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Money in the Bank

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I feel like I’ve hit a milestone today that I hadn’t really thought of…money in the bank.

I’m not talking about the 10% I’ve been setting aside in a hard to reach savings account. I’m talking about there being several hundred dollars in my primary daily living account that is not earmarked for some upcoming bill or that I’m watching like a hawk to make sure I can cover something that is coming up.  And the cool thing is, I get paid today too.

As this realization hit this morning, I was able to take a really deep breathe. And smile.

I’ve started working on a budget — really! And am also starting to think about giving back. I’ve had the opportunity of late to give back in small ways, but after what we have been through the last two years and all the blessings we received from others I really want to give back in some real tangible ways, not just sending a check to some big charity.  Something like paying someone’s electric bill as someone did from the BAD community did for us a few months. Or taking some kids back to school shopping. You get my drift. I know I have to put this in my budget AND I still have some debt to dig into.

A financial post will be forthcoming, but I just wanted to let you know that today, I smiled when I thought of my finances rather than trembling with fear or stressing about every day obligations.


13 Comments

  • Reply revdrmd |

    Hope, Thank you for posting this. It made me smile to read it. I am so thankful that things are looking great for you. I really appreciate the goal you have to give back or to pay it forward by helping someone else. Have a wonderful day.

  • Reply TPol |

    Congratulations! What a relief isn’t it?

    Giving back is important. Please do start slowly and with little things though like an electricity bill, some food or stuff like that. I do not know the amount of debt you have to pay so, please please please build up a really fat EF before anything else. Once you are debt free, you can build larger amounts to give back into your budget. I understand the value of giving but, first and foremost, you and your kids’ needs have to be taken care of.

    • Reply Victoria |

      I agree with both the congratulations and the reminder of your debts. Not only do you need to take care of you and your family, but you have made a commitment to borrow money and it does need to be paid back before you start thinking about giving to others.
      It if it helps, no one who has supported you will expect you to give back when you still have unmet commitments.

  • Reply Walnut |

    One small way of giving back I have used in the past is to keep a box of high quality granola bars in my car. If I come across someone in need, I will hand them one of the granola bars. I know better than to give money to panhandlers, but a protein packed granola bar rarely hurts anyone.

  • Reply SUSAN |

    That is wonderful! I’m so happy to hear that things are really looking up for you!

  • Reply OneFamily |

    While you are still trying to get back on your feet financially, you can also help others by giving your time and skills, instead of your money.

  • Reply Sarah |

    I wish there was a like button. I’m sure you have not felt like this in a long time. Congratulations on coming out on the other side. I know you have a long way to go but money in the bank on payday is a huge accomplishment!

  • Reply Nicole |

    Congratulations Hope! I am so happy for you and your family.

    Your heart is so big, I do hope like a couple others mentioned that you put yourself and family first and start with giving in a small form.

    You and I had some parallels in our lives, this quote carried me through years of difficulties and your post reminded me of it…”I want to say to every person out there…that thing that scares you the most, that makes you say ‘I don’t know if I can do it, I’m scared.’ Run towards it because it’s so amazing on the other side.” – Sherri Shepherd

  • Reply Kathy |

    I just knew you would be writing about giving back! Really happy for you! I have a moment coming up where I will be taking a breath too…..I will for sure remember to share a bit.

  • Reply Jen From Boston |

    That’s wonderful!!! I am so happy for you! I cannot imagine how RELIEVED you must feel!

  • Reply Megan |

    Congratulations. What a wonderful, happy milestone to hit. I once heard someone say felt like he had really made it when he didn’t have to think about if he could afford gas. Once upon a time, he had been doing the mental math of his bank account every time he bought gas so that he didn’t overdraft. Eventually he was making enough that he didn’t have to do that. When he realized, he felt like he had really made it in the world. It is the small milestones that sometimes mean the most.

So, what do you think ?