I wish I would have read your book years ago.However at age 46 I am finally going to take charge of my life.
In 2001 I took a job that paid 30,000 more than I was making. This was it I was going to have the good life and be out of debt. The first thing I did was reward myself by buying a pair of diamond earings. Of course I deserved this due to my increase in pay and evening hours. I also deserved eating out all the time, a person to help with house cleanning, a new fancy car due to my long distant drive (I had to be comfortable for the 45 minute commute time one way), babysitters, tutors, and purchases of books on tape. Instead of getting debt free, my expenses increased along with my debt…SIGNIFICANTLY.
I thought since I made good money I could live like I was rich. I now since learned it is not what you earn but what you save. Which for me was nothing. I lived paycheck to paycheck with the thinking I will just work more and make more and have more things. My health relationships and finances started to fail me. I have a game plan to get debt free along with a saving plan. My 401 K plan at work, saving 2 hours of my pay per day to play catch up, along with eventually working in town, saving gas money,wear and tear on my car. I now rent cassettes at the library, found someone to share the driving, bring my lunch, and try so hard to make meals in advance to save from eating out. Balance is a new word for me.
Thanks for all your great ideas to show me anyone can do it as long as you discover where your money is really going and you look at the whole picture. I now have realistic goals and a step by step plan. Our family cut back on expensive gifts and began doing things for one another to make their life easier instead of large purchases. How much someone makes isn’t the most important thing in life. Ask me I made $96,000 last year and have nothing to show for it or no savings. I have less now than I did when I worked less. I have more things like a bigger house with a bigger payment but not more time with my 2 sons and my husband and daughter, they are what really matter in life.
