Something New.

Debt. Almost everyone has it. I feel like mine has been following me for years. When I got divorced over 6 years ago I moved to TX with only $500 to my name and the agreement I would take on what was left to pay on the credit cards. Sure wish now I would have renegotiated that. But, you live and learn, right? Gabriel and I stayed with my parents until we could get a place of our own. It was quite difficult to find a job, but I finally did after a month or so. Unfortunately the pay was very low, but it was a job. When I went to open a bank account in TX I qualified for a $5000 limit bank credit card. At the time it was a blessing because it would be my "emergency" fund if anything was to happen. Once I felt more on my feet I got an apartment for Gabriel and I. Things kind of started to spiral out of control after that I and started having to use my new credit card to pay my car, bills, etc. It was not a good time for me. So, all this brings me here. The past couple of years I really have been working on my credit. I'm in such a better place, but still not where I want to be. I started by cutting up ALL of my credit cards and paying them off one by one. It also helped that I got promoted a few times and started making excellent money. Made it a lot easier to start paying things off. I'm not completely done yet though. I've been reading up on Dave Ramsey's site and he truly seems to have some wonderful easy ideas on how to reduce debt and save money. I take pride in myself for the way I handle everything and feel I have really learned from my past mistakes. I also take pride in being able to buy something if I want it, give Gabriel everything I never had, and save money at the same time. But, I want more. Who doesn't? I want to be able to get completely out of debt within the next couple of years and have my savings account where I want it. It's good to have goals. And everyone who knows me knows I am very goal oriented. So, I think I'm going to start following some of Dave Ramsey's advice and start with his "baby steps". I'm sure I can speed through the first few, but to do it the right way I'm gonna start with number one (maybe even open up another account for this). I've got my credit report printed, a spreadsheet started for a budget, and my mind is focused. I'm excited to start this new chapter and be able to look back and see how far I've come.