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September 23, 2013 at 8:33 pm
TommyI have recently completed paying down three of my obligations.
My credit card, car payment, and a loan on an AC unit we needed badly but could not afford.
I did not use a debt restructuring agency this time or take a equity line or other loan.
It was cutting back, doing without, working a second job, and paying close attention to the budget.
Just a little background about me.
I have experienced four separate unemployment periods in my 12 years in the IT business.
Twice I was so close to foreclosure I could smell it.
We even went 120 days one time.
I still have no retirement savings and I am currently working on my emergency fund.
Back when we were unemployed banks were not so eager to “work” with you on your mortgage.
You simply paid or they repossed the property.
And a single payment would not make your problem go away.
Remember, this was less than 15 years ago, not the 1940s.
During many of these periods my salary would fall to a quarter of it previous level.
Unemployment paid about a 15% of what my previous salary was.
I have read this blog each day for a couple of years.
I found this place as I was unemployed again and needed to read the stories and suggestions of others.
I decided I would take responsibility for my decisions and correct my ways in order to pay my way out of the problems I have experienced.
I was commited to living the Jimmy Carter life style.
Our former president was never a great leader in my mind.
However, researching the stories here, reading the bible, and reading about the way in which Mr.
Carter urged our country to face the issues presented in the late 70 made me think differently about my approach to my position.
Simply living within my means was the entire change needed.
I surmized that when I spent less than I earned I was able to meet my obligations, pay down my late accounts, and eventually retire some of my debts as I have reported here today.
Your reading this thinking “Wow, this is the secret.
He is going to show me how I can make the turn.” I am, but in the next few paragraphs you may decide its not for you so be prepared.
I want you to know I am not judging you and I decided to take the 25 minutes to write tis because I cared about you and the “slavery” that your debt has you in.
I see some of your stories and wonder if your reading the post from others who have been sucessful or just venting.
I wonder do you really think your position is due to poor decisions or are you certain somehow a creul trick has been played upon you.
I know things are not going well in the economy.
I saw gasoline that was 5.25 a gallon the other night and it had been 3.39 the day before.
More and more of us will be going through “hard times”.
The outcome will be determined by your decisions today and the lifestyles you choose for the future.
My choices are not easy as I had mentioned.
My little car is 2002 Cavalier and has body damage in the front.
But she cranks and takes me to work each day and returns me home each night.
As I drive 55mph and the SUVs flypast me I can see the looks on the other drivers faces.
I imagine the thoughts are along the lines of: “The beat up junker! He should get a nicer car then he could go 80 like me.” I see the disapproval the judgmental glares.
I could not afford to drive 70 mph.
I save 5 dollars a day as you see I drive 180 miles round trip so that I can work a wonderful job.
I watch my coworkers go out to lunch and have lavish dinners in the evening before they return to complain about being “stuck” at work.
I on the other hand plan and prepare for home made meal of left overs.
Some people wonder how I can be happy eatting outmeal or grits each morning.
They are above oatmeal or grits, they instead need the BK or McDs whatever is on sale.
I quietly eat my homemade breakfasts, lunches, and dinners knowing that they are within my means.
Even though I have been in the IT business for 12 plus years, I have never owned a cellphone with a plan.
I do have a cell phone but its for emergencies, real emergencies, and the occasional moment when I or my Wife want support in our struggle and it is a prepaid clunker too.
I hear so many people talk about how the cell phone bill is killing them.
I wonder, what is so important they have to talk about that they need those.
I think that they probably just want them so they could “look” inportant.
Likewise, I hear of outrageous cable bills.
I too have cable and as you might imagine some of the best connectivity because it is how I do my business.
I just don’t understand why a factory worker (not picking on you specifically) needs the fastest cable connection or all of those premium channels.
In fact if you were working a second job you would not be home to watch that TV.
You see I think when you file bankruptcy you are shirking your responsibilities.
When you settle out a debt you a side steping the full commitment.
You did get the full enjoyment from the things you bought on those cards did you not? Why should hard working people who choose to live with in their means be foced to shoulder the burdens of your decisions, weather right or wrong? If you are unable to meet your obligations because you have physical incapacities why do you believe you earned the cable or cell phones, for example? I am not saying you are bad.
I am no better than you.
I have come around to a point where living within my means is my focus.
Be it frugality or self denial it is unfair for me to live at a level where I canot maintain my position should something occur.
I am saying that you should think about your actions before you make the decision.
You should review how you are living your life and ask your self the question, “Is this the right thing to do? Will I be able to meet all of my obligations and still pay for this if something happens?”.
I only ask that you do not ask me to shoulder your burdens unless you are doing all that you can do for your self first.September 23, 2013 at 8:34 pm
EddyThanks for your enlightening post.
I agree with alot of what you have to say.
I disagree with your opinion of bankruptcy however- most creditors will force you into it if you cant meet their expectations.
I know, I’ve been there.
Bankruptcy was set up to serve a purpose- not necessarily “shirk” your debts.
Living within your means is the answer tho.
You are right about that.
I am not so nice.
I have given up cable and many things.
I dont see a need for them.
There are many who still “blur” the line of “want” and “need”.
Most people will argue you to death how they “need” a cell phone.
They will come up with one reason after another.
Its all bunk.
No one NEEDS a cell phone.
That is nothing more then a NEED our society has manufactured to make us buy.
No one NEEDS cable or satellite TV either.
Nobody NEEDS 100 plus channels.
You dont.
Get over it.
Nobody NEEDS Netflix or Blockbuster.
Your local library will keep you up to date if you just work at it.
Nobody NEEDS Sirius Satellite Radio or anything else.
People NEED to wake up and realize that their financial situation will not change unless they do.
I had to come to that realization myself and since I did my life and quality of it as well as my financial picture have improved.
Make no mistake, sacrifice IS involved.September 23, 2013 at 8:34 pm
IsaacI agree with MOST of what you said.
BUT my hubby does NEED a cell phone.
It earns us more money than it takes out of our pocket.
How? He’s a truck driver, I would say over the last year, it has probably increased his income by between $10,000-15,000.
How? Dispatch can get in touch with him anytime they have another load come up, they know he will take it, and not complain.
Also, if his truck should break down, he can be in areas that it could take HOURS for someone to find him, and way away from civilization.
So he would lose money by sitting, because he cannot get help.
Most don’t need a cell phone, or at least the fancy plans that they have.
IF we didn’t have to have his for work, I wouldn’t have anything but a cheapy prepaid for emergencies.
But since it doesn’t cost anything extra to have it, we get 2 lines for the same price, I do.
Am I willing to give up my cable and such? NO, but I find OTHER ways to get through my bills.
I have become very determined to pay off my debts in the next 6-12 months.
I am moving in a little under 2 weeks, cutting my rent by over $500 and getting more.
I am going to work harder, earn more money.
I will also have 3 debts paid off by the end of the year.
So by the first of next year, I will have at least $1000 extra for me.
That will be going into savings, and a bit extra on the debts, since he property we are renting, we will be purchasing as soon as we get a down payment saved up.
We all need to live within our means, but there are more than one way to do it.
I do agree that sacrifices need to be made, but that’s an INDIVIDUAL choice that each person needs to make.
Thomas & TracySeptember 23, 2013 at 8:34 pm
RandalThomas & Tracy, I agree with you regarding the cell phone.
It certainly sounds like you are in the 1% who NEED a cell phone.
We come across so many people who are buried yet continue to pay for the luxury of the cell phone while asking us if we think they should quit paying the credit card debts.
There are so many people who are turning up with HUGH mortgages.
Im talking about the kind that would prevent me from sleeping at night (2K, 2.5K).
Then they wonder if they should stick it to the creditors in order to keep the house.
I really have to wonder.
Meos1 it takes out of our pocket.
probably increased his income by between $10,000-15,000.
How? Dispatch can get in touch with him anytime they have another load come up, they know he will take it, and not complain.
could take HOURS for someone to find him, and way away from civilization.
So he would lose money by sitting, because he cannot get help.
have.
but a cheapy prepaid for emergencies.
But since it doesn’t cost anything extra to have it, we get 2 lines for the same price, I do.
ways to get through my bills.
I have become very determined to pay off my debts in the next 6-12 months.September 23, 2013 at 8:35 pm
WernerI agree on many levels with this.
But there are differing circumstances….
What if the debt is not cards, not things, not anything that ended in “enjoyment”? What if it is medical? What if it is “life”? Our debt is largely medical – going to the doctor to stay alive through diabetes / heart disease / kids getting kid-type injuries.
Insurance covered a lot of them, but they are still debt that can become overwhelming.
I just validated one of my husband’s debts and they sent me back something that is totally someone else’s.
But the story it painted disturbs me.
They mixed him up with a lady who was in the hospital several times for broken leg, broken pelvic, various other injuries.
She was behind in rent, utilities and bounced checks at Walmart.
She is 10 feet under.
I don’t imagine she got “things” or “enjoyment” from any of that.
I think she was beaten.
While I don’t agree to go bankrupt, I don’t judge those who do.
I don’t want to pay for everyone’s mistakes, but I am perfectly willing to reach out and help those people individually.
It also disturbs me that a collection agency just sent me someone else’s SSN / DOB / Driver’s License Number and bank account number.
And that they have put this debt on my husband’s credit report.
But that’s a side point.
We have internet because I am in IT.
We have cell phone because it is required of my job and they pay for it.
We don’t have cable, to my family’s chagrin, because it is a “luxury” that can be accommodated after we stop paying for yesterday’s life today.
However, I note that after not watching TV for so long, that the commercials irritate me greatly.September 23, 2013 at 8:35 pm
GerardYou make some good points in that everyone NEEDS to reevalutate their Needs and Wants.
In some cases, the cell Phone is a need for work, and the company simply expects you to have one.
If you use it at least 50% of the time for business and can prove it, write 50% off as a business expense.
I think the point being is to re-examine all of the nice things you have and are paying monthly on to see if it came down to having the nice thing or paying for a family medical emergency, which would you do? Even though you do not have a family medical emergency, the same emphasis should be applied toward getting out of debt and staying there.
One of the things I like about this forum is the sharing of ideas of how to save money on everyday things, whether it is groceries, toiletries, insurance or whatever.
There will always be those who will not wake up and realize that they spend more than they made (I know, it took me years to admit it) and now they must pay the piper, not pass the buck.
have to say.
I disagree with your opinion of bankruptcy however- most creditors will force you into it if you cant meet their expectations.September 23, 2013 at 8:35 pm
DrewThen why don’t they supply him with a cell phone? if its so important I would think he could get one on the company’s dime? KIM takes out of our pocket.
probably increased his income by between $10,000-15,000.
How? Dispatch can get in touch with him anytime they have another load come up, they know he will take it, and not complain.September 23, 2013 at 8:35 pm
BradyWell if your husband needs a cell phone to make money thats one thing but I would think you would have already factored that into your monthly expenses and made provisions for it.
My experience, most people would not need a cell phone to survive or make money.
Its something that we’ve come to know and accept in our society as a necessity.
takes out of our pocket.September 23, 2013 at 8:36 pm
CliftonI hear ya, and I know what you mean, I have obligations that I am meeting, and going forward, but it gets tough.
and if it wasn’t for him needing it for work, it would be GONE right now.
It would cost us a ton more to do prepay, so we do what we have to.
Thomas & TracySeptember 23, 2013 at 8:36 pm
Darentheir feeling is there are other ways that he could get ahold of them.
What makes us the extra money is dispatch can get ahold of him at a moments notice.
If he didn’t have the cell phone, he would call in once a day and be dispatched.
With the cell phone, if another load comes up, dispatch can get in touch with him.
Normal loads are scheduled, additional are whomever he can get ahold of.
Thomas & TracySeptember 23, 2013 at 8:36 pm
TyroneHello! It is probably enough already about the cell phone, but I decided to cut the land line and save money that way, keeping the cell phone instead.
This works just as well, and for me it is cheaper.
Then I still just have one phone line.
I minimized the service too.
Just a thought…guess it doesn’t totally apply, as the person in question said her husband needed for work and would have it with him…but it is a moneysaver for me to cut the land line…thanks JaneSeptember 23, 2013 at 8:36 pm
CraigLike with so many other cheapskate employers, they apparently won’t do anything they don’t have to. I just got a short substitute teaching job and they expect me to use my own computer. That won’t be happening
Tom Stillman Then why don’t they supply him with a cell phone? if its so important I would think he could get one on the company’s dime?September 23, 2013 at 8:37 pm
JarrettI’ve been thinking of doing this for some time now.
Our landline is a bare bones deal but still costs 35.00 a month of which 50% nearly are taxes and surcharges etc.
I have a prepay Virgin Mobile Cell phone and it does’nt even cost me but maybe 5.00 a month on average.
I put 10.00 on it every other month- not even sales tax involved if I do it online.
Thats how little I care to be on the phone lol.
It lasts me plus Virgin Mobile allows you to earn free minutes.
I can usually earn 15 or so a week.
The only reason I still have a landline phone is I have dial up internet.
My 16 year old has a VM cell phone too and survives on free minutes she earns and a monthly text messaging package that she usually buys herself.
I like being able to be in touch with her but I do also think people make excuses as to why they have to have one.
I don’t really think its necessary for most tho.
Oh and with the cell phone I have long distance access which I cut off of my landline phone years ago to eliminate charges.
I don’t call anyone long distance but do have a few relatives that I would like to be able to reach if I had to so I can use my cell phone for that and the cost is really no different then when I use my cell phone for local calls but if I use my landline phone its completely different.
KIM I decided to cut the land line and save money that way, keeping the cell phone instead.
This works just as well, and for me it is cheaper.September 23, 2013 at 8:37 pm
JedI save on groceries by going through the pantry, fridge, freezer and planning our meals in advance. Then, I get only the items needed to go with what we have on hand. This sometimes results in spaghetti for a week, but if that is what we have on hand, then pasta it is.
I always shop with a list and eat a snack first. Cuts down on impulsive purchases.
I cook our “snacks” at home. Brownies from scratch, homemade cookies. Tastes better and I can modify them to our specific tastes.
I use our slow cooker. Makes large meals that last for several meals. No ordering pizza at the last minute because we come home from work too tired to cook.
I bought the new long life bulbs. I keep the receipts in case one dies and I return them for replacement if they do.
I pay for the home warranty each year. Saves a bundle on so many things. Just the cost of the plumber ringing the door bell costs more than the entire deductible and everything is covered. Great savings.
Keep the cars maintained. Cheaper than repairing something major.
Don’t speed. Saves wear & tear on the car. Saves gas.
Take the bus or walk where you can. HerleanSeptember 23, 2013 at 8:37 pm
RogerOMG!! This is me!!! I am, or have become, so anti commercial that we recently decided against getting cable or satellite again even tho the finances actually permit it now! I just cant stand the thought of the commercials!!! AND the commercials are excessive on cable and satellite not to mention on regular TV.
I just chose to not be a slave to that anymore.
I feel better about myself.
I watch what I want to watch when I want to watch it.
I’ve been doing this(as well as my family) for about 7 years now and we are no worse for wear and we have’nt missed out on anything major.
Our local libraries are completely up to date with the latest movies and tv show seasons/series.
Its great! Its soo good as a matter of fact I gave up Netflix and Blockbuster too! I dont need them! For example this week we are watching or have watched: The entire first seasons of : Boston legal Medium and Two and a Half Men Mind you all of the above are quick to watch because they are without commercial interruptions! In recent weeks I’ve watched full seasons of: The Ghost Whisperer(all of them, I’m completely caught up) Desperate Housewives(all of them, I’m completely caught up) EveryBody Loves Raymond The movies this week: Bandidas 10,000 BC The Nanny Diaries I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry Transformers Vantage Point Not to mention the cooking shows I’ve seen all of the Paula Deen shows that have been released on dvd same with Rachael Ray and Ina Garten(Barefoot Contessa) as well as Alton Brown’s “Good Eats” I’m waiting on some of Giada Delaurentis’ Everyday Italian or whatever its called.
My Point is…
I realized long ago that the money I spent on Satellite was better invested in buying DVD collections and movies that I like to watch and will watch again and the rest of the time the library fills the gaps! We have an extensive DVD collection that we’ve been gradually working on building for a few years now.
I have zero need to watch cable or satellite because I feel I am basically paying for the commercials.
KIM -
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