1. When I'm not at work, I'm hibernating in my house while working on my genealogy, catching up with housework, and reading. I'm also starting a part-time business.
2. I've kept to my budget. I've been able to put very little towards paying more than the minimums on my debt (HELOC and Parent PLUS education loans) because of needing start-up capital for my business. I took a weekend bus trip with a group earlier this month (paid for in 2008!) to NYC. I made new friends with others on the bus.
On Thursday, my company announced a 1,300 employee downsizing. I predict that I will be one of the downsized. I've worked there for 28 years and made it through a dozen other downsizings, but I *know* that it's my turn now. I think I'm ready -- I have a lot of debt, but I just completed a paralegal studies program and I have many other skills. I know that I will probably make two-thirds of my current pay. I'll have to work two jobs until my new business starts bringing in something. I need to check with the Parent PLUS lender and see if there's any loan restructuring available. If I could cut the three education loan payments in half for a time, it would help.
3. No, I don't know anyone who has lost their home in the past year. I hope I'll be able to keep mine!
1. When I'm not at work, I'm hibernating in my house while working on my genealogy, catching up with housework, and reading. I'm also starting a part-time business.
2. I've kept to my budget. I've been able to put very little towards paying more than the minimums on my debt (HELOC and Parent PLUS education loans) because of needing start-up capital for my business. I took a weekend bus trip with a group earlier this month (paid for in 2008!) to NYC. I made new friends with others on the bus.
On Thursday, my company announced a 1,300 employee downsizing. I predict that I will be one of the downsized. I've worked there for 28 years and made it through a dozen other downsizings, but I *know* that it's my turn now. I think I'm ready -- I have a lot of debt, but I just completed a paralegal studies program and I have many other skills. I know that I will probably make two-thirds of my current pay. I'll have to work two jobs until my new business starts bringing in something. I need to check with the Parent PLUS lender and see if there's any loan restructuring available. If I could cut the three education loan payments in half for a time, it would help.
3. No, I don't know anyone who has lost their home in the past year. I hope I'll be able to keep mine!
Mary Jo