PATTING MYSELF ON THE BACK

I am SO happy right now.  I am viewing my annual credit reports, and I am extremely surprised by how much my credit history has improved! 

In my opinion, I am doing very little, paying as much as I can afford through debt consolidation.  But I have been consistent, and it is paying off.  You'd be surprised at how far a little effort can take you!  I am on the road to financial recovery!  

Who knows, maybe next year this time (or sooner), I will be writing about moving into our new home!  I'm serious, folks, this is becoming a reality for me.  Because I am paying off my debts, many of my negative accounts are turning positive THIS YEAR!!!  Some of my older delinquent accounts, most of which I already paid or are paying off, are scheduled to be removed from my report, some this year, some next year, some in a few years.  I am just playing it safe right now, and trying not to add too many unnecessary flags to my credit history (like applying for credit I know I won't qualify for, etc.).   

I am growing impatient, though, because I want a home so badly.  Things are looking good, but I am not quite there yet.  But I am so glad that I have decided to be proactive about this.  I am tired of not being able to do simple things that others take for granted, like hold a credit card, apply for a car loan (we buy all of our vehicles cash), or a mortgage.  But in a few years, I will be able to do those things again.  A few years! 

Or, who knows, I might just remain frugal.  I'm being honest, I have been living within my means for a very long time now, and it is, surprisingly, extremely stress-free! LOL  I don't buy anything unless I need it, if I have the cash for it, and it is on sale.  I shop at "dollar stores" for cleaning supplies, bathroom tissue, and paper towels.  I am a DEVOUT Wal-Mart shopper, simply because they are still the only ones who issue those great surprises at the cash register (those jeans, sale price $9, are just $3?!? LOL)  I save for bigger purchases, and buy them cash.  My debit card is my "credit card," meaning that if my account says that I don't have the money to buy it, it stays in the store.  I budget, clip coupons, and scour the Internet for bargains.  I make groceries, and cook most of our meals.  We do eat out, but not often.  I almost NEVER buy lunch or snacks at work!!!  I bring them from home.  The girls and I all have pre-paid cell phones (thanks to two delinquent cell phone accounts that I have since paid, that were reported to the credit bureau!!!)  No more minutes, no phone until I refill them.  We take care of the clothes that we have, and add a few pieces here and there to update our wardrobes.  I do everyone's hair, and Matthew only pays $5 for his haircuts!  All of that scrimping and saving has paid off for us; I am even helping Matthew with his credit, so that we both can be in good standing!  Spending money freely will be difficult, if not impossible, for me to do again.  I love the feeling of paying my bills on time, and not having bill collectors call my house.  We may not have the things that we want, but we have everything that we need, and I am, in a word, satisfied.

If ANYONE out there wants to get on the road to financial recovery, but think that it is impossible to do, I urge you to give it a try.  I thought my situation was dire, but I am a living witness that a little goes a long way!  Here is a link to the debt consolidation agency that I am affiliated with.  They are a GOOD, solid, reputable company.  Please bear in mind that you will have to do your part with them; they distribute the funds, but sometimes, you may have to contact creditors to update your balances and such.  Work with them; you won't be disappointed.

Money Management International 

 

Adrian