challenge, anyone????

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-2004
challenge, anyone????
Fri, 08-19-2005 - 3:00pm
Hi, all. I've posted here a couple times, but mostly read the posts to get updates on you all. I've been sending warm wishes your way!!
Anyway, here's a little of my background. I'm a full time firefighter/paramedic, single mom with two boys (10 and 4). I'm in WAY over my head, oh-my-God-, just shoot me now, what have I done debt. I am barely able to pay my bills per month, and some months, such as the one we're in now, I have to be really creative just to do that.
I've read all the books and am adhering to a budget the best I can. My boyfriend on the other hand, is one of those infuriating people who everything they touch turns to gold. (help from him, by the way, is not an option. I want to be debt free on my own- I think I will learn my lesson better that way, rather than being bailed out)
To make a long story short, I offered him a challenge this morning. Find a way, legally and morally of course, to make/earn $500,000 by August 19th, 2006. The rules are we can not count our current salaries, can not count equity in our homes, and we can not pick up any more jobs ( we both work part time as well). His response was "are you kidding? You can't even pay your bills". That made me pretty mad. My point in all this is that at least for me, I need to be motivated and challenged. I like deadlines. I like competing, and I can be pretty creative when I want to be. And what's the worst that can happen? You only make $100,000? It's only been a couple hours, and already I'm brainstorming. (i.e. crafts that I'm good at, sell at local stores to make some money to invest)
Anyway (i said this would be short, sorry!!), I am very excited to see how resourceful I can become. I am extending this challenge to all of you. Maybe we could start a separate section on this board to chart our progress and give each other ideas!! Any takers??!!??!!??!!
Good luck! Heather