Tuesday, July 26, 2011

So this is it

I really want something to be accountable to.  I'm usually pretty good about money, but since I graduated college I have been weighed down with this debt that is making it really hard to get ahead.  I know student loan debt is usually considered "good debt," and maybe my degree will benefit me someday, but right now it's not great to have that huge payment looming over me, even if the interest is tax deductible.  I feel like my weight problems go hand in hand with money problems.  I have little self control, which if I improve will help both of my problems.  Also, a lot of the money I spend is on stuff that just helps me get fatter.  I think if I make some progress with the money issues, I will be motivated to stop spending money on food while I'm out that just increases my waistline.
The stats starting out for my financials:
Student loan debt: $14,250 at 6.186% interest (Minimum payment of $173 a month)
Credit card debt:
Card 1: $358.49 at 0% interest (I'm paying $72 a month so this will be paid off in November when the 0% promo period is up)
Card 2: $3042.89 at 0% interest (Paying the minimum payment of $45.  Promo period is up in September.  I'm planning on transferring to another card with 0% for a year with either a 3% or 4% transfer fee.)
Total: $17,560.38
I also have monthly expenses that I charge on other credit cards, but those are paid off every month.

I have $5k in CDs that I won't touch unless absolutely necessary and about $600 in a savings account that I dip into when my income doesn't cover my expenses.

GOALS (Some of these are very lofty, I admit):
2011:
Pay off Card 1 in November.  Have $1000 in savings account by the end of the year.  Don't take on any more debt.
2012:
Pay off Card 2 by the end of the year. Start saving for retirement.
2013:
Pay off student loans by the end of the year.
2016:
Buy a house.

My weight stats I will have later after I get a chance to get on the Wii Fit.

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