New Year's Resolution

I have paid down five thousand dollars and debt, but ran up two more on another credit card. Finally I removed my credit card from my wallet. I've always wanted to do it, but never thought I could manage without it. Well, clearly I can't manage WITH it! So it's gone. I also ordered my credit card statements dating back to March 07 when I went from no balance to this. I am going to find out the main reasons I used my card and make a plan for those expenses. If they are just gifts to myself, that's one thing, and if they are all car repairs, that will tell me something. I want to know how much I paid into my account in that time period, as well. I need to know my weaknesses, so I can conquer them!

blogging is hard

It's hard to maintain a blog, for me. But I'm glad I have it. Especially now. I've sworn off whining about the high cost of everything. I realize it alienates my rich friends, and I also realize that I'm probably not as badly off as I think, so if I don't say it, it sort of isn't a problem. Something like the power of positive thinking: I certainly want to quit the negative thoughts!

I need support from the gods

I have an appetite for material things. It isn't always this strong. I'm better off when I'm oblivious to buying and upgrading. These days, though, I'm constantly imagining stuff I want. It's hopeless. Meanwhile, I've strayed from my budget. It's just been an expensive time. I mean, my best friend from college is getting married in Seattle, and it's just completely out of my budget to go...but I'm going. I have to pay for a renewal for my phlebotomy license. Triple A is due. There are weddings and wedding gifts. It was time to buy new glasses. I sprung for a ticket to see Roger Waters do the entire "Dark Side of the Moon"-(that's cool, but not for the credit card!!!) I'm really sinking, by about $600. dollars. I just have to stop it.

I need support from the gods

I have an appetite for material things. It isn't always this strong. I'm better off when I'm oblivious to buying and upgrading. These days, though, I'm constantly imagining stuff I want. It's hopeless. Meanwhile, I've strayed from my budget. It's just been an expensive time. I mean, my best friend from college is getting married in Seattle, and it's just completely out of my budget to go...but I'm going. I have to pay for a renewal for my phlebotomy license. Triple A is due. There are weddings and wedding gifts. It was time to buy new glasses. I sprung for a ticket to see Roger Waters do the entire "Dark Side of the Moon"-(that's cool, but not for the credit card!!!) I'm really sinking, by about $600. dollars. I just have to stop it.

a setback?

I have been searching for a decent apartment, and this weekend I viewed a well-maintained, beautiful place in a great neighborhood. I liked the landlord, and she liked me. Unfortunately, 70 other people inquired about it, and in the end, I didn't get it. I am disappointed. Looking is hard, and what if this keeps happening, that the competition is just too stiff? I make a good impression; I'm stable, personable, and my credit rating is great. I think I probably stood a good chance of getting the place, but ultimately did not have the luck of the draw. Well...every month that I don't have to pay the extra $300., I should be happy in a sense. Right? And I'm not looking forward to moving, and I would have had to leave my beloved neighborhood if I took that place...

constant pressure

I got a windfall of $1,700. I often fantasize about how I would spend a windfall of $1000., or 5,000., or 10 or 20...Just as often, un-windfalls happen, so I'm not excited. I paid off some debt with $7oo, then put the other thou in my emergency savings, to make the first $1000. But any day now, I'm going to be moving into my own apartment from a place I'm sharing, and I will definitely be paying at least $300. more a month. It's strange: I am really serious about saving money. I really want to be frugal, but when I search for apartments, there are certain things I won't sacrifice. For example, I don't want to live in a studio apartment. That right there is a $300. distinction. And I have lived with people for years, but I can't take their bad furnishings and messes anymore. I vant to be alone!!!

progress

It's May 18th. I am down to 12,000. I am adding $25. a month to my debt paydown. Big dreams...we'll see.
I have saved $83. per paycheck over the last few months, working towards $2000. per year.
goals to keep in mind: 8/07, balance $10,400. 1/08, $7,800. 5/08, $5,700. 8/08, $4,125. 1/09, $1500. 4/09 ZERO.