Laying it all out there...

**broke2007** · 03-05-2007, 12:36 PM

Okay. Here goes...scary as it may be.

I'm done hiding from my debt. Ive been doing it for three years. I was irresponsible, immature, and I ran up a LOT of debt. I had about 9 credit cards. I bought NONSENSE. I now have NOTHING to show for it. Absolutely nothing. The aftermath of running up the debt wasn't (isn't) much better. I got the credit cards roughly two years ago. Summer of 2004. I went back to school at Niagara University, lasted about a month, and came home. I couldn't find a job (more like I wasn't barely even trying to find one) and therefor couldn't pay my tuition bill. At first I was paying my minimums. Eventually the money ran out and I stopped paying. I was living with my parents, and I didnt really even TRY to find a job. As more time went on, the more bills started to pile up, and still I did nothing. In February of 2005 I enlisted in the Marine Corps. I was discharged about 2 1/2 months in due to knee problems. Im able to reenlist if I so chose. I came home, and started babysitting my little brother(7) for no $. Thats the stipulation to me living here, and I have noplace else to go. I then started watching one of his friends, a little girl named Calista. I make $100 a week babysitting her. Its been over 2 years since I got home from the boot camp. Its been almost 3 years since I had an actual job. When I get paid every week, my money is gone fairly quickly. I dont even know what I do with it most times. Do I pay my bills? Nope, just my cell bill, and somehow thats almost always late. Im done doing this. Im done living like this. Tomorrow I'm supposed to be getting a car. a 1998 Nissan Sentra. Im going to get a job (not just pretend to try this time) and Im going to pay off my bills. End of story. I could file bankruptcy, in fact the local CCS told me I should. Im not doing that. Im not going there. I got myself in this mess, and Its up to me to get myself out.

The next few weeks of babysitting $ are going to have to go to the car. Im going to have to keep some $ in the bank for gas and such. I also need to save some $ because Im going to Orlando in May. (My boyfriend is coming home from Iraq for 2 weeks, this is not an option, Im going.) He has offered to pay for my transportation there and back, and will most likely end up having to do so, as much as that sucks.

Im going to get at least one job, preferably two. I cant work during the day on weekdays, because I'm required to be here. The kids are in school all day, but I cant get a job during that time because if they end up with a snow day or something, or one of them gets sick in school, I'm the one required to be here, I'm the one that has to pick them up from school.

So, weekday evenings, and weekends. Im going to do this. I dont have a choice. Im done copping out. Im done avoiding my responsibilities. Im going to hit this thing head on, and Im going to prove to EVERYONE, that I can do this.

If you actually made it this far...thank you, and Im sorry.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my story, and maybe even responding. Im sorry for writing an entire novel and taking up so much of your time lol.

So today marks a new start. A new beginning. A new me.

Cheers

**nuisance26** · 03-05-2007, 12:42 PM

~Wow!That is so great you had the courage to face your debt and share your story. You can do this! Best of luck and keep checking in with FV! There are oodles of people to support you here.~

**3-boys-4-me** · 03-05-2007, 12:44 PM

WOW! You go girl. I wish you much luck and success in finding a job and getting things paid off. Stay focused and determined and it will happen for you. Keep us updated as to how things are going for you.

**Ani** · 03-05-2007, 12:45 PM

Wow. I don't think there's anything I could say right now that you don't already know. You know exactly what you did wrong, and you're making admirable strides to fix it. I admire that so much! I think it's amazing that you're willing to step up and pay off your debt rather than take the "easy" way out and declare bankruptcy.

I don't have any advice to give, I just wanted to tell you that I think it's great that you've been so honest with yourself and that you're going to fix it. I'm here to listen and cheer you on if you need anything!

**Scattymum** · 03-05-2007, 12:47 PM

well done for taking the first step and facing this, it can be done! it may take a little time but you can do it!

**Darlene** · 03-05-2007, 12:58 PM

Bravo! This means so much & yes you can do it!

That handsome guy in your Avitar, is he the one you will be seeing in May? If I were you I wouldn't miss that trip either.

**Marie78** · 03-05-2007, 01:01 PM

I think you are on the right track and I wish you a lot of luck with your job search. I am currently looking for employment myself, I am thinking I might have to start part time and then work into a full time position or work two part time jobs. Full time employment is hard to find in the area I live.

**Kitten20** · 03-05-2007, 01:01 PM

Good luck! I am sure you can do it.

On a side note, my soon-to-be DH has a '98 Nissan Sentra and it's a great little car (very easy on the gas) -- good choice.

**FrugalMomof3** · 03-05-2007, 01:25 PM

You go girl! You should be proud of yourself, I am praying for ya and believe me I am sure we've all been in the same situation, difference is we took alot longer to realize the hole we were digging, atleast in my situation. I am proud of you!

Remember, if you set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.

**broke2007** · 03-05-2007, 01:34 PM

"That handsome guy in your Avitar, is he the one you will be seeing in May? If I were you I wouldn't miss that trip either."

Haha, no!! That's Channing Tatum. He's just fun to look at

My man is MUCH better looking of course

I seriously cant even begin to express the gratitude I have for all of you that have responded. I dont know what I would do without this board and all of you ladies.

Marie: I hear you on the employment thing. I live in Upstate NY as well, so I know what you mean. I live near Syracuse, where abouts are you located?

Ill definately keep you all posted, hopefully Ill be able to get started on the Dave Ramsey books as soon as I find out which ones I should have, and can get the little old librarian to request them through inter-library loan for me.

Thanks again everyone, you have NO idea what your kind words mean to me.

**claimsgirl66** · 03-05-2007, 06:02 PM

Congrats on taking the first step. Good luck to you as you figure out your goals and how to attain them, one step at a time, and you will do fine!

**ubumartin** · 03-05-2007, 06:40 PM

Today is a new day, your mistakes are in your past and you are doing the right thing by taking responsibility. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress.

**Mamaw** · 03-05-2007, 06:44 PM

You CAN do this. I think it is wonderful that you are stepping up to the challenge and have a plan in place! Could you perhaps also find a job for a few hours a few evenings per week once the school day is over? Maybe you could dog walk or care for someones plants etc when they are away.
In any case, hang in there! You can do it

**Michelle68** · 03-05-2007, 07:28 PM

As others have said, good for you for realizing your mistakes and moving forward to financial peace. You'll do great!

--Michelle

**Mom23boys** · 03-05-2007, 09:48 PM

You have courage! You have already taken the first step and admitted you have a problem and are now willing to fix it. You can do it!!! Just believe in yourself!!

The Dave Ramsey book I would read is "Total Money Makeover."