This month was one of those months where spending was higher than usual. My budget allows for spending, but I do not usually spend the maximum amount. With friends visiting, holiday preparations, and work trips, I was able to pay down an additional $2,900 on my student loans. Actually, that was the plan. This month... Continue Reading →
This month was really a test of how my budget and behavior worked together to keep the momentum going. October started a new Fiscal Year and something happened with my military orders that resulted in a lapse of pay. No worries. I was back-paid in the middle of the month and it was like nothing... Continue Reading →
"Sit up straight and look at me!" The welcoming committee had arrived at our van aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. Ever seen a 15-passenger van emptied so quickly? Actually, I don't know how quickly it was emptied since I was the third guy who got off. I can envision two or three... Continue Reading →
Fall has arrived. It is October even though yesterday was February, or so it seems. October means a new Fiscal Year (FY) for those government and business types. A new FY brings new beginnings, new access to money, and is one step closer to Christmas. A new FY means October 1st; Walt Disney World's birthday!... Continue Reading →
In keeping with my vision for this series, here is another real-time update. I challenged myself to share this journey in real time because it's easier to talk about success after the journey is over. It is often more difficult to talk about a journey as it is happening. Commence the update. This month I... Continue Reading →
If you have been following this series for any amount of time, you know that we are headed toward real-time updates on my debt free journey. I present to you the first update. Previously I mentioned that I could have been debt free prior to COVID. Since the pandemic began I have made changes to... Continue Reading →
Well, it looks like I made it another year around the sun and finally reached the big 3-0. Commence the joke fest in the comments below. I am continually blessed in life and was particularly blessed with the ability to visit family in North Carolina to celebrate. Several folks have asked me what it feels... Continue Reading →
Feeling like you could have done a better job juggling finances before COVID-19? Same. I have learned a lot of lessons along the way, but one big lesson was commitment. As I mentioned in a previous post, my commitment to becoming debt free was off and on. The knowledge was in my brain, but I still... Continue Reading →
The Wild Ride 