Big changes starting to pay off

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2002
Big changes starting to pay off
7
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 9:13am

I have made some big changes this past year and things are finally starting to settle down. I moved 500 miles to take a better paying job and three weeks ago I gave up my wonderful apartment where I lived alone to moving in with a roommate to save $600 a month.

Prior to these changes I was floating checks to have enough money to get through the week. I was writing checks for over to the grocery store days before payday and hoping they would take a few days. I was not overspending - just too much debt and not enough income and doing the best I could but it was not working. I was lucky if I had $20 in my checking a week prior to the next payday. I was hungry, tired and when I was sick, would avoid the doctor due to the co-pay. I was overdue on everything, sad and struggling.

A few months ago I started a savings and a 401k. I also decided as a present to myself (I turn 30 this month) I am taking myself to Ireland. I found a great deal on a ticket, actually for the first time in my life had the money to buy it and did it. I am going alone and I am going to take the time to reflect on all the blessings I have in my life.

Thanks to this board, I am on the right track. I don't know what I would have done without all of you! Thank you.

Avatar for 2locachicas
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 9:26am
That is AMAZING!! I bet it feels so good. I turned 30 in September and it was totally my wake up moment. It is hard to stick out the plan when you aren't feeling the difference but once it starts to show it feels SO good. If you continue to work hard at it you will actually have some retirement when the time comes...trust me, in 10 years we will turn a much happier, less debt 40!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2002
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 9:29am

So true and thank you! And happy year 30! I told myself by 30 I wanted to be out of debt but since it won't happen this month, I said by the end of year 30 is my new goal (car payment and student loan will still be around but everything else gone hopefully!)

I hear you - the next milestone I plan to have a retirement plan doing really well. Fingers crossed for both of us!

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 1:01pm

WOW!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2002
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 4:10pm

Thanks! I know - it usally is a train but not this time...so far...

haha! You never know though. I do have my health and family so in the end thats all that matters anyway, but I prefer this side of the coin so I hope the progress stays on track.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 4:20pm

I am so happy for you!

 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2006
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 10:10pm
Wow!That's so great. Enjoy your trip!
Pam

Proud sister of a Marine:

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Avatar for mymartes
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 03-15-2006 - 10:55pm

that's great. keep up the good work.

MYM