I am SO excited! Due to an unexpected bonus, my last credit card is paid in full! This is WAY ahead of schedule and puts me back in the position - financially - to start school again this summer.
Of course, there are still other issues on the table, so no final decision on that as of yet.
But for now, I'm celebrating being debt free - minus some medical bills and this crazy old house!
26 February 2012
18 February 2012
Progress!
17 days into the month, I am happy to report I paid off my smallest credit card! I had expected this to take until at least mid-March, so I was a bit excited. I was able to cut the additional $67 necessary in just the first 1/2 of February!
Actually, I shaved that much - plus a few dollars more. Those few dollars were immediately sent to the other credit card company, and now I am moving towards the next marker.
Area: Finances
Marker #3: Pay off credit card #2
Now, with the amount I originally had in the spending plan for credit cards, this would take 9 months - meaning it wouldn't be paid off until November. If I can sustain the amount that I ended up paying in February, I could have it paid in 5.5 months - meaning mid-July. However, I know of at least one utility bill I still need to make adjustments to. If that change saves what I am expecting it to, it would mean paying it off in 4.5 months. That puts us at mid-June - still too late to start back to school this summer.
So, my goal is to find the money in the spending plan to pay this off even earlier. Let's see how it goes.
Actually, I shaved that much - plus a few dollars more. Those few dollars were immediately sent to the other credit card company, and now I am moving towards the next marker.
Area: Finances
Marker #3: Pay off credit card #2
Now, with the amount I originally had in the spending plan for credit cards, this would take 9 months - meaning it wouldn't be paid off until November. If I can sustain the amount that I ended up paying in February, I could have it paid in 5.5 months - meaning mid-July. However, I know of at least one utility bill I still need to make adjustments to. If that change saves what I am expecting it to, it would mean paying it off in 4.5 months. That puts us at mid-June - still too late to start back to school this summer.
So, my goal is to find the money in the spending plan to pay this off even earlier. Let's see how it goes.
06 February 2012
Day 6 Focus on Health
Whew - I've made it to the final day of my lifting/driving restrictions! Now it's time to focus on regaining my health. Though this area is somewhat easy to mark progress in at times, it is also hard to define in a long term range - I mean, the ultimate goal is to 'be healthy.'
I believe I'll just use the same format as I am using with the finance area for now. My current goal in this area is to be within my 'healthy weight' range. I have other goals that I want to achieve in this area - walk 'x' amount, lift 'x' amount, etc., but I guess I'll use those as markers along the way, or perhaps I'll use those as future goals. Either way, it will all lead to a more healthy weight.
I'm not sure yet how I want this to look before I return to taking classes. However, I know it must start NOW.
Thanks to the contrast running through my system from the testing, it was important to already get going with the first project.
Area: Health
Project: Hydrate (ongoing)
A day of no water will leave anyone a bit dehydrated. Though I was hooked up to an IV for a few hours before discharge, I only finished about 1/2 the bag. So it has been important to stay hydrated since discharge.
Now that I can move a bit easier, I can start a physical project.
Area: Health
Project #1: Physical activity - walking
Period of time: 10 minutes/day - 3 days
This will get me to my re-check with my electrophysiologist. Once he clears me, I can start increasing.
In the morning, I'll step on the dreaded scale and take some measurements - not my idea of fun. Once I have my starting point, I can set my first marker.
I believe I'll just use the same format as I am using with the finance area for now. My current goal in this area is to be within my 'healthy weight' range. I have other goals that I want to achieve in this area - walk 'x' amount, lift 'x' amount, etc., but I guess I'll use those as markers along the way, or perhaps I'll use those as future goals. Either way, it will all lead to a more healthy weight.
I'm not sure yet how I want this to look before I return to taking classes. However, I know it must start NOW.
Thanks to the contrast running through my system from the testing, it was important to already get going with the first project.
Area: Health
Project: Hydrate (ongoing)
A day of no water will leave anyone a bit dehydrated. Though I was hooked up to an IV for a few hours before discharge, I only finished about 1/2 the bag. So it has been important to stay hydrated since discharge.
Now that I can move a bit easier, I can start a physical project.
Area: Health
Project #1: Physical activity - walking
Period of time: 10 minutes/day - 3 days
This will get me to my re-check with my electrophysiologist. Once he clears me, I can start increasing.
In the morning, I'll step on the dreaded scale and take some measurements - not my idea of fun. Once I have my starting point, I can set my first marker.
Want vs. Need
Some people have a really hard time with this one - myself included. When one has 'extra' money, it can become even more difficult to avoid mixing the two. Here's my 'in the moment' example:
I've been slowly remodeling my house. Most recently, I started the project of the large living area. Now, I have a set amount going into the project account every month, but the balance is currently fairly low.
A big test popped up over the weekend. I opened my newspaper to grab the coupon inserts and circulars. I don't always look at all the circulars - I mean, why look at Office Depot if I need no supplies, right? Well, I glanced through and saw the Conn's circular. On the front page was a 43" flat screen TV - exactly the size I've been watching for for this room. I've been watching the prices for the past few months, and this is a good deal. It's an anniversary special, so the price is only good this week. I wanted to run out and grab it! Of course, I'm on driving restrictions, so it gave me time to think about it.
It is the right TV and the right price. However, I don't have enough in my remodeling account to cover it. I'm close...really close, and could probably squeeze the extra amount needed out of this month's budget...if it were a NEED.
Now, I'll admit I might lean a little more towards grabbing this new TV if my old one wasn't working, or if it was the last thing needed to complete the project. However, I currently have a working TV in this room and there's still a fair amount of work to be done on the project. I might also lean more towards grabbing this IF my credit cards were paid off, but they're not.
So, as much as I hate passing up the $200+ savings, I will - with the hopes one will again go on sale for this amount when I am ready to make the purchase. Now that I know one can be found for this amount, I will be much less likely to pay more for one when the time comes - I hope.
I've been slowly remodeling my house. Most recently, I started the project of the large living area. Now, I have a set amount going into the project account every month, but the balance is currently fairly low.
A big test popped up over the weekend. I opened my newspaper to grab the coupon inserts and circulars. I don't always look at all the circulars - I mean, why look at Office Depot if I need no supplies, right? Well, I glanced through and saw the Conn's circular. On the front page was a 43" flat screen TV - exactly the size I've been watching for for this room. I've been watching the prices for the past few months, and this is a good deal. It's an anniversary special, so the price is only good this week. I wanted to run out and grab it! Of course, I'm on driving restrictions, so it gave me time to think about it.
It is the right TV and the right price. However, I don't have enough in my remodeling account to cover it. I'm close...really close, and could probably squeeze the extra amount needed out of this month's budget...if it were a NEED.
Now, I'll admit I might lean a little more towards grabbing this new TV if my old one wasn't working, or if it was the last thing needed to complete the project. However, I currently have a working TV in this room and there's still a fair amount of work to be done on the project. I might also lean more towards grabbing this IF my credit cards were paid off, but they're not.
So, as much as I hate passing up the $200+ savings, I will - with the hopes one will again go on sale for this amount when I am ready to make the purchase. Now that I know one can be found for this amount, I will be much less likely to pay more for one when the time comes - I hope.
05 February 2012
Day 5 - Focus on Finances - Marker #1 DONE! Marker #2 set
Out of the areas I'll be focusing on, finances will likely be the easiest area to mark progress in. My current goal in this area is to be debt free except for my mortgage...again! I did this a few years ago, but now have small amounts on my credit cards and, of course, now a good amount of medical bills. I'm still praying about this, but I believe my 'return to school' marker in this area will be for my credit cards to be paid off. That is a bit hard for me to swallow as I really 'want' to return to school for the summer semester. Want...not need.
My Unexpected Emergency Fund had already been funded with an amount equal to one yearly medical deductible. Though my recent hospital stay was unexpected, I did not have to pay anything up front, so those bills will be worked into my monthly spending plan as they come in.
With that already taken care of, my attention turned to my February Spending Plan. I decided that would be my first financial marker for my new focus.
Area: Finances
Marker #1: Balanced spending plan for February - to include minimum payments to all verified medical bills and credit cards, as well as amounts designated for incidentals accounts - car maintenance, vet expenses, clothing needs, doctor visits, etc.
After a good amount of time and thought, it has been finalized. All areas that I could think of have been at least noted on the plan - including the unexpected additional doctor appointments. Minimum payments have been scheduled for all verified medical bills, as well as one of my two credit cards, and an extra amount has been allocated to my other credit card - the one with the lowest balance. That leads to my second marker:
Area: Finances
Marker #2: Pay off credit card #1
Thankfully, this credit card has a pretty low balance. Reviewing the account today, I realized I only need to squeeze an additional $67 out of February's spending plan to meet this marker by the end of the month.
My Unexpected Emergency Fund had already been funded with an amount equal to one yearly medical deductible. Though my recent hospital stay was unexpected, I did not have to pay anything up front, so those bills will be worked into my monthly spending plan as they come in.
With that already taken care of, my attention turned to my February Spending Plan. I decided that would be my first financial marker for my new focus.
Area: Finances
Marker #1: Balanced spending plan for February - to include minimum payments to all verified medical bills and credit cards, as well as amounts designated for incidentals accounts - car maintenance, vet expenses, clothing needs, doctor visits, etc.
After a good amount of time and thought, it has been finalized. All areas that I could think of have been at least noted on the plan - including the unexpected additional doctor appointments. Minimum payments have been scheduled for all verified medical bills, as well as one of my two credit cards, and an extra amount has been allocated to my other credit card - the one with the lowest balance. That leads to my second marker:
Area: Finances
Marker #2: Pay off credit card #1
Thankfully, this credit card has a pretty low balance. Reviewing the account today, I realized I only need to squeeze an additional $67 out of February's spending plan to meet this marker by the end of the month.
Putting my redirection into action
Day 5 - I knew I had to take some quick action to solidify my decision. Emails have been sent to my professors to let them know I will be officially withdrawing as soon as I can drive up to the campus as required.
Until further notice, outside of work, 100% of my attention and energy will be devoted to transforming things in my life from "chaos to clarity." Focus will be on all that I already have going on - health, home, finances and a few other odds and ends. While I'll be taking the next few days to contemplate exactly what this will cover, how best to proceed and how I will measure progress, I do know one thing:
If I can do this - having just got out of the hospital with heart issues - YOU can do it! Is there a decision or course of action you've been needing to take? Now is a good time.
Until further notice, outside of work, 100% of my attention and energy will be devoted to transforming things in my life from "chaos to clarity." Focus will be on all that I already have going on - health, home, finances and a few other odds and ends. While I'll be taking the next few days to contemplate exactly what this will cover, how best to proceed and how I will measure progress, I do know one thing:
If I can do this - having just got out of the hospital with heart issues - YOU can do it! Is there a decision or course of action you've been needing to take? Now is a good time.
The beginning of redirection
February 1st involved blood work, a CT scan with contrast and an intrusive groin entry into my femoral artery and up into my heart. It involved another reality check. Thankfully, it also involved me sleeping in my own house again - well, at least resting.
Many things went through my mind over that 24 hour period between the event leading to the ER and the trip back home. I was concerned about my daughter worrying, my son being at home by himself, items I still needed to take care of, work and school. My concern of work was extremely short - a simple text message and that was taken care of. I knew I had, and would, miss some deadlines for the classes I had just begun. I knew my will needed updated, my paperwork was a mess, my finances still needed some tweaking. I was still on a quest to get my son's health back on track, school back on track and still needed to teach him to drive. I still had a house to finish simplifying, organizing and remodeling. Obviously, I still had my health to tend to as well.
I left the hospital knowing what I needed to do. First night home and rest was the only thing on the agenda. The next morning I woke with that direction still on my mind. Of course, I couldn't do much yet. The focus for day 2 was hydration. Having all of that contrast put in my system, it was important to hydrate and clean it through my kidneys. Day 3 found me questioning the redirection. I shot off a few emails to determine my status in my classes - sure I could handle 'it all' if I hadn't missed too many deadlines. Hydration was still the main focus, with a little bit more movement. Day 4 brought responses. I was okay in both classes as long as I met the upcoming deadlines. That meant it was going to be a busy weekend. I can handle busy, I thought. I'm good at busy.
But wait. I was still feeling quite sluggish and still had other things that needed my attention. Being a pay day weekend, I needed to tend to my finances, I needed to follow up on some new things going on with my son's health. I still needed to update my will and still had much to do around the house.
The war of the good shoulder angel and the bad shoulder angel had begun. The bad shoulder angel told me I could 'cover it all' as I had before. The good shoulder angel reminded me that by trying that route, things were slipping. Let me tell you how close the bad angel came to winning. I just knew I could pull it all together.
However, I was smart enough to step back and think about what I would advise someone else to do in this situation.
Day 4 ended with me deciding to stand firm on my initial gut instinct on how to proceed. I slept better. Not well, but better.
Many things went through my mind over that 24 hour period between the event leading to the ER and the trip back home. I was concerned about my daughter worrying, my son being at home by himself, items I still needed to take care of, work and school. My concern of work was extremely short - a simple text message and that was taken care of. I knew I had, and would, miss some deadlines for the classes I had just begun. I knew my will needed updated, my paperwork was a mess, my finances still needed some tweaking. I was still on a quest to get my son's health back on track, school back on track and still needed to teach him to drive. I still had a house to finish simplifying, organizing and remodeling. Obviously, I still had my health to tend to as well.
I left the hospital knowing what I needed to do. First night home and rest was the only thing on the agenda. The next morning I woke with that direction still on my mind. Of course, I couldn't do much yet. The focus for day 2 was hydration. Having all of that contrast put in my system, it was important to hydrate and clean it through my kidneys. Day 3 found me questioning the redirection. I shot off a few emails to determine my status in my classes - sure I could handle 'it all' if I hadn't missed too many deadlines. Hydration was still the main focus, with a little bit more movement. Day 4 brought responses. I was okay in both classes as long as I met the upcoming deadlines. That meant it was going to be a busy weekend. I can handle busy, I thought. I'm good at busy.
But wait. I was still feeling quite sluggish and still had other things that needed my attention. Being a pay day weekend, I needed to tend to my finances, I needed to follow up on some new things going on with my son's health. I still needed to update my will and still had much to do around the house.
The war of the good shoulder angel and the bad shoulder angel had begun. The bad shoulder angel told me I could 'cover it all' as I had before. The good shoulder angel reminded me that by trying that route, things were slipping. Let me tell you how close the bad angel came to winning. I just knew I could pull it all together.
However, I was smart enough to step back and think about what I would advise someone else to do in this situation.
Day 4 ended with me deciding to stand firm on my initial gut instinct on how to proceed. I slept better. Not well, but better.
A scare with a message
Early last week, I had a scare and ended up in the ER.
Nutshell version: Due to certain elevations in my blood work, I had to be admitted for further testing. After a contrast CT scan to look for blood clots in the lungs, and what they now call a left heart catheterization to check for any heart damage came back clear, I was discharged.
Due to my prior heart issues with vtach, I will have to go on an event monitor for a month and have several check ups with my electrophysiologist and cardiologist over the next few months. Other than that, the intrusive procedure left me with restrictions including 5 days of no lifting more than a gallon of milk and no driving.
The short return to the hospital brought a bit of redirection.
Sitting in that hospital bed - not knowing what was about to be discovered - I realized I had added certain 'wants' to my plate, while allowing certain 'needs' to slip.
My focus had become too scattered.
God works in mysterious ways and I've tried to become a better listener.
In a way, February 1, 2012 became the first day of the rest of my life - redirected. My test results were clear and I was released from the hospital to get back to the daily routine of living...again.
Nutshell version: Due to certain elevations in my blood work, I had to be admitted for further testing. After a contrast CT scan to look for blood clots in the lungs, and what they now call a left heart catheterization to check for any heart damage came back clear, I was discharged.
Due to my prior heart issues with vtach, I will have to go on an event monitor for a month and have several check ups with my electrophysiologist and cardiologist over the next few months. Other than that, the intrusive procedure left me with restrictions including 5 days of no lifting more than a gallon of milk and no driving.
The short return to the hospital brought a bit of redirection.
Sitting in that hospital bed - not knowing what was about to be discovered - I realized I had added certain 'wants' to my plate, while allowing certain 'needs' to slip.
My focus had become too scattered.
God works in mysterious ways and I've tried to become a better listener.
In a way, February 1, 2012 became the first day of the rest of my life - redirected. My test results were clear and I was released from the hospital to get back to the daily routine of living...again.
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