2 posts tagged “debt”

A cool website: How I Spent My Stimulus

In January, Congress approved $152 billion in economic stimulus checks for millions of American households, intended to boost the economy and avert a recession. Just how this money will be spent remains to be seen. We hope this website helps shed some light on where the stimulus money is going.

Mine came today. Originally it was earmarked towards credit card debt, but instead is being used for some necessities:

67,500 mile check-up for my car ($88)
Pest Control visit ($65)
License renewal ($54.30)
Summer Spanish class ($95)
New dusk to dawn light ($250)

Turns out the stimulus came in the nick of time!

I need to make some changes in my life. I'm trying to think of a slogan for 2007. Like . . .

2007: The year I get my ass in gear

Okay, that's not it. Unfortunately, not much ryhmes with seven. But you know what I mean. I need a little something to say to myself whenever I need a little kick-in-the-ass reminder.

There are three areas of my life I need to pay more attention to: my house, my finances and my health.

My house is a mess.

Problem: Seriously, even my dustbunnies are starting to bitch about the mess.

Solution: I've been thinking I just need to take a week from work and spend some time cleaning, throwing stuff away, gathering stuff for a yard sale, opening boxes that haven't been opened since I moved in nearly five years ago.

My finances are a mess.

Problem: I am not in trouble, but I have too much credit card debit for my own peace of mind. Sometimes it keeps me awake at night. I need to learn to tell myself "NO." That I do not need to live in a world of immediate gratification. That I can work for it. Save for it. Pay cash for it. I need to get over my affluenza.

Solution: I've signed up for Financial Peace University at a local church through Dave Ramsey. It is a 13-week course that starts February 6.

My health is a mess.

Problem: I weigh too much. I am not aerobically fit.

Part of my issue is Celexa. I gained 22 lbs when I started taking it. So we added Wellbutrin XL, which stopped the weight gain, but hasn't helped with the weight loss. Needless to say, I plan on taking Celexa for the rest of my life, but I have got to figure something out.

Solution: First I have an appointment with my doctor on February 2 (bloodwork is being done this week). I guess I'm waiting for my cholesterol numbers to shock me into action. 

Maybe I can get a bike. I really want to run, but I don't think that's going to be possible.

Overall, I just want to live a simplier life. With less stuff.