Blogging Away Debt

CNBC Television Documentary is Looking for Someone To Interview

I received an email the other day, asking if I would post a little announcement on here. CNBC is looking for an someone to interview for a debt-related television documentary:

DROWNING IN DEBT? CNBC WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU
CNBC Business Television is looking for someone who is, or was, in debt (about $30,000 or more) and is interested in being interviewed for a documentary that will address consumer spending and debt. We specifically need someone who can speak about their own personal experience with overspending associated with credit cards, home equity lines, etc. as opposed to debt due to student loans, job loss or major life events.
The documentary is being produced by the same team that created the Peabody and duPont award-winning “The Age of Wal-Mart,” and will air on CNBC prime-time this spring.
Please contact Lauren Kesner at CNBC- (201) 735-2370 – if you are interested in possibly participating. You can also send an email to lauren.kesner[at]nbcuni[dot]com.

I do not get CNBC (I only have basic cable), so if one of you happen to do this…please let me know so I can try to watch it somewhere 🙂

What Charge Started $37,000 in Credit Card Debt?

by Tricia

My relationship with credit cards started when I was a freshman in college and I completed an application in return for a candy bar. Not too long after getting that shiny credit card in the mail, I used it.

I don’t remember what that first charge was, but with a little digging I was able to find a copy of my very first credit card bill. In all, during that first month I charged $125 and my card had a $500 limit.

So what was that very first charge? Did I go bonkers and treat my friends to Pizza Hut? Did I go on a clothes shopping spree?

I…paid…a…bill! My telephone bill at the dorm!

I thought for sure my first purchase would have been something very irresponsible for an 18 year-old with a new credit card. I have to admit – I am very surprised.

But wait – eight days later, the shopping spree began. The next two charges were to a local card shop. I know exactly what those charges were for…Magic the Gathering cards. I spent quite a bit of money on those cards and so did the people I played the game with.

The next charge was for a little over $30.00 and was made at K-Mart. I probably bought some clothes. Another charge for my telephone bill and a charge to the campus bookstore for some supplies rounded out the rest of my very first credit card bill.

I plan on digging up more old statements and taking more trips down debt memory lane. As I come across interesting tidbits, I’ll share them here. I think Cleverdude is right about writing your autobiography through spending.

In a way, I’m a little nervous to look through the old statements. I often think that you need to let go of your past mistakes and move forward. But I have a strong urge to dig into our past spending. I almost wonder if it is because we are getting closer to paying off our debt and I want to make sure that history doesn’t repeat itself once our cards are paid off.