Reflections on 2005

Avatar for cl_phocid
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Reflections on 2005
13
Thu, 12-22-2005 - 4:40pm

Okay - it's the holidays, and we're all stressed about the spending we've done, the spending we've specifically decided *not* to do (and are now second guessing ourselves), and the spending frenzy that's going on around us.


Taking a few deep breaths and moments of quiet reflection, and looking back over the past year, what are some of your favorite accomplishments?

All my best,
Danni

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Avatar for mrslove2000
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 12-25-2005 - 4:10pm

2005 has been bittersweet for our family~ financially and emotionally.

DH and I started of in January with filing Ch 7 bankruptcy. That was a very hard decision for us however at that time, we felt we didn't have a choice. DH was still recovering from surgery and had no income. After we got through that, he then found a "dream job" more money, less stress but then he was laid off. Again, one income (mine) and 2 income expenses trying to go out. Through a lot of prayer we made it. I managed to save money in my 401k (I have nearly $14k for retirement) I recieved an unexpected raise- Praise God. DH and I attending and completed Dave Ramsey's Finanical Peace University. The most amazing 13 weeks we've experienced. Our marriage is stronger, we are more financially stable and looking forward to the new year. Then in the beginning of December, my only brother discovered he has stage 4-5 cancer. Hearing news like that puts a lot of things "back into perspective". We've had a great Christmas. Spending less money on STUFF and more time with the people that matter the most. This is the first Christmas in the 7 years DH and I have been together that we paid CASH for everything. That's a great feeling. So my greatest accomplishment in 2005 was recognizing my debt is not WHO I am but a small part of my life and it can be managed. People are the most important. My daugther was baptised in June and that is a special day that I will remember far longer than any money related issue. I feel we take our health for granted and without it, nothing else really matters. We do not know what the future holds or what will come our way in 2006 however we feel we can handle any obstacle that will show up. I wish each of you a year filled with Peace, Joy, Love, Hope and Faith. (And of course, no new debt)

Susan

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 12-25-2005 - 5:41pm
One huge mistake I made in 2005 was that I was the host of our family reunion. Anyway, the costs ran over so I was out of over $1,000 (I think closer to 1,200) out of my pocket. I knew how family members reacted to this sort of thing in the past (basically said too bad if coordinator did not charge enough in the beginning) so I did not mention it to them. Of course I could not afford it so that went on a credit card. Anyway I still have not paid that off. My husband gets a bonus next payday and I'm going to pay $700 down on it and pay the rest off when we get out tax return. The tax return should get us in a better place financially. We usually get about $3,000 and put a big chunk in savings. I doubt we will be able to do that once we pay off that credit card and a few other scattered bills..........


Edited 12/25/2005 7:59 pm ET by happy2beamom2001
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Registered: 05-09-2002
Sun, 12-25-2005 - 8:56pm

I am so thankful for this post because until reading it, I did not realize I had any steps forward. I was concentrating on:

Credit score going down, having to defer student loans all year, barely being able to afford utilities and having over $600 total for year of NSF fees.

Then I realized 2006 will be a good year (hopefully!) because I moved to a different state 6 months ago to take a higher paying job by 20k. Cost of living is higher and due to the move and the higher cost of living, I haven't really felt the increase but I expect to next month. I also just recieved a bonus (my first time EVER getting a bonus) so I was able to pay student loans for the first time in a year, and catch up late bills. I was able to give my brother a few hundred for the first time ever (he is a hard worker looking for a new job) and pay my dogs vet bill of $400+ (my parents have had him for years, but I was the one that rescued him from the pound). This summer I also paid off 2 medical bills and one collection item of $500. I decreased my debt by about $3,000. Not alot, but a good start. I have no savings, no emergency fund because I've been so broke but Monday, I can actually start a savings account. My mattress has been on the floor because I haven't been able to afford a platform bed (boxspring would not fit up the narrow stairs) and I can now justify and afford the $89 purchase at walmart.com. I totally forgot that I even needed one! I'll have a real bed again! Until this thread, I didn't truly realize that I have accomplished something in '05. And starting Jan 7th, I'll be volunteering in a homeless shelter and that will give me perspective of all that I need to be thankful for every day.

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