Slave To The Lender

Well as of a week ago, we are official graduates of Financial Peace University. And just like traditional schooling, now comes the hard part - continual application of what we’ve learned. We are definitely off to a good start. After just 15 weeks from when we began the class (including proper use of a tax return, sale of a riding lawnmower, and delving into a couple of Ebay auctions) Bryan and I have officially eliminated $10,600 in debt. (more…)

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The credit card companies are always coming up with some scheme to extract more money from you and me. Universal default is yet another one of these shady tactics. Are you at risk? (more…)

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One thing I am really looking forward to when I am out of debt and living within my means is the ability to decide what I will or will not put up with at the workplace. Right now I am so dependent on my job that I am very unlikely to ruffle any feathers. It sure will be nice to be able to stand my ground without having to bluff. With a fully funded emergency fund I can really speak my mind.

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I often come across other blogs relating to debt, but this one really stood out. Joel Maxwell went into serious debt. Serious in the amount of $556,848. In little more than a year he has cut this number down to $365,568. When I read stories like his, I am really inspired by his courage and faith. If he can get out from under this monster, then I can get out from my measly $38,000.

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Well, I looked at the checking account this morning and the tax refund arrived! Yay for us! I mean yay for the credit card companies that are about to get it!

If I were smart, then I would have set up my W-4 so that I had a minimal refund. Giving the government a interest free $3,700 loan is not smart money management. That money could have been put towards bills and debt during the year.

Oh, well, I now know better. But it feels really great knocking out 10% of your credit card debt in one fell swoop.

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