Me vs Debt Me vs Debt Recent college grad's mission to get out of debt and master personal finance. I want to share tips, successes, and motivation. I also want some public accountability. Mostly I want to use my money to make interest, not pay it. Articles
Is Online Tutoring a Worthy Investment?
2008-01-05 19:23:00 I've talked about how much I enjoy being a tutor online. But is it a worthy investment from the student's perspective?As of right now the largest portion of the client base connects through Live Homework Help. Many public libraries pay for the service then allow students to log in through their website. Off the top of my head its available throughout Alabama, Brooklyn, and San Diego. Some school districts like Richardson ISD in Dallas, Texas offer students up to 300 free minutes for the semester.These services are obviously a great deal. From my experience the students love it. They log in when they are stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or even just to clarify concepts. The one thing I strongly suggest is checking your local library for the free service. If you have access to the free service, there is no question. It's worth it! As a tutor, I'm probably biased. As a tutor, I hear tons of positive feedback from the students. Here is a little bit of bac... More About: Investment , Tutoring , Online , Worthy
Is Online Tutoring a Worthy Investment?
2008-01-05 12:43:00 I've talked about how much I enjoy being a tutor online. But is it a worthy investment from the student's perspective?As of right now the largest portion of the client base connects through Live Homework Help. Many public libraries pay for the service then allow students to log in through their website. Off the top of my head its available throughout Alabama, Brooklyn, and San Diego. Some school districts like Richardson ISD in Dallas, Texas offer students up to 300 free minutes for the semester.These services are obviously a great deal. From my experience the students love it. They log in when they are stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or even just to clarify concepts. The one thing I strongly suggest is checking your local library for the free service. If you have access to the free service, there is no question. It's worth it! As a tutor, I'm probably biased. As a tutor, I hear tons of positive feedback from the students. Here is a little bit of background on... More About: Investment , Tutoring , Online , Worthy
Is Online Tutoring a Worthy Investment?
2008-01-05 12:43:00 I've talked about how much I enjoy being a tutor online. But is it a worthy investment from the student's perspective?As of right now the largest portion of the client base connects through Live Homework Help. Many public libraries pay for the service then allow students to log in through their website. Off the top of my head its available throughout Alabama, Brooklyn, and San Diego. Some school districts like Richardson ISD in Dallas, Texas offer students up to 300 free minutes for the semester.These services are obviously a great deal. From my experience the students love it. They log in when they are stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or even just to clarify concepts. The one thing I strongly suggest is checking your local library for the free service. If you have access to the free service, there is no question. It's worth it! As a tutor, I'm probably biased. As a tutor, I hear tons of positive feedback from the students. Here is a little bit of background on... More About: Investment , Tutoring , Online , Worthy
Is Online Tutoring a Worthy Investment?
2008-01-05 12:43:00 I've talked about how much I enjoy being a tutor online. But is it a worthy investment from the student's perspective?As of right now the largest portion of the client base connects through Live Homework Help. Many public libraries pay for the service then allow students to log in through their website. Off the top of my head its available throughout Alabama, Brooklyn, and San Diego. Some school districts like Richardson ISD in Dallas, Texas offer students up to 300 free minutes for the semester.These services are obviously a great deal. From my experience the students love it. They log in when they are stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or even just to clarify concepts. The one thing I strongly suggest is checking your local library for the free service. If you have access to the free service, there is no question. It's worth it! As a tutor, I'm probably biased. As a tutor, I hear tons of positive feedback from the students. Here is a little bit of background on... More About: Investment , Tutoring , Online , Worthy
I'm Back! (With carnivals :)
2008-01-04 23:44:00 Greetings! Writing about finding balance made me realize how out of balance my life had gotten during the last couple months of 2007. I spent the last few days starting to get back in shape, back in touch with family and friends, and back to work with a productive attitude. Now that I've started to catch up elsewhere it is time to catch up with this week's blog festivities. Please check out these collections of great articles including a couple of mine:Festival of Frugality hosted by MoolanomyCarnival of Financial Goals hosted by Lynnae at Being FrugalCarnival of Peer-To-Peer Lending hosted by Lazy ManHope everyone else is off to a great start in 2008. This weekend I'll finish up the Finding Balance series and talk a little more about my side job. Cheers! More About: Carnivals , Back
I'm Back! (With carnivals :)
2008-01-04 23:44:00 Greetings! Writing about finding balance made me realize how out of balance my life had gotten during the last couple months of 2007. I spent the last few days starting to get back in shape, back in touch with family and friends, and back to work with a productive attitude. Now that I've started to catch up elsewhere it is time to catch up with this week's blog festivities. Please check out these collections of great articles including a couple of mine:Festival of Frugality hosted by MoolanomyCarnival of Financial Goals hosted by Lynnae at Being FrugalCarnival of Peer-To-Peer Lending hosted by Lazy ManHope everyone else is off to a great start in 2008. This weekend I'll finish up the Finding Balance series and talk a little more about my side job. Cheers! More About: Carnivals , Back
I'm Back! (With carnivals :)
2008-01-04 23:44:00 Greetings! Writing about finding balance made me realize how out of balance my life had gotten during the last couple months of 2007. I spent the last few days starting to get back in shape, back in touch with family and friends, and back to work with a productive attitude. Now that I've started to catch up elsewhere it is time to catch up with this week's blog festivities. Please check out these collections of great articles including a couple of mine:Festival of Frugality hosted by MoolanomyCarnival of Financial Goals hosted by Lynnae at Being FrugalCarnival of Peer-To-Peer Lending hosted by Lazy ManHope everyone else is off to a great start in 2008. This weekend I'll finish up the Finding Balance series and talk a little more about my side job. Cheers! More About: Carnivals , Back
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part Three)
2008-01-03 00:52:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Stay Connected and Sharp-mindedStay Connected... Write LettersYes, I'm a huge fan of snail mail letters. Sure emails are free, but at 41 cents a pop a handwritten letter is a great deal. It feel great to get a letter when your mailbox is usually filled with bills. Plus letters take just a little bit more effort, but they are much more meaningful. Spend some time writing a letter to a friend or relative. Take a little time to catch someone up on your life or just express yourself. Hopefully you'll get a letter back which is a bonus.Call Family and FriendsNights and weekends are free for just about ... More About: Balance , Budget
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part Three)
2008-01-03 00:52:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Stay Connected and Sharp-mindedStay Connected... Write LettersYes, I'm a huge fan of snail mail letters. Sure emails are free, but at 41 cents a pop a handwritten letter is a great deal. It feel great to get a letter when your mailbox is usually filled with bills. Plus letters take just a little bit more effort, but they are much more meaningful. Spend some time writing a letter to a friend or relative. Take a little time to catch someone up on your life or just express yourself. Hopefully you'll get a letter back which is a bonus.Call Family and FriendsNights and weekends are free for just about ... More About: Balance , Budget
Happy New Year and the Last Carnivals of 2007
2007-12-31 22:13:00 Be sure to check out the last carnivals I've participated in in 2007:Carnival of Personal Finance at We're in DebtCarnival of Debt Reduction at Debt Reduction FormulaI'm going to highlight my favorite articles once I've gotten a chance to read them all. Not tonight, sorry. Until next time...Happy New Year ! More About: Carnivals , Happy New Year
Happy New Year and the Last Carnivals of 2007
2007-12-31 22:13:00 Be sure to check out the last carnivals I've participated in in 2007:Carnival of Personal Finance at We're in DebtCarnival of Debt Reduction at Debt Reduction FormulaI'm going to highlight my favorite articles once I've gotten a chance to read them all. Not tonight, sorry. Until next time...Happy New Year ! More About: Carnivals , Happy New Year
Hey Prosper Lenders! Question from a Borrower...
2007-12-31 21:31:00 A comment on a recent post, How do I come up with $2600 ASAP, suggested getting a prosper loan. As readers of my blog probably know, I already have one! I think I got a pretty decent rate, considering I had a D rating, at 14.94%.I used the first loan to consolidate credit card balances with up to 29.99% APRs. Words can only begin to describe what a help it has been. I have reduced my monthly finance charge by more than 66% and have since reduced my personal debt by over 23%. Now my highest interest rate is 19.99%.So Prosper Lenders , how would you feel about refinancing a "high risk" loan to a borrower that has consistently paid early and often (i.e. three additional payments in the first 5 months). My income has since gone up and my DTI has gone way down but I'm pretty sure my credit score hasn't changed much yet. Plus there are a couple new inquiries mostly due to transferring balances at low rates. (See full explanation in my Score Watch post.)I put "high risk" in quot... More About: Question
Hey Prosper Lenders! Question from a Borrower...
2007-12-31 21:31:00 A comment on a recent post, How do I come up with $2600 ASAP, suggested getting a prosper loan. As readers of my blog probably know, I already have one! I think I got a pretty decent rate, considering I had a D rating, at 14.94%.I used the first loan to consolidate credit card balances with up to 29.99% APRs. Words can only begin to describe what a help it has been. I have reduced my monthly finance charge by more than 66% and have since reduced my personal debt by over 23%. Now my highest interest rate is 19.99%.So Prosper Lenders , how would you feel about refinancing a "high risk" loan to a borrower that has consistently paid early and often (i.e. three additional payments in the first 5 months). My income has since gone up and my DTI has gone way down but I'm pretty sure my credit score hasn't changed much yet. Plus there are a couple new inquiries mostly due to transferring balances at low rates. (See full explanation in my Score Watch post.)I put "high risk" in quot... More About: Question
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part Two)
2007-12-31 17:30:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Social Activities, LearningHope you enjoy these lists and find frugal ways to enjoy your life in the New Year!Entertainment Read Books or MagazinesBooks or magazines are freely available at your local library. Some also like to go to Borders or Barnes and Noble to sit and read freely. Personally I have a stack of books I own but have not read so that might be a good start for me. You might also want to consider a book or magazine trade with friends.Watch MoviesI'm a huge fan of Netflix. I have the unlimited one at a time plan which includes a few hours of streaming video each month... More About: Time Management , Balance , Budget
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part Two)
2007-12-31 17:30:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Stay Connected and Sharp-mindedHope you enjoy these lists and find frugal ways to enjoy your life in the New Year!Entertainment Read Books or MagazinesBooks or magazines are freely available at your local library. Some also like to go to Borders or Barnes and Noble to sit and read freely. Personally I have a stack of books I own but have not read so that might be a good start for me. You might also want to consider a book or magazine trade with friends.Watch MoviesI'm a huge fan of Netflix. I have the unlimited one at a time plan which includes a few hours of streaming video each m... More About: Time Management , Balance , Budget
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part One)
2007-12-30 15:21:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Stay Connected and Sharp-mindedFinancesTutoringThis is one of my favorites. Not only do I make money, but I enjoy the time I spend with students. You don't have to be sitting face to face to make each other laugh, think, and feel good. As a bonus I often learn new techniques and keep my basic skills sharp. This activity could be listed three-fold under money, social, and learning. Even if tutoring is not your thing, I bet there is a part time job out there that you might enjoy putting a few hours a week into.Budget ingI plan to spend about one hour per week working on a detailed budget. I don't ha... More About: Time Management , Balance
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part One)
2007-12-30 15:21:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Social Activities, LearningFinancesTutoringThis is one of my favorites. Not only do I make money, but I enjoy the time I spend with students. You don't have to be sitting face to face to make each other laugh, think, and feel good. As a bonus I often learn new techniques and keep my basic skills sharp. This activity could be listed three-fold under money, social, and learning. Even if tutoring is not your thing, I bet there is a part time job out there that you might enjoy putting a few hours a week into.Budget ingI plan to spend about one hour per week working on a detailed budget. I don't have b... More About: Time Management , Balance
8 Ways to Cut My Net Debt in Half in 2008
2007-12-30 02:25:00 I am determined to cut my net worth in half by 2009. Since my net worth is negative, this is actually a good thing! Sounds absurd to aim for a net worth of -$30k, but that's my goal and I'm sticking to it.I've updated my Net Worth IQ for December 2007 and I'm very happy with my progress. I found myself thinking I sure can't wait until that number is postive! Then I thought Gee, I wonder when that will be... After careful consideration I have tentatively scheduled it for 2010.If I can manage to get half way there with every force of reverse compound interest working against me this year, then it will be cake to get there and beyond. This is the most ambitious financial goal I have ever set for myself and here is how I'm going to do it. I tried to put these goals in realistic, measurable numbers that are consistent with my planned budget and tracked (and declining) spending habits. See my "SMART" goals in italics. I'll be keeping track of my progress here for accounta... More About: Debt , Saving , Half , 2008
8 Ways to Cut My Net Worth in Half in 2008
2007-12-30 02:25:00 I am determined to cut my net worth in half by 2009. Since my net worth is negative, this is actually a good thing! Sounds absurd to aim for a net worth of -$30k, but that's my goal and I'm sticking to it.I've updated my Net Worth IQ for December 2007 and I'm very happy with my progress. I found myself thinking I sure can't wait until that number is postive! Then I thought Gee, I wonder when that will be... After careful consideration I have tentatively scheduled it for 2010.If I can manage to get half way there with every force of reverse compound interest working against me this year, then it will be cake to get to $0 and beyond in the years to come. This is the most ambitious financial goal I have ever set for myself and here is how I'm going to do it. I tried to put these goals in realistic, measurable numbers that are consistent with my planned budget and tracked (and declining) spending habits. See my "SMART" goals in italics. I'll be keeping track of my progr... More About: Net worth , Saving , Half , 2008
Mrs Micah is my First Fan!
2007-12-29 16:15:00 Last week I signed up for Technorati to claim this blog. Totally new to the concept, but it seems to track connections in the blog community. Count me in.Thank you, Mrs. Micah , for being my first fan :)If you don't know Mrs. Micah, then you probably don't read personal finance blogs. She's one of the top commentators on most sites I frequent.Check out her blog Mrs. Micah: Finance for the Freelance Life.
Mrs Micah is my First Fan!
2007-12-29 16:15:00 Last week I signed up for Technorati to claim this blog. Totally new to the concept, but it seems to track connections in the blog community. Count me in.Thank you, Mrs. Micah , for being my first fan :)If you don't know Mrs. Micah, then you probably don't read personal finance blogs. She's one of the top commentators on most sites I frequent.Check out her blog Mrs. Micah: Finance for the Freelance Life.
Saturday Morning Coffee and Links
2007-12-29 15:41:00 Coffee for me, links for you. Thought I'd share some things I've been reading this morning:Paid Twice acknowledges the Snowflake Revolution. I've felt this one coming for a while now.This Would You Marry For Money post at Free Money Finance got me pretty worked up. Would you marry for money?Credit Withdrawal posted All I Want for Christmas are Lower Credit Card Rates. Thats me. I want lower credit card rates!Generation X Finance posts Teens Don?t Save for Retirement - Are You Surprised? Not really, but there's a statistic in this article that does surprise me.If you didn't start saving as a teenager, Green Panda suggests you starting thinking about Retirement in Your 20'sBlueprint for Financial Freedom makes me happy that I invest my retirement savings with Vanguard when he posts How Vanguard Avoided The Subprime MessFlexo at Consumerism Commentary posts Index Fund Investors Earn More From Investments further convincing me to leave my index funds alone and forget about... More About: Coffee , Links , Saturday , Morning
Saturday Morning Coffee and Links
2007-12-29 15:41:00 Coffee for me, links for you. Thought I'd share some things I've been reading this morning:Paid Twice acknowledges the Snowflake Revolution. I've felt this one coming for a while now.This Would You Marry For Money post at Free Money Finance got me pretty worked up. Would you marry for money?Credit Withdrawal posted All I Want for Christmas are Lower Credit Card Rates. Thats me. I want lower credit card rates!Generation X Finance posts Teens Don?t Save for Retirement - Are You Surprised? Not really, but there's a statistic in this article that does surprise me.If you didn't start saving as a teenager, Green Panda suggests you starting thinking about Retirement in Your 20'sBlueprint for Financial Freedom makes me happy that I invest my retirement savings with Vanguard when he posts How Vanguard Avoided The Subprime MessFlexo at Consumerism Commentary posts Index Fund Investors Earn More From Investments to further convince me to leave my index funds alone and forget about... More About: Coffee , Links , Saturday , Morning
Net Worth IQ - December 2007
2007-12-29 15:05:00 Net worth for the month is updated. I struggled hard to keep my Christmas spending low and put as much cash towards debt as possible. I'm making great progress! My net worth has increased by 4.31% for a year end grand total of -$60,639.Check my side bar for a new long term debt reduction goal section. This includes my student loan and hospital bills. More About: Net worth , Worth , December , December 2007 , Wort
Net Worth IQ - December 2007
2007-12-29 15:05:00 Net worth for the month is updated. I struggled hard to keep my Christmas spending low and put as much cash towards debt as possible. I'm making great progress! My net worth has increased by 4.31% for a year end grand total of -$60,639.Check my side bar for a new long term debt reduction goal section. This includes my student loan and hospital bills. More About: Net worth , Worth , December , December 2007
Decided to Cash Out $50 Chase Freedom Rewards
2007-12-28 15:18:00 My Chase Freedom cash back rewards went over $50 this month. I decided to cash it out now rather than waiting for the $50 bonus when the rewards reach $200.I'm fully aware that I missed out on a 25% return. It doesn't matter. Debt reduction is my priority. Like I mentioned before, I need the psychological boost of paying off this card. That check is going straight back to Visa NOW rather than later ( :Incidentally my Discover Card rewards went over $20 this month too. Those have already been credited towards my balance. Have I mentioned it feels great to make some of my money back for a change? I love it.See also:How Do I Come Up With $2600 ASAP?November Cash back Rewards : 2.8% More About: Hase
Decided to Cash Out $50 Chase Freedom Rewards
2007-12-28 15:18:00 My Chase Freedom cash back rewards went over $50 this month. I decided to cash it out now rather than waiting for the $50 bonus when the rewards reach $200.I'm fully aware that I missed out on a 25% return. It doesn't matter. Debt reduction is my priority. Like I mentioned before, I need the psychological boost of paying off this card. That check is going straight back to Visa NOW rather than later ( :Incidentally my Discover Card rewards went over $20 this month too. Those have already been credited towards my balance. Have I mentioned it feels great to make some of my money back for a change? I love it.See also:How Do I Come Up With $2600 ASAP?November Cash back Rewards : 2.8% More About: Hase
Snowflake from Upromise
2007-12-27 17:20:00 I got a check from Upromise for $21.16 after withdrawaling my full balance last month. Another snowflake towards that $2600. Keep it coming!See also:Join UpromiseWithdrawal from UpromiseHow Do I Come Up With $2600 ASAP? More About: Snowflake , Flake
Snowflake from Upromise
2007-12-27 17:20:00 I got a check from Upromise for $21.16 after withdrawaling my full balance last month. Another snowflake towards that $2600. Keep it coming!See also:Join UpromiseWithdrawal from UpromiseHow Do I Come Up With $2600 ASAP? More About: Snowflake , Flake
Finally Got $10 From Chase Online Bill Pay
More articles from this author:2007-12-27 17:13:00 An extra $10 appeared in my Chase Checking account today. I'm assuming its from the online bill pay promotion I participated in mid-October. I sent this directly towards my National City Card, making sure to leave $1 in the checking account to keep it open.Good start, $10 down.... $2590 to go :)See also:How Do I Come Up With $2600 ASAP?Keep $1 in Chase Checking to Avoid Closed AccountMake that $110 from Chase More About: Online , Finally , Bill , Hase 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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