After a while away, I am returning to what I love to do: I love to write about things and want to share my struggles and successes in getting my financial life back to where it belongs. I started out over three years ago with 11 credit cards, over $60,000 in debt and seemingly no way out of the bad situation in which I had gotten myself. Fast forward to now and the situation is not great, but it is definitely better than what it was.
I am down to roughly $37,000 in debt (I am rounding off the numbers) and only three cards. The smallest is less than $2,100 and will be paid off in full by the end of 2013. This was negotiated for a monthly payment and no interest so as to not further myself in debt in the process. The second one was dismissed with prejudice by the circuit court as the company dropped the case (although they could retry suing me for the $6,000). The other big one (for over $28,000) stands unpaid and uncollected and is currently awaiting my summons being served. Once it is, I will get my attorney to fight it for me as I have yet to receive valid proof that this debt is mine.
My lifestyle has changed dramatically as I have largely forgone eating out (cooking at home save a ton of money), going to movies, wasting money on trivial things, and I drive an 18-year old car that is owned outright.
I want everybody to know that nothing is impossible and can be done with determination and a plan. Stick with me and the plan that I am using will be brought to life.
Have a great day!
Showing posts with label saving money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label saving money. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Got Pets?
Sometimes, when browsing the Internet, I run across stories of people wanting financial assistance because they cannot afford their pets. There are some who would treat their animals better than they would care to treat themselves. I believe that the best thing that one can do is to take care of themselves before worrying about a pet. With that being said, I have to admit that there are now three dogs living in our home. My wife picked up our first dog in January 2003. I was working 60 hours a week and had just begun my MBA studies, so I understood that she wanted something there to keep her company. It wasn't until Zena began to get cataracts and develop total blindness that a search was underway for a companion for Zena (or, a replacement, if you will). Since Zena is blind, my wife looked to adopt a blind puppy and we lucked out when she found, after much searching, Avari. Zena began to get a little more life (although she is permanently blind) and Avari needed a playmate. Carmen is one day older than Avari and is of the same Australian shepherd breed, but Carmen is fully sighted (which gives her a distinct advantage at treat time) over the other two dogs in the house. In order to keep our costs low and the dogs happy, we make our own dog treats. We make both pumpkin treats and dehydrate meat (usually chicken). We probably spend $30 a month making our treats instead of paying $200+ purchasing them already made. If you are wanting to have a pet but not spend a fortune, look into making your own treats and giving them baths instead of always paying somebody else to do it for you. Have a great day!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saving Money With Dogs
I realize that having a pet is an expense, but since my wife and I rarely go to movies or go out to eat much, having a pet is an expense that we chose. We first had a Australian cattle dog-mix (still going) about 8 years ago. She has developed cataracts and a bit of neuritis in the last few years and we decided to adopt a blind, high-energy Australian Shepherd who is about as opposite as you can get. The older dog tolerates her fairly well, but the puppy seems a bit incomplete (our perception) as she loves to play.
We solved that dilemma last week when we drove 200 miles to adopt another Australian Shepherd who is nearly twice the size of our youngest despite being just one day older.
Dogs can be expensive, but we have discovered a way to be frugal with dogs. This is a challenge because we reward our dogs (through obedience training) with treats. We don't buy the commercially made ones, we make them ourselves.
Our treats are one of two types: chicken or pumpkin. Both are fairly easy to make. You can find the pumpkin recipe here or we use an inexpensive dehydrator, buy chicken breasts in bulk, chop the chicken into tiny (about your pinkie nail size) pieces and make a load of treats for a fraction of the cost of purchasing commercially made ones).
We solved that dilemma last week when we drove 200 miles to adopt another Australian Shepherd who is nearly twice the size of our youngest despite being just one day older.
Dogs can be expensive, but we have discovered a way to be frugal with dogs. This is a challenge because we reward our dogs (through obedience training) with treats. We don't buy the commercially made ones, we make them ourselves.
Our treats are one of two types: chicken or pumpkin. Both are fairly easy to make. You can find the pumpkin recipe here or we use an inexpensive dehydrator, buy chicken breasts in bulk, chop the chicken into tiny (about your pinkie nail size) pieces and make a load of treats for a fraction of the cost of purchasing commercially made ones).
Friday, March 4, 2011
A New Book
I have been at it fairly feverishly for the past 10 days as I have decided to write a second book about debt, but I have included a whole section on using coupons to save massive amounts of money. For this portion, I have enlisted the assistance from a former high-school classmate of mine. She is notorious for buying a cart load of items and walking away with a receipt for often under a dollar. She knows her stuff!
I am excited that I am attending her class in Branson Missouri on the 6th of March! I am going to first attend her class on coupons, and afterward will team up to write that section of the book.
I am still playing with a few ideas for the title, but will know more later. The book will be available for purchase/download by July 1, 2011 and 50% of the profits are going to go for her charity in Branson that helps the less fortunate people who need a hand up (and some complimentary food and supplies will be greatly appreciated! I will be sharing a few tidbits on here as the book progresses!
I am excited that I am attending her class in Branson Missouri on the 6th of March! I am going to first attend her class on coupons, and afterward will team up to write that section of the book.
I am still playing with a few ideas for the title, but will know more later. The book will be available for purchase/download by July 1, 2011 and 50% of the profits are going to go for her charity in Branson that helps the less fortunate people who need a hand up (and some complimentary food and supplies will be greatly appreciated! I will be sharing a few tidbits on here as the book progresses!
Friday, January 22, 2010
I Made It (This Far)
No, I am not yet out of credit card debt, but if you will recall, there was a bit of stress about making it until payday (today) on the little money that was left. I don't get to see my son very often or for very long, but he came over for dinner last night (we usually go out to eat, but he was understanding and we had frozen pizzas).
It was a nice time.
When I got up this morning, I noticed that my deposits from my two jobs were in the bank and I immediately transferred some of the money that I took out for repairs (out of the emergency fund) back to its rightful place. When my FSA (Flexible Spending Account) reimburses me for my glasses later, the replenishment of the fund will be complete.
Now to build up my savings so that I can negotiate with my lowest balance credit card that I haven't made any sort of arrangement with yet. I owe over $3,000 on that one, but will begin negotiations when I have at least $1,000 in the bank.
Keep your eye on the prize and have a GREAT day!
It was a nice time.
When I got up this morning, I noticed that my deposits from my two jobs were in the bank and I immediately transferred some of the money that I took out for repairs (out of the emergency fund) back to its rightful place. When my FSA (Flexible Spending Account) reimburses me for my glasses later, the replenishment of the fund will be complete.
Now to build up my savings so that I can negotiate with my lowest balance credit card that I haven't made any sort of arrangement with yet. I owe over $3,000 on that one, but will begin negotiations when I have at least $1,000 in the bank.
Keep your eye on the prize and have a GREAT day!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Saving Money By Buying In Bulk
The whole point of this blog has been to help save money so that you can have more money to pay down your credit card debt and so that you can begin to live your life free from the bonds that credit card companies are so good at trapping you with. One thing that will be mentioned (again) is buying in bulk. You can save tremendous amounts of money if you can purchase certain items in bulk.
We have a dog that likes rawhide bones. Sure, she is noisy when she is attacking the bone, but better the bone than shoes or baseboard. We bought a pack of ten of the bones for around $20. That's $2 a bone. If we purchased them at Target they usually are a pack of three for $9.99. It is worth it to buy a bone that would be bought anyway for $1.33 less. One usually lasts about five days or so. But the last time that I went there, I was going for a cheap lunch of pizza and an Icee for around $3. I happened to notice that tortillas were forty for $4.98. I usually pick them up for $3.02 at the grocery store for a ten-pack. We make our own quesadillas an breakfast burritos so they don't go to waste, I would just rather pay twelve cents for one instead of thirty cents. When you have your mind set on saving money, you will notice these kinds of things.
Have a GREAT day!
We have a dog that likes rawhide bones. Sure, she is noisy when she is attacking the bone, but better the bone than shoes or baseboard. We bought a pack of ten of the bones for around $20. That's $2 a bone. If we purchased them at Target they usually are a pack of three for $9.99. It is worth it to buy a bone that would be bought anyway for $1.33 less. One usually lasts about five days or so. But the last time that I went there, I was going for a cheap lunch of pizza and an Icee for around $3. I happened to notice that tortillas were forty for $4.98. I usually pick them up for $3.02 at the grocery store for a ten-pack. We make our own quesadillas an breakfast burritos so they don't go to waste, I would just rather pay twelve cents for one instead of thirty cents. When you have your mind set on saving money, you will notice these kinds of things.
Have a GREAT day!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursdays and Credit Card Debt Elimination Plans
My wife and I enjoyed a delicious dinner of fillet minon, corn on the cob, fresh-baked bread, and, for dessert, watermelon. At a restaurant it would have easily run up a tab of $50 or more. Total cost?: $12.06. The steak was purchased at a local grocery store, and it was cooked on the grill in the back yard.
Who says that you can't eat like a king for less?
The satellite bill was due yesterday and it was $70.68. It is quite a bit less since we cut out the movie channels (that we didn't have time to watch). The total spent yesterday was $82.74. Since we are keeping track, the total expenses after four days is $125.09. It wasn't just last year that our satellite bill ran that much per month, but after review of our watching habits, we decided that we just needed a few channels. Summertime is baseball, and we like to be able to watch the St. Louis Cardinals, we insist on having Fox Sports Midwest. The cost is an extra $12 a month over regular channel line up, but that is a luxury we will take, especially since we can rarely afford to actually drive the 30 miles and go to a game.
I was doing a bit of research by watching Dave Ramsey last night and was impressed by his straight-forward approach to finances. Too often, people know what they need to do to get out of credit card debt, yet they are unwilling to change their lifestyle. Dave Ramsey advocates making changes to your life, and you can do just that.
I have available my book Never Surrender!! which you can view a preview by clicking on the title in this blog, or order by clicking the button on the upper right side of the web page. I personally guarantee that you can save the cost of the book or you can get your money back. It will assist you in making sound financial choices to forever eliminate your credit card debt.
Have a GREAT day!
Who says that you can't eat like a king for less?
The satellite bill was due yesterday and it was $70.68. It is quite a bit less since we cut out the movie channels (that we didn't have time to watch). The total spent yesterday was $82.74. Since we are keeping track, the total expenses after four days is $125.09. It wasn't just last year that our satellite bill ran that much per month, but after review of our watching habits, we decided that we just needed a few channels. Summertime is baseball, and we like to be able to watch the St. Louis Cardinals, we insist on having Fox Sports Midwest. The cost is an extra $12 a month over regular channel line up, but that is a luxury we will take, especially since we can rarely afford to actually drive the 30 miles and go to a game.
I was doing a bit of research by watching Dave Ramsey last night and was impressed by his straight-forward approach to finances. Too often, people know what they need to do to get out of credit card debt, yet they are unwilling to change their lifestyle. Dave Ramsey advocates making changes to your life, and you can do just that.
I have available my book Never Surrender!! which you can view a preview by clicking on the title in this blog, or order by clicking the button on the upper right side of the web page. I personally guarantee that you can save the cost of the book or you can get your money back. It will assist you in making sound financial choices to forever eliminate your credit card debt.
Have a GREAT day!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Two Days of Tracking Saving For Credit Card Debt Elimination
It would have been so easy to order a pizza online and have it scheduled to be delivered when I got home from work: my wife was gone on business and it was just the dog and me. The dog always has to have a bit of pizza when we have that. I am a big fan of Papa Johns, but had I done that, it would have cost around $25. Granted, I would have had meals for the rest of the week, but since Little Caesars is on the way home, I could have saved about $16 and only spent nine (including the breadsticks). But, cooler heads prevailed and I fixed something that was in the pantry already. Money spent: $0. So, my two day total expenses now run $5.50.
Impulses are one of the biggest ways that we tend to waste money. We don't even think about it. When you are shopping at Wal-Mart, they count on you picking up the gossip magazine, the pack of gum, the soda, or whatever. Sure, it is only a buck or two and you will enjoy it for a few minutes, but those little expenditures can sure add up quickly. Don't feel bad for the stores either because the items that are strategically placed around the register are high profit items. Out of the machine, a can of soda can cost $0.75, but if you actually plan ahead, you can have the same can waiting at your home in the refrigerator for around $0.22. And the store that sold the case for $4.98 makes a profit. If you bought the case and resold it for $0.75 a can, you could realize a profit of $12.67 or 237.8%. (catch your breath)
Just watch the little things, because they add up to big bucks.
Have a GREAT day!
Impulses are one of the biggest ways that we tend to waste money. We don't even think about it. When you are shopping at Wal-Mart, they count on you picking up the gossip magazine, the pack of gum, the soda, or whatever. Sure, it is only a buck or two and you will enjoy it for a few minutes, but those little expenditures can sure add up quickly. Don't feel bad for the stores either because the items that are strategically placed around the register are high profit items. Out of the machine, a can of soda can cost $0.75, but if you actually plan ahead, you can have the same can waiting at your home in the refrigerator for around $0.22. And the store that sold the case for $4.98 makes a profit. If you bought the case and resold it for $0.75 a can, you could realize a profit of $12.67 or 237.8%. (catch your breath)
Just watch the little things, because they add up to big bucks.
Have a GREAT day!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saving Money For Credit Card Debt Elimination
Spend less than you make. That's a key phrase that will help you to eliminate your credit card debt, allow you to take a ton of pressure off and give you the opportunity to build wealth in your life. In the last few months, we have explored many ways as to how to accomplish that and some of your letters have been inspirational to me and have served as fodder for some columns. Sometimes, you need to take an inventory and see if things are working out for you or not, and that is what we will spend the next bit of time on.
My goal is to spend as little as possible for the next month and will keep track to allow everybody to see how I am doing. Of course, a little public scrutiny will keep the pressure on (in a good way). Fixed expenses like mortgage and utilities won't be listed, but things like gas, groceries, and other variables will be.
One way in which I saved yesterday was that a fairly big (and late) breakfast was fixed at home so there was only dinner to worry about. I (hangs head in shame) had a drive-through lunch at work and spent $5.50. Since it was late in the day, supper wasn't necessary and sufficed on some popcorn on the porch to cool off before bed.
Money spent: $5.50.
We'll keep track, and have a GREAT day!
My goal is to spend as little as possible for the next month and will keep track to allow everybody to see how I am doing. Of course, a little public scrutiny will keep the pressure on (in a good way). Fixed expenses like mortgage and utilities won't be listed, but things like gas, groceries, and other variables will be.
One way in which I saved yesterday was that a fairly big (and late) breakfast was fixed at home so there was only dinner to worry about. I (hangs head in shame) had a drive-through lunch at work and spent $5.50. Since it was late in the day, supper wasn't necessary and sufficed on some popcorn on the porch to cool off before bed.
Money spent: $5.50.
We'll keep track, and have a GREAT day!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Credit Card Debt And You: Choices Abound
There doesn't seem to be any one, single path to get to freedom from credit card debt: you can get there by just saving money on your everyday things and pay more on your credit card balances. You can cut up your credit cards so that you are unable to use them. You can cut back to one credit card for emergencies only...the possibilities and solutions are seemingly endless.
You have to find the way that works best for you.
There are countless programs out there as well, each has its own merits. There are regular books, tapes, CDs, e-books and the like. Some programs are very strict in their approach and they state that there way is the only way. I have looked at many of the programs and books and websites out there, and they all have a little something that could be used. That is why I wrote the e-book Never Surrender!! as a way to help you to get out of your credit card debt. Why was the e-book format chosen? It is easily transported from one place to another. You can print it out if you like. There isn't any shipping or packaging costs involved in production, and you can get it at any time without leaving the comfort of your home.
One thing is certain: in order to get out or stay out of credit card debt is to charge/spend less than you bring home. Find a way to do that, and you will be successful in your effort to eliminate credit card debt. Have faith that it can be done, and it shall be done.
Have a GREAT day!
You have to find the way that works best for you.
There are countless programs out there as well, each has its own merits. There are regular books, tapes, CDs, e-books and the like. Some programs are very strict in their approach and they state that there way is the only way. I have looked at many of the programs and books and websites out there, and they all have a little something that could be used. That is why I wrote the e-book Never Surrender!! as a way to help you to get out of your credit card debt. Why was the e-book format chosen? It is easily transported from one place to another. You can print it out if you like. There isn't any shipping or packaging costs involved in production, and you can get it at any time without leaving the comfort of your home.
One thing is certain: in order to get out or stay out of credit card debt is to charge/spend less than you bring home. Find a way to do that, and you will be successful in your effort to eliminate credit card debt. Have faith that it can be done, and it shall be done.
Have a GREAT day!
Friday, July 10, 2009
It's Friday, Are You Free From Credit Card Debt?
If you aren't, perhaps your mindset should be that you are free. Yes, the odds may be stacked against you, but you should never give up in your quest. You may have read about the winner of the lottery who has nothing but heartache and despair since. Winning all that money may have been temporarily great, but he even admitted that he wished he'd "torn that ticket up."
Many of the wealthy people in this world are not the ones who drive the fancy cars, live in the Mc-mansions, or have the $50,000 watch: they are probably quietly living a frugal life, not spending money needlessly and making do with what they have. How are you doing?
Have you sat down and figured out what it is that you are spending your hard-earned money on each month? The time invested in analysis of your finances will probably lead you to the answer of why there is so much month left at the end of your money. If you find yourself sighing after paying your bills and just wishing that perhaps next month will be better, there is some news for you: until you get control of your spending and change to where you look for ways not to waste your money, next month will be the same story.
And the month after.
You MUST have the DESIRE and the DEDICATION to make the change. That is why I wrote Never Surrender!! so that I could solidify MY thinking and actions and help YOU to do so as well. I also write on this blog everyday in an attempt to make a difference for you to be able to succeed. And I know that you have that ability to do so.
Have a GREAT day!
Many of the wealthy people in this world are not the ones who drive the fancy cars, live in the Mc-mansions, or have the $50,000 watch: they are probably quietly living a frugal life, not spending money needlessly and making do with what they have. How are you doing?
Have you sat down and figured out what it is that you are spending your hard-earned money on each month? The time invested in analysis of your finances will probably lead you to the answer of why there is so much month left at the end of your money. If you find yourself sighing after paying your bills and just wishing that perhaps next month will be better, there is some news for you: until you get control of your spending and change to where you look for ways not to waste your money, next month will be the same story.
And the month after.
You MUST have the DESIRE and the DEDICATION to make the change. That is why I wrote Never Surrender!! so that I could solidify MY thinking and actions and help YOU to do so as well. I also write on this blog everyday in an attempt to make a difference for you to be able to succeed. And I know that you have that ability to do so.
Have a GREAT day!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
How Can I Possibly Save Any Money?
It is all in your mindset.
In one of my previous lives, the girl that I was dating at the time had a knack for finding four-leaf clovers. When asked, she would simply state that she had the ability to find them because she was looking for them. When I tried, it didn't work. Maybe it was because I didn't believe that any four-leaf clover could be found simply by looking for them, but it didn't work for me.
It all comes down to belief.
You have to have faith that you will be able to do something, and, amazingly, you do. When looking for ways to save money, you will be able to do so. If you believe. If I can find ways to save money every day (which is used in turn to pay down credit card debt) I have every ounce of faith that you can do so yourself. Just turn your mind to finding the simplest of ways. It may be that the next time that you are at the grocery store that you decide to buy a case of soda that is on sale and take a can of soda with you to work. Instead of paying 75 cents at the break room soda machine, you pop open your can of 25 cent soda (they are identical except for the point of service: a machine or the checkout lane of the grocery store). It is these little things that will snowball into bigger things that will free up some serious money for you to make a dent in your credit card debt.
Have a GREAT day!
In one of my previous lives, the girl that I was dating at the time had a knack for finding four-leaf clovers. When asked, she would simply state that she had the ability to find them because she was looking for them. When I tried, it didn't work. Maybe it was because I didn't believe that any four-leaf clover could be found simply by looking for them, but it didn't work for me.
It all comes down to belief.
You have to have faith that you will be able to do something, and, amazingly, you do. When looking for ways to save money, you will be able to do so. If you believe. If I can find ways to save money every day (which is used in turn to pay down credit card debt) I have every ounce of faith that you can do so yourself. Just turn your mind to finding the simplest of ways. It may be that the next time that you are at the grocery store that you decide to buy a case of soda that is on sale and take a can of soda with you to work. Instead of paying 75 cents at the break room soda machine, you pop open your can of 25 cent soda (they are identical except for the point of service: a machine or the checkout lane of the grocery store). It is these little things that will snowball into bigger things that will free up some serious money for you to make a dent in your credit card debt.
Have a GREAT day!
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Weekend is Over And It's Back To Work
Sadly, this holiday weekend saw more people swallowed deeper and deeper into credit card debt: they charged hundreds of dollars of fireworks, they charged at the grocery store for the best cuts of meat, they went out for fancy desserts after the fireworks had nothing left in them, and they woke up this morning with a higher credit card debt and are struggling right now to make a minimum payment.
Don't despair because there is something that can be done, even if you find yourself deeper in debt today than you were on Friday morning. You have to take ACTION! Find a way to pay for something in cash (or without using a credit cad), save some money and earmark that toward a higher payment to the credit card, heck, you can even sell some unwanted things in your home to raise the capital.
But...
...you have to do SOMETHING and do it NOW! Build your strength by starting small and working your way to Independence from credit card use and toward using only the money that you have on hand. Budget so that you don't spend needlessly.
If you need help, you can always pick up a copy of Never Surrender!!. In this ebook, you will find proven strategies to forever eliminate your credit card debt. Many have already saved thousands of dollars, and you could too!
Have a GREAT day!
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Frugal Fourth
So, today is not the Fourth of July, but it is a day that the company that I work for during the day gives us so that we can have a three-day weekend. This is actually looking like it is going to be a wonderful day, I don’t have to work anywhere (I am even off from my part-time job) and there is nothing planned. That, of course, doesn’t mean that there is a vacation from the struggle to save money in order to eliminate my credit card debt. We are staying at an RV park (but it isn’t really the traditional RV parks that one saw in the Robin Williams movie), but our cost for the week (we come down on our days off and when we are done working for the day) is minimal: We have brought our own food and soda and we are just enjoying nature far from the hustle and bustle of suburban living or urban working.
Although my book, Never Surrender is complete, time will be spent today refining the landing page. The book gives practical advice and guidance on how to eliminate your credit card debt.
One thing to help you save money (for credit card debt elimination, or survival, as far as that is concerned) is to keep an eye out for the ads for grocery stores. Here in the
Have a GREAT day and a wonderful Fourth of July!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New Half-Year For Credit Card Debt Elimination
Today is July 1, 2009 and it marks the beginning of the second half of the year. This is a good time for reflection on a checkup on all of your goals. Traditionally New Year's Day is the day that people traditionally do that sort of thing, but perhaps a new tradition is in order for you. After all, there is a goal for many of us to get out of credit card debt. So,
How Are You Doing?
I began the year having $61,960.24 in credit card debt. Today, the number is $54,432.81. Better than it used to be, especially considering that I had to go to court on several of the cards, and there were lawyer's fees and such added in. Having that sort of reality slap you in the face is not a pleasant experience. Today, however, I am seriously meeting with several attorneys to discuss Chapter 13 bankruptcy. I have fought my problem for many years and I have to explore the possibilities. It is not a road that I am traveling lightly.
I fear most hurting the ones that I love the most. I don't want to involve them if I can help it, but something has got to be done. That is why I write this blog, and this blog is both therapeutic to me and also I hope to teach others how to avoid this if at all possible. My parents taught me better, that's for sure, but I never saw them suffer or felt as if we had money issues (and I feel that we must have). I am being as open as possible with my family and hopefully, my son will develop some good spending and saving habits so that he doesn't have the struggles that I have.
Keep up the good fight, I write about it in my ebook, Never Surrender!! and it can help others to get out and stay out of credit card debt.
Have a GREAT day!
How Are You Doing?
I began the year having $61,960.24 in credit card debt. Today, the number is $54,432.81. Better than it used to be, especially considering that I had to go to court on several of the cards, and there were lawyer's fees and such added in. Having that sort of reality slap you in the face is not a pleasant experience. Today, however, I am seriously meeting with several attorneys to discuss Chapter 13 bankruptcy. I have fought my problem for many years and I have to explore the possibilities. It is not a road that I am traveling lightly.
I fear most hurting the ones that I love the most. I don't want to involve them if I can help it, but something has got to be done. That is why I write this blog, and this blog is both therapeutic to me and also I hope to teach others how to avoid this if at all possible. My parents taught me better, that's for sure, but I never saw them suffer or felt as if we had money issues (and I feel that we must have). I am being as open as possible with my family and hopefully, my son will develop some good spending and saving habits so that he doesn't have the struggles that I have.
Keep up the good fight, I write about it in my ebook, Never Surrender!! and it can help others to get out and stay out of credit card debt.
Have a GREAT day!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
A Confession
Many of you have been following this blog for the last several months and you know that I advocate taking your food from home (it's less expensive and you know what it is that you are getting). Yesterday I ate dinner out. The rush was on to get the yard mowed in the extreme heat, get cooled off, and get to my weekday job in time. After work, I was going to spend the evening watching the rest of the Cardinals ball game at the RV. I managed to do that, but it was realized about halfway down to the campground (about an hour and a half away in good traffic) that there was no dinner packed for me. I easily could have spent $10.00 at Hardees, but that would have packed on the pounds. I did manage to drive by a Taco Bell and picked up a couple of $0.99 bean burritos. There was already a drink in the car, so I managed supper for a couple of bucks.
How often do we not think about the financial consequences of our actions. $8.00 was saved by doing that. If one meal a week is eaten that way, $416.00 could be saved in a year. If you were to charge that, and make minimum payments on the card over a year, it could easily have cost $500+. Personally, I would rather have the $500 even if it meant that I don't eat a Monster Burger and fries. You see, in order to have more money to pay down your credit card debt, or build your future, you have to have the long-term mindset.
Have a GREAT day!
How often do we not think about the financial consequences of our actions. $8.00 was saved by doing that. If one meal a week is eaten that way, $416.00 could be saved in a year. If you were to charge that, and make minimum payments on the card over a year, it could easily have cost $500+. Personally, I would rather have the $500 even if it meant that I don't eat a Monster Burger and fries. You see, in order to have more money to pay down your credit card debt, or build your future, you have to have the long-term mindset.
Have a GREAT day!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Small Victories Add Up!
When we get a small victory, take note and celebrate (if only in your mind). Recently, I reached a milestone on my online adventures. I participate in a program from Inbox Dollars that gives me a few cents for every email that I read, usually two or three every day. I have to run through my inbox every evening anyway, so it doesn't take up more than a minute of my time. When the account reaches $30, you can request a payout and that is precisely what was done the other night. I have reached it twice in one year. Now, $60 doesn't sound like much ammunition when you are attempting to eliminate your credit card debt, but it will be over $300 in five years. Would it make a difference if you got the lump sum of $300 on the front end? They way that I view it is that in the long term I am getting that money and it makes a difference. You can click on the banner at the bottom of today's post and join.
Inside that is a small victory. There are many small victories that are earned each and every day, but in the long run, they will add up to make a huge difference! As it is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step, you have to decide to get on the path of ridding yourself of credit card debt and begin the task. It may seem a bit overwhelming when you finally confront it, but as you gain strength in dealing with it and look back, the task was not that difficult.
When you find a way to save $0.10 per can of soda by buying a case (which you will end up drinking in the end anyway), celebrate! When you decide to order a free glass of water at a dinner out instead of the $1.79 glass of soda, celebrate. When you decide to pay a bill online and save the $0.43 cents (or whatever postage stamps are today), celebrate. Add them all together and you have saved perhaps $5.00. Do that every week, and you have saved $260, and over five years you have saved $1,300! CELEBRATE!!
Have a GREAT day!
Inside that is a small victory. There are many small victories that are earned each and every day, but in the long run, they will add up to make a huge difference! As it is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step, you have to decide to get on the path of ridding yourself of credit card debt and begin the task. It may seem a bit overwhelming when you finally confront it, but as you gain strength in dealing with it and look back, the task was not that difficult.
When you find a way to save $0.10 per can of soda by buying a case (which you will end up drinking in the end anyway), celebrate! When you decide to order a free glass of water at a dinner out instead of the $1.79 glass of soda, celebrate. When you decide to pay a bill online and save the $0.43 cents (or whatever postage stamps are today), celebrate. Add them all together and you have saved perhaps $5.00. Do that every week, and you have saved $260, and over five years you have saved $1,300! CELEBRATE!!
Have a GREAT day!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
How To Save Money on a Birthday Party
After a while you learn to find ways that you can save on everything. Yesterday was my sister-in-law's birthday. She is developmentally disabled, but even at 39, her birthday is a very special day. She loves to go out to eat and she picked one of her favorite places to eat for her birthday. She had about ten of her friends from school and from her work at a sheltered workshop. They don't make a lot and so they didn't spend a lot on gifts, but that didn't matter to her. It was a very nice time and everybody enjoyed themselves and it didn't cost an arm and a leg.
Makes you wonder why one would spend hundreds, even thousands, on a birthday party for a child. My best birthdays were spent with family sharing a birthday cake (or pie, if you recall). I didn't need to eat at the best restaurant or have tons of the newest biggest toys that would be quickly forgotten or broken and discarded days later.
It is said that the best things in life are free. The cynic in me used to mutter, "yeah right", but that was back when I used credit cards and was quickly charging my way to a deep, deep debt problem: A problem I am dealing with to this day. I am confident that millions are out there now dealing with the same issue. You and I have seen a lot of changes going on because of the downturn in the economy. Just last week, I saw construction workers tearing down a fairly new BlockBuster store being dismantled. Brick and mortar stores are going by the wayside as people entertain themselves at home more and don't drive out to stores as much to rent movies, games, and things of the like.
You have to stay focused and save your own money and pay down the debt that you owe so that you can be free.
Have a GREAT day!
Makes you wonder why one would spend hundreds, even thousands, on a birthday party for a child. My best birthdays were spent with family sharing a birthday cake (or pie, if you recall). I didn't need to eat at the best restaurant or have tons of the newest biggest toys that would be quickly forgotten or broken and discarded days later.
It is said that the best things in life are free. The cynic in me used to mutter, "yeah right", but that was back when I used credit cards and was quickly charging my way to a deep, deep debt problem: A problem I am dealing with to this day. I am confident that millions are out there now dealing with the same issue. You and I have seen a lot of changes going on because of the downturn in the economy. Just last week, I saw construction workers tearing down a fairly new BlockBuster store being dismantled. Brick and mortar stores are going by the wayside as people entertain themselves at home more and don't drive out to stores as much to rent movies, games, and things of the like.
You have to stay focused and save your own money and pay down the debt that you owe so that you can be free.
Have a GREAT day!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saving Money In a Way You Don't Think About Often
The quest to save money in order to pay down credit card debt hopefully has you thinking of creative ways to think of saving money. You, of course, know about the use of coupons, watching for the best deal, and even asking stores if they will give you a lower price. You are also beginning to buy some things in bulk when you know the per-item price is lower. One opportunity presented itself a few days ago, and it is realized that this way may not be the way that best works for your particular situation. This is an area that not everybody thinks about and not everybody does. It does for me...
...shaving.
I have the habit of shaving everyday (despite the fact that I have a goatee). I already save money by not purchasing the expensive razors or shaving cream. I figured that I spent$30.55 per year on shaving. You may spend more, but I was using my figures, tax not included. I bought an electric razor. They run in price from $29.99 all the way to $179.99 at the store that I was shopping at during my lunch hour from my weekend job. I erred on the side of lower cost and didn't buy the least expensive one, but I bought one that cost $39.99. I figured that if it lasts for 15.71 months, it will pay for itself. Since there was a two-year warranty on it, I saved $21.11, or $10.56 a month. Had a more expensive one been purchased, it would have taken longer to break even.
Is there something that you could purchase to replace something else that if disposable? Perhaps.
Have a GREAT day!
...shaving.
I have the habit of shaving everyday (despite the fact that I have a goatee). I already save money by not purchasing the expensive razors or shaving cream. I figured that I spent$30.55 per year on shaving. You may spend more, but I was using my figures, tax not included. I bought an electric razor. They run in price from $29.99 all the way to $179.99 at the store that I was shopping at during my lunch hour from my weekend job. I erred on the side of lower cost and didn't buy the least expensive one, but I bought one that cost $39.99. I figured that if it lasts for 15.71 months, it will pay for itself. Since there was a two-year warranty on it, I saved $21.11, or $10.56 a month. Had a more expensive one been purchased, it would have taken longer to break even.
Is there something that you could purchase to replace something else that if disposable? Perhaps.
Have a GREAT day!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Are You a Fan of Fans?
The journey to eliminate credit card debt for many involves a trip down the road of saving money, money that is otherwise wasted but, once saved, can be used to pay down the credit card debt. Yesterday we discussed the use of programmable thermostats and how having your house (in the summer) warmer for the times that you are not home can save you lots of fleeting money. Let's take that a step further.
Houses built today are fairly sterile as far a air flow is concerned. I recall opening my window on a warm summer evening and my father turning on the attic fan to draw air into the house and save us from having to turn on the air conditioner. My grandparents had little use for an air conditioner because they used fans to move the air and to keep things cooler, at least they seemed cooler.
Nowadays, we make use of the ceiling fans to keep it more comfortable even though the temperature is higher (again, we are talking about summertime). The breeze that is caused by the ceiling fan fools your body into thinking that it is cooler than it is (technically, it has to do with evaporation of water from the skin, but lets save that for a physics blog). We have become so spoiled that if the temperature isn't 71 degrees at all times, there are complaints of being too hot or too cold. My suggestion is to make use of fans (which use considerably less electricity than do air conditioners) and keep, in the summer, the temperature at a higher level than you would otherwise keep it. Your pocketbook/wallet will thank you for that.
Have a GREAT day!
Houses built today are fairly sterile as far a air flow is concerned. I recall opening my window on a warm summer evening and my father turning on the attic fan to draw air into the house and save us from having to turn on the air conditioner. My grandparents had little use for an air conditioner because they used fans to move the air and to keep things cooler, at least they seemed cooler.
Nowadays, we make use of the ceiling fans to keep it more comfortable even though the temperature is higher (again, we are talking about summertime). The breeze that is caused by the ceiling fan fools your body into thinking that it is cooler than it is (technically, it has to do with evaporation of water from the skin, but lets save that for a physics blog). We have become so spoiled that if the temperature isn't 71 degrees at all times, there are complaints of being too hot or too cold. My suggestion is to make use of fans (which use considerably less electricity than do air conditioners) and keep, in the summer, the temperature at a higher level than you would otherwise keep it. Your pocketbook/wallet will thank you for that.
Have a GREAT day!
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