200 people want to do this.

get my finances in order


 

Entries

Scarlett has the mean reds

a navigational glitch 1 week ago

This is a hard thing to admit, embarrassing even, but I’ve lived too recklessly for too long and now my finances have reached a point that I do not want to get any worse. So I need to take some action in order to turn this situation around. What I need to do:

  • pay off credit cards
  • become a more conscious consumer
  • increase my savings
  • adopt a less consumeristic and materialistic lifestyle

I haven’t set any particular deadline for paying off my credit cards but I hope to have paid most of my debt in 6 months. So far I’ve been good, when I fully realised my situation, I haven’t used neither of these cards, nor do I plan to, until the balances look healthier.

Conscious consumerism is something I never paid too much attention to before but in the past two weeks I’ve tried to observe my consumption patterns and desires more closely. Many times I’ve caught myself considering buying something I don’t actually need but unlike before, now I always seek for a justification for that purchase – and if I can’t find any, I let it go. For some time I’ve felt great anxiety for all the expenditure and consumption happening all around. I’m not only talking about wasting natural resources, but also people buying new things all the time, especially when they really don’t need to. I used to be like that, but I desire nothing more than to rid myself of that trait altogether.

Increasing my savings will be difficult when my first priority is to pay off my debt, but I still put 40€/month in to my savings account, and it’s something at least. Saving money has always been my Achilles heel, I’m dreadful at it. I don’t want to become too neurotic about this, but it would definitely make me feel a little more safe if I had a nice sum hid somewhere for emergencies.

I’ve been somewhat of a materialist as long as I can remember, and I admit still having difficulties in getting rid of possessions I clearly do not need but just can’t let go of. I hate that “just in case” mentality I’m supporting at the moment – if I haven’t used it in years, why should that suddenly change tomorrow or in the future? Of course those things happen, but they’re more of an exception than a rule. So the first thing I’m going to do is sell my unused clothes, no need to keep them in my closet when I never wear them anymore. After that, who knows. Mostly I’m going to pay attention to my behaviour when I’m shopping, to stop myself from bringing home things I do not need.

Also, a small step forward was taken today when I went and changed my phone operator for a cheaper one. My current one (I still need to wait for the change to actually happen, it might take up to 10 days but hopefully it’ll be sooner!) charges stupid amounts for text messages outside Finland. And as it happens to be, most of my phone activity is indeed texting to a certain someone in another country. This change should save me a considerable amount, probably around 10~15 euros, and at this point, that’s a lot.

I’m sure I can pull through. Admitting that something’s wrong is always the first step, right? Hopefully in a year’s time (if not sooner) things will look much brighter!



Tiny steps 1 month ago

I have just phoned my Savings account people to transfer my savings to a healthier, internet account. I need to send them some ID and then it’s all fixed.

Feeling really happy as I’m starting to take control. I’m not sure what I have been thinking, maybe the fairy money people would sort it out for me?!!!



What have I actually got? 1 month ago

If I’m honest, I have no idea! That’s not good is it?!

I’m going to devise a very simple (I make things so complicated at times) spreadsheet, so I can list what I actually have.



Finally....I'm taking my head out of the sand.... 1 month ago

I don’t think I’ve ever been comfortable handling money and I want to be able to enjoy it, not fear it.

I’ve made an appointment to see my local Citizens Advice Bureau with a whole load of questions.

I don’t want to bury my head in the sand any more. I’m not in debt luckily, but I have got very uncomfortable with money. I’ve told myself I don’t need to be embarrassed any more and there are people who can help me.

Phew, it’s such a relief to actually start tackling it!



StrongRedHead Why does applying to grad school have to cost so much?

An appointment 3 months ago

There’s an appointment in two weeks with a consumer credit counselor. Hopefully it will help me immensely. It may also help with getting my own place! :D



Untitled 4 months ago

I filed back taxes. We’ll see if they agree with my assessment. Feels really good to not have that hanging over my head.



Untitled 11 months ago

I gotta just go ahead and write the damn checks, and not put them off til next months – when then you gotta pay double!



Untitled 12 months ago

currently working 60 hrs/ wk and barely making enough to pay just the necessities. i love where i live, but wages are extremely low.
1) pay all monthly bills and stick to budget
2) pay off car
3) pay IRS!!!
4) pay past debts
5) save!!!!
6) don’t get in this position again!!!



Finance has been the farthest thing on my mind 12 months ago

Lately, my life has been consumed with working. The good thing about that is that I’ve paid off my line of credit. The bad thing about that is that I stopped having a life. Somehow, it doesn’t seem like a fair trade off.



advice please 14 months ago

Here I am almost done grad school and I’m looking at about $130,000 in student loans!!!! Just the thought makes me sick to me stomach. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with some advice? This burden keeps me up at night, I have anxiety and high stress, all because I wanted to go to school and receive an education. I’m not disputing my choice in education, but I’m just trying to get on track with my life and my future. Thanks!!!



See all 85 entries

 

I want to:
43 Things Login