27
Aug
Posted by the Dad in Climbing Out. 7 Comments
“By focusing on our finances regularly we were able to see an on-coming train and prepare for the safety and security of our family…”
My cheese has been moved.
Last week things at work took a huge shift; a majority of my colleagues signed union cards and filed their intent to vote on organized representation with the National Labor Board.
I’m not going to debate the idea of union vs. non-union work here, but as a jack-of-all-trades whose position is impossible to classify, organizing is not in my favor at all. The two most likely outcomes I see are either a strict narrowing of my duties and a pay decrease of about 50% or an elimination of my position. …continue reading
21
Jul
Posted by the Dad in Climbing Out. 4 Comments
I should start by stating something obvious; no one wants us to be out of debt more than us. In fact I NEVER WANT TO SEE A CREDIT CARD AGAIN.
I believe our perceptions of money, debt and even contentment (i.e.: happiness) have become so healthy as The Wife and I sear the lessons of becoming debt-free into our psyches.
All of our family and friends support our goal and some have even dug in and are applying the same principles that bring us such peace. But a recent offer from very kind, loving family members highlights one of the red flags we have come to watch for. …continue reading
12
Jun
Posted by the Dad in Climbing Out. 4 Comments
Every time I want to text someone with that crap phone I am reminded of our goals
Okay, there’s really nothing fun about buckling down and getting out of debt. Or is there?
No, there can’t be; it’s a barren, joyless trek through sacrifice with nothing but denial and self-discipline.
Ha! Haven’t you guys seen Mary Poppins? Spoonful of sugar, baby. Our family has had loads of fun while working this debt snowball. In fact it’s forced us to find free & low-cost things to do together that we wouldn’t have sought out back when we were brain-damaged. …continue reading
31
May
Posted by The Wife in Climbing Out. 7 Comments
It’s the last credit card that is the hardest…
We are getting debt-free and there are no ifs, ands, or buts. It makes decisions easy when you either have the money or don’t.
I go to the grocery store with cash. I let the cashier know what I have and I get her/him to buy in with me from the beginning so when the total gets close I have help making decisions about what goes back. …continue reading
22
Apr
Posted by the Dad in Climbing Out. 11 Comments
if you too are thinking about ditching your big bank and finding a local bank with a soul, I encourage you to give it a try
This post is an example of what happens when companies put customer service last and the customer realizes there are other choices after all. Everyone who engages with customers (which pretty much means everyone) should be reading Seth Godin’s blog. That really is the sidebar to this post, but I think it’s so important I’m putting it right at the top.
I am consistently amazed by businesses that seem to go out of their way to make things more difficult for their clients. Not just slow, awkward or boring but down right more difficult. …continue reading
24
Mar
Posted by the Dad in Climbing Out. 13 Comments
Don’t ask me how to get your exemptions right. The tax tables are obviously some kind of weird voodoo.
Not long ago I was becoming frustrated with our progress on Baby Step 2. I am painfully impatient to get out of debt. Just ask The Wife.
Yet it’s a long road. Most people who follow the plan we are doing need 18 – 24 months to become debt-free. I’m afraid we’re going to need more.
What does ole Ramsey say? “Children want it now, adults devise a plan and stick to it.” …continue reading
