Archive results for “October 2009f 2009”

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A New Competition…

My sisters and I have always been competitive. When my parents had four girls, a mere 18 months between each, what else did they expect?

It was always about who dated first, who dated most, who was the skinniest, who was the most tan, who traveled the most, who could annoy mom and pop the fastest…and on and on.

I thought that since ten years has passed since we lived together, we perhaps…

actually grew up.

Hah.

As we sat at my brother’s wedding, my sister said, ‘How’s your debt snowball? I think I might be done in late fall of 2010. I’m winning!’

To which I immediately responded, ‘You are soooo immature. This isn’t a race. We aren’t 12 anymore.’

Needless to say, I secretly went home, looked for anything and everything to sell and re-adjusted my budget in an attempt to somehow pull a payoff date of EARLY fall.

Just a heads up – when it comes to relationships between sisters, you never grow up.

Posted by Beks on October 7, 2009 at 9:52 PM in About Me | 6 Comments »
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Another Reason to Work on That Credit Score…

Despite Dave Ramsey recommendations, I’m focused on my credit score and I try to encourage you to stay on top of yours as well. I’ve had the same credit card for 11 years (always carried a balance until last month) and I pay my mortgage on time – even if that means not eating… or selling something.

Sure, if I had no debt and had no plans or acquiring new debt, my credit score wouldn’t matter…

Or would it?

I was reading Parade magazine this week and was reminded of a very important reason to keep up those scores – employment. Employers are using credit scores as another way to narrow down candidates. In this rough job market, that’s the last thing you want to worry about.

My current employer ran a credit check on me prior to offering employment. I had been unemployed for 2 months but had managed to pay my bills. Had my credit score fallen, I likely would have been passed over.

Congress is considering blocking this practice but right now, it’s very legal.

Do you think credit checks are a fair way to judge potential employees?

You can read the article at Parade.com/creditscore

Posted by Beks on October 6, 2009 at 9:43 PM in Credit Cards, General Debt, General Personal Finance, Good Info, Living Frugal | 10 Comments »
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Debt Update…

September turned out to be a painful month for us. Two weddings and all the hoopla that comes with them hit us for more than $2,000. Fortunately we were able to keep the expenses off our credit card but we had to rob our dwindling savings account.

I had NO idea how expensive it is to be a part of a wedding. New rule – no more weddings except for family.

We made no progress and made only the minimum payment on the truck.

Debt Breakdown:
Auto Loan 1: $0
Credit Card: $0
Student Loan: $9,731.52
Auto Loan 2: $11,532.21

Posted by Beks on October 5, 2009 at 5:00 AM in Debt Updates | 9 Comments »
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For my brother…

My little brother is getting married tomorrow.

He’s been dealing with a constant barrage of advice from his divorced co-workers – all telling him he’s making a mistake getting married. Not because he’s marrying the wrong girl, but because they think marriage in general is a mistake.

To my brother,

I remember how nervous I was on my wedding day. I wasn’t sure if my marriage would work. I was scared to fail at something so big.

Five years later, I can tell you this…

It’s worth it.

The laughter, the fun, the tears, the fights…

It’s all worth it.

Chris sent me a text today that said, ‘After almost 5 years of marriage, I love you more today than I did when we first started this adventure.’ I picked a great guy and I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing five years. I am so so very blessed with marriage.

You picked a great girl. You’re in for a great adventure.

Happy Wedding Day.

Posted by Beks on October 2, 2009 at 5:00 AM in :), About Me | 7 Comments »
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New Credit Card Rules…

I was watching the news last night and was amazed by a story about a guy whose credit limit was reduced because of his new spending habits – more specifically, where he shopped. Changes in habits, like shopping at high end stores similar to Macy’s and Niemen Marcus then suddenly shopping only at dollar stores and Walmart, can influence your credit – or so the story goes.

Rather than let the issue drop, the man has turned into an activist for consumers. His website, though not updated regularly, gives some good information on important issues such as the Credit Card Bill of Rights and consumer lending laws.

If you’re having a slow day, check it out:

www.newcreditrules.com

On a side note, I think he has a good idea and his dedication is admirable but wouldn’t it be easier to not be taken advantage of if you get rid of the credit cards entirely? It seems like the site should read, ‘You are all VICTIMS’ at the top. Activism on consumer protection is necessary BUT so is consumer responsibility.

*Warning* I can’t verify the validity of his claims but he has been all over our local news stations and on Good Morning America and they are far better at fact checking than I am.

Posted by Beks on October 1, 2009 at 5:00 AM in Credit Cards, Good Info | 7 Comments »
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