Analyzing Finances

I think it is important to analyze your finances periodically. I did this the other day. I realized that I had my "Condo Down Payment" sitting in a local bank. When I opened the account 2 years ago, I knew that the interest rate sucked. I just wanted my money at a different bank that earned higher interest than the one I was currently at, and still have my money close. I called every bank in this town and got the interest rates, and this was the highest rate for the amount of money I had. At .75% I felt I had hit the jackpot. In the process of creating this blog, I realized that this was not a good move financially. I needed to get the best interest for my money, especially when I was looking to put thousands of dollars in the account. I have, as of today, closed that account and when the deposit clears my checking account in the morning, I will transfer that $152 to an account that has a yield of 5.05%. It's a good bit better and it also means I will need to save less principle to reach my goal. Not much less, but less regardless.

Cable Television

I read recently about someone who was working to get out of debt. He said he cut out cable television, saving him $60 a month in his area. Well, I haven't had cable for over 2 years. It was just too expensive to begin with here! Instead, I purchase a season of a television show I like periodically. I do this once every two or three months, and the purchase is less than cable and it's not something that I'm spending money on every month, saving me tons over cable.
The important thing to remember is that cable TV is a luxury. You don't NEED it. I have to have background noise for my sanity. I'm the oldest of 5 kids and now live on my own. I'm used to having noise around me all the time. What I did was when I first moved here was buy some rabbit ears. You don't have to pay any subscription and you can get all the major networks. I realize this isn't for everyone, but when you are struggling just to make ends meet, you have to make some sacrifices. For someone like me who can't find anything that he likes on TV, this is perfect!

Getting Started

So I know it's a long road to get to where I need and want to be. But, this is a start. I never thought I would be back in this situation. However, this time is not nearly as bad as the last. Last time I was stuck here, I was in collections for EVERYTHING and didn't have a job. I scraped by on the $200 a month my mother was giving me. And that was food, gas, and paying enough on my debts to keep from getting arrested. And that almost happened. I scraped by that with the skin of my teeth. But that time I was over $5,500 in debt. Right now, I'm only at $1,800. I say I'm in a much better situation because this time I have a job, and the only reason I have this much debt currently is because I was in school this summer and used my cards to pay part of my tuition, books, and then to survive because I was working about half the hours that I normally work.
So here I am, making a fresh start. I plan on saving some money and paying off my debt, so that I don't have to use credit cards for an emergency. Not only that, but I now have some goals that I am saving for. Mainly a down payment for a house for when I graduate from college. I know that I will get money for graduation, but I want to have at least $8,000 saved up to be able to put a 10% down payment on a home. The place that I would like to move into has a condo for $89,000 that I like. This coupled with the fact that the market is going down nationwide, should help me to make a good deal when I move up there. I think that in 2 years I can amass a down payment for a home and an emergency fund.
So, here's to a new beginning. Bonjournée!

Fincances

So, I really want to move to S'Port. I realized last night that I really need to get my finances in better order. So, I'm going to use this blog to help with that. I'm up for people posting advice, and hopefully I can give others some ideas on how to help with their own finances. Look in the next few days. I'm putting up some more things to help track on here.

"Vacation" Almost Over

Well, tonight is my last night in S'por. I've had a great time. I've eaten and some fabulous restaurantsm got drunk on great margaritas that were 15$ a piece, hung out with other friends I haven't seen in almost a year, and spoke to a class about being from S. LA and speaking French. All in all, it was a great trip, but I'm really sad to be leaving. I'll be going back to a boring life, but I have a new drive and am going to work really hard to get done with school and move up here in the next two years. Got ot start saving now to buy my new condo! I'll get more down when I get back home and get depressed! hehe