My money history twists and turns. My father was a factory worker and my mother stayed home, managing our expenses within the “house money” he gave her. I began earning at 14 years old, saved enough to leave home at high school graduation, and have worked ever since. I had an earning high (over six figures) for a few years that enabled me to support a nice life for myself and my son while he went to high school, and to save money for his college expenses. I have carried debts of varying sizes for several decades which somehow gives me an excellent credit rating. But I truthfully have never liked money. I dream of an economic reality where our value is realized and our needs are provided. Perhaps that is too utopian to actualize and can only be experienced in Star Trek.
Today, I have exported my checking account transactions for the last 7 months and am creating a detailed personal cash flow spreadsheet. I need to look at the actual figures of income and expenses and make decisions about how to reduce my spending. (I know there’s got to be some fat there to cut.)
I am done with debt. I’ve dusted off Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin and am headed further down the path of voluntary simplicity. Honestly, part of me wants to just dump all my debts (except my car) into bankruptcy but “that’s a last resort” my very honest and responsible self advises. Figure out how to earn more and spend less; pay off your debts and save. Amen, sister!
Writing these words I feel a little flurry of excitement.
