day 1 (for reals).

Alas, I did not win the Mega Millions, so I couldn't pay off all my debt in an instant or buy a one-way ticket to Cadiz as anticipated. C'est la vie, mon amies.

But (and please forgive the cheesiness) I won in other areas.

I've been volunteering with StreetWise Partners for quite some time now and this past Saturday not only solidified why I started volunteering in the first place, but made me remember (cue aforementioned cheese) that though I owe a shit ton to Visa and my student loan creditor, I am also indebted to my community. Public service is so important. Seeing people grow and actualize their dreams is exciting. Makes you realize how fortunate you are to have had people push you and guide you all these years. It also motivates me to get my act together. Plus it's fun! I've met cool (and cute) people. I constantly have a warm and fuzzy feeling in my upper abdomen area.

I can't give a lot financially speaking, but I can give time, support and guidance to people who need it. Money isn't everything. But one day when I'm rolling in it I plan to give even more. Where do you volunteer? Do you feel the same way? Oprah, the light and the life inside me, once said, "Ladyfriends, serve your community and they will in turn serve you!" I would have rephrased it so it wouldn't sound so pervy, but I think I get the gist of it. Karma?

Meanwhile, what will I do with my free time outside of volunteering? A part-time job. BLERGH. Thoughts?

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FYI: StreetWise is a non-profit social enterprise that provides low-income adults with career mentoring and access to employment networks so they are able to secure sustainable jobs and achieve lifelong employability. It's awesome. Believe the hype. Join up.

day one (technically).

Today is payday! HURRAH!

So I just paid my bills online based on my three year plan calculated from the CNN Money Debt Reduction Planner. It's awesome. It shows you exactly what to pay on each card each month to get out of debt in whatever time frame you like. I'm doing the three-year plan, but obviously I hope I get out of it sooner. I also just bought like 10 MEGA MILLONS tickets for tonight's $325 million drawing.

Who knows? I could be out of debt this time tomorrow morning. A girl can dream!

apropos

from someecards.

Escape from the debts of hell.

The first step is admitting there’s a problem. Alcoholics use it and I think it fits my case as well. My problem: I’m broke.


How’d I get in this situation, you ask? The three major factors:

1. Living beyond my means: buying things I can’t afford and going places I shouldn’t without anything in the bank. I live in NYC where one can literally spend money in their sleep. And yes, I’ve done that before.

2. Comparing myself to others: “I’m not in nearly as much debt as Katie!” Tsk. Tsk.

3. Saying yes. To everything. Since I was little, I’ve always been afraid I was going to miss out on something. Everything in my mind was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These one-time opportunities have come and gone, but my credit card debt is still there, lingering, whispering, “You’re a dumbass, Blaire. That shirt at Marc Jacobs was not going anywhere and you look sort of fat in it.”


But things can (and will) change.

Aside, from running more often to look good in that shirt, I am embarking on a financial cleanse, retiring my old habits and learning to “make do” with what I got. Officially beginning September 1, 2009, I am a new woman. I’m cutting up two of three of my cards and changing my lifestyle. Any tips are welcome. Any cash you’d like to offer is better.

Why am I doing this? For a lot of reasons, but mainly because I’m better than this. I want to feel like a responsible, 26-year-old. I want to be able to buy a goddamn ticket home to see my brother when he’s on his two-week leave from Iraq. I don’t want to get stomach pains every time I write my rent check. I want to travel. I’d like to not worry about the guy of my dreams running scared when he sees my bank statement. Money isn’t everything, but it sure does help if you have a little for the important things.


Things I’m going to do here:

1. Write about my progress with le credit card debt (you’re going down, bitches)

2. Document my spending (every Metrocard, every Pinot Noir)

3. Document my saving

4. Research better ways to save, invest and cut back on things


Get ready friends. The first day of the next three years (or less!) of my life is near. September 2012, Visa will no longer own me. Assholes.


Check back on September 1 for official updates. Until then, I will be posting random things I find on the net relating to money, saving and mean credit cards.


Disclaimer: I may never reveal the grand total to you – for fear that my mother and father suffer heart failure - but know this, dear reader: it’s not a pretty number. I am not proud of my past frivolous spending. I know some creditor reps by first name. I’ve charged a single avocado. But you gotta start somewhere. To see results, I think I’m going to put things in terms of percent change, and perhaps when this great endeavor comes to an end (already feels good to say!), I’ll let you in on the total debt. Until then, stay on the edge of your seat. And to all moneybags out there, feel free to donate via the PayPal link. I'll smother you with kisses for life.