Apple website picked a pretty green one, applied for financing and got approved! Woohoo!

My iPod came in the mail, I was excited starting downloading songs and used it quite frequently. I received the bill and the minimum payment was a very small amount. I had a part-time job so no big deal.

I started noticing all the Capital One credit card offers and decided to apply for those too. I remember I would get approved for a $300 limit, then I remember I got approved for an $800 limit. I was rich!

Here I am now at 25 years old and I have no clear idea of what I bought. I know I bought clothes, makeup, food. All that stuff maybe it's in my closet, maybe I donated it, but it was just stuff. There's nothing realy to show for all my debt.

I still have my green iPod which broke about a year ago. It's a dud now compared to the new and improved ones out there. I still keep it as a reminder of my very first experience with credit cards.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Calm Down! & Debt Update.

So I was in charge of my bosses office babyshower today. I tend to get over excited for these type of things.

Don't even ask me about my best friend's baby shower. I spent well over $500 on planning hers not including food. That was just decorations, a diaper raffle prize, giveaways for the guests and her present. I went full out!

So I was telling myself don't spent too much this time around. But I feel like I splurged. I spent about $80 on a present and $80 on food, and there was only 9 of us.

I hate asking people for money too. So I was reimbursed only about $25 for the food.

I don't regret seeing all of them happy but I know I should calm down! That extra order of breadsticks or custom name stickers don't make the party, it's really the thought that counts.

Anyways here's my debt update from the last time I wrote. I was paid today and there's still some payments coming out for my student loans:
LOANS $11,631.00
CC $3,338.00
$14,969.00 IN DEBT

I'm back under the 15k mark.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Blog Surfing!

I've been going crazy reading financial blogs for motivation and keep trying to get it engraved in my head that I need to get serious about eliminating debt. It's crunch time now!

I've done the math and my tally of debt is now $15,655!
$11,631 Student Loans
$4,024 Credit Cards
Student Loan balance has gone down, but I used my credit card for my two recent trips.

I've taken my first baby step to stop using my credit card and an obvious "duh"! move, which is not carrying it in my purse anymore! I only have my debit card and I'm leaving my credit cards at home.

I've decided to update this blog on a regular basis and mandatorily every paycheck. I have 20 paychecks left this year so I'm hoping I can do some damage with my debt.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Parents.

I have a really foggy financial memory about my parents when I was younger and felt like talking about it today.

In 1995, when I was in elementary school my dad retired from the military after 20 years of service. I remember he couldn't find a job in his field (he was a machinist mate in the military) for awhile and started working at McDonald’s and Pizza Hut. I thought it was cool because he would bring home apple pies and cheeseburgers.

Then I remember my parent's declared bankruptcy. As a kid I assumed bankruptcy meant we were poor and didn't have any money.

After that I remember looking in my parent's drawer and finding a Ziploc bag full of credit cards. That for me is a very clear memory. It was a huge stack! Lots of department store credit cards.

End Memory.

Now looking at the situation more clearly I realized how irresponsible my parents were with money.

- The stacks of credit cards.
- That my dad was indeed receiving more than $1000+ a month retirement pay from the military when he left.
- Of course that my dad worked for 20 years and had time to accumulate savings that should have at least taken care of that gap of unemployment.

I know a lot of 25 year olds that think our parents had it together in an instant. House, cars, kids. And that's what we strive for too. We want the marriage, the house, the good salary. I see it now as a few of my friends are starting families and getting married.

If you look at the details, you'll realize that our parents made some big financial mistakes and also life mistakes. Some of course didn't but some did. In this case my parents.

We also don't realize how hard our parents worked.

Did they work at their dream job with top paying salary right out of college? No, they toughed it out in jobs they probably didn't like or were bored at.

Now I'll admit I've picked up some of their bad habits. But I admire my parents for the fact that have always worked hard and worked hard for their family.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Back Again.

I have been neglecting this blog and it's mainly because I haven't been making any progress on my debt. I'm still not mentally all-in with this goal and I still have some bad habits that I need to work on.

I came back from a 6-day trip to Europe last week and came back with more debt! I think I need to change my blog name to a higher number! I also can't forget about my February trip to Miami and yes I charged there as well.

I'm also 2 years into this job on March 17th. My boss gave me a raise and now I'm at a little more than $41k annually.

This will help with my debt snowball.

I'll be back, hopefully with some better news about my debt reduction goals.