I have started a number of times trying to write about finance. I find it to be really hard. I have felt like I was in the middle of the sea in a row boat with no shores in sight. The thing about that is I know you have to stay the course. Frankly there is no going back to having nearly 40K in debt. I do not want that life. And I don't want to maintain this level of debt either.
I know
1) If I had not started the journey when I did I would have had to declare bankruptcy - especially as many cards are now raising their rates & minimum payments.
2) I want to retire some day and I cannot do that carrying this debt burden.
3) I want my son and daughter to live a debt free life so they can learn healthy attitudes and carry that behavior forward into their own lives..
Knowing and feeling are two different things. Right now I feel despairing that I will ever get out of debt. And I relate (as I often do) to Paid Twice's journey that knowing there is light at the end only seems to invite Murphy to stop by more often. (you can read her post here http://www.paidtwice.com/2009/09/09/the-home-strecth-can-be-as-difficult-as-the-start/)
It is much easier to know what I want... College for my children and a house.
I have about 2.5 years left until my DD comes home from college. So far I have only had to borrow about 4k (Her college is 32K per year so keep it in perspective) I am willing to be in debt for her degree. I want her to have an education. It could have been cheaper, but She is happy.
The house debate within myself continues to rage. There are a lot of factors. I really wanted to take advantage of the 8K house credit. But I think my DH and I were a little ambitious there. It would have been a stretch. And while I think we are a good risk I have no idea if a mortgage lender would see that and grant us a mortgage. And even if they did grant us a mortgage would it be enough for me to get the type of house I would want.
It might be better to wait. I think If we take our time and do it carefully I will get all the things I want but I am the least patient person on the planet. All I can offer myself is that there is hope at the end of the tunnel.
So with Mad money Monday in mind....
So I am turning to the tool...
What's the cost to re-evaluate where I am today.
I have to account for some of the setbacks that I had during August....
Setbacks
Man oh man I know every dollar needs to have a purpose but right now the names all seem to be debt. And I cant even cry misfortune. Lack of planning? maybe, a little hid under a rock definitely, but its time to stand tall, take the hit and get back on the wagon.
Like weight watchers you are more apt to stay on track if you track your progress. Over the summer I have to say time has been fleeting at best and I have often been derailed. The thing is I know I need to get back on track. Right NOW.
So starting today, I logged into many of my different accounts. I have created an outline for My October budget. I will also have to do a where did my money go budget but I cant face that yet. And seriously I will only avoid getting back on track if I have to beat myself up. So today Is no judgment Monday. Just evaluate where you are and what we can do today...
I have to wait till month end to get the true numbers. And I will be receiving a check back from the college to pay back money I was forced to put on a credit card for some of my daughters education because the financing was not lined up. So I charged $2680 to CC#2 (Currently focus of the debt pay down. ) I also charged school supplies and gas because this card was having a promotion I wanted to take advantage of. Time to get back on track...
What's the Cost predicts my debt pay off, given my current standing (which includes the almost 3k in education), to be September 2012. I am sure when I adjust the numbers for the education charges I will come back from that date a bit. More like something around May 2012. Not surprisingly the first card of focus is CC#2.
So we are back to the 3 year plan. Its a long journey to pay down nearly 40K in debt. It looks like I will have paid off most of my credit card debt as my DD graduates college. I can live with that. The only worry I have is that now the minimum payments are larger from certain of my cards how will that effect my schedule. But onward. Row Row Row
I am not a financial professional. If you are looking for financial advise you should seek it elsewhere. If you would like to join me on the journey, walk with me for a while and be my friend......
