Hey guys, just sharing some things that have helped me with my start of this journey. I wanna emphasize that I am trying to not be gimmicky or to utilize resources and tools that COST me money otherwise I feel like it counteracts what I’m trying to achieve.
1.) Added the Mint app: My fiance (who is incredibly responsible) has been using this app and recommended that I look into it. I like being able to see everything in all one place but I have some criticism. My first criticism is that you have to know all your usernames and passwords for every account that you utilize. My second criticism is that it does not make adding accounts very easy. I have about three accounts that WILL NOT add despite every troubleshooting hint and double checking my usernames/passwords. Their suggestion is to change your passwords on the account and then try to re-sign in…friends, I am not doing that.
2.) I am outreaching and networking with others who are currently going through what I am and asking their advice/tips. I am a huge user of IG as you read in my previous post (and will consistently cite throughout this blog). I find that this is one of the biggest helps just solely for the support and not having to feel like I am the only one going through this. I am currently following: Clever Girl Finance, Frugal_me_finance, thefinancialdiet, gabbybudgets, citygirlsavings,budget queen_blog, that debtfreelife and bravelittlebudget. So far, these ladies have been the most helpful to me in various way and I encourage you to give them a follow. Personally, I find it more helpful to find others who are in some what similar situations and are NOT out of debt yet. While I do follow some who have, I find that their tips and tricks to not spend and to achieve their set goals as more helpful right now.
3.) Completing “weekly check-ins” is helpful because then you can keep track of your budget and be more aware of what is coming in/going out.
4.) Trying to get my hands on a copy of Clever Girl Finance book by Bola Sokunbi BUT WITHOUT purchasing it in efforts to save money. I have been tempted to utilize their $249/annual subscription to their courses and one-on-one counseling with financial advisors associated with the company but in efforts to save money, I will try to not go this route. My father, the librarian, was asked to see if he could get his hands on it and there were no LOCAL copies anywhere! By default, I had to utilize “inter-library loan” instead which also prompted me to email Clever Girl Finance in efforts to reach Bola and her thoughts. The following was the email sent: “Hi, my name is Elizabeth and I am from Buffalo NY. I recently took a vested interest in improving my financial situation and came across Clever Girl Finance a few weeks back. I’ve been listening to a podcast or two a day as well and have been taking the tips and keeping track of my finances as I begin to set goals for myself. I attempted to get my hands on a copy of the book written by Bola and there were NO copies at all nearby libraries resulting in me having to utilize “inter-library” loan instead. I feel like this speaks to the need for education and knowledge about financial services as I do not believe that it has had enough advertising here in poorer/lower income areas. I have had several friends already/or soon to file for bankruptcy and it’s so sad to see. When I speak to them, they have little to no knowledge at all of financial services or any knowledge of where to even begin to save/budget because they were never taught themselves. I know that Bola has recently published her book and has had a small book opening/showing in the NYC area (I believe? )but having a seminar/book showing in these above mentioned areas may be helpful where people clearly struggle with financial freedom and education to help themselves out. It’s rare that people come to this area for seminars/book readings/meet with authors and often book tours don’t come any closer than a few hours away which is hard for a lot of people to drive to. I know that $249/year for a subscription does not seem like a lot but for folks trying to get their financial life back on track, it’s a challenge that people may not be able to take if they don’t have the means and I think that paying for a smaller fee for the less than the “all-inclusive” option is hard too. However, the message that people can take back their financial freedom, support a woman owned business and learn about finance is so important. I don’t expect this to get to Bola but would be curious on her thoughts on how to reach smaller, lower income areas as they clearly aren’t aware of her services/business and I think it would be amazing for that population and even better for her business as well!” Hopefully, I get a response!
5.) This blog: my hope is that this keeps me accountable, helps others feel “not so alone” and that others may learn about what I found helpful to improving my finances. My disclaimer is that there isn’t any stated guarantee that what has worked for me will work for someone else but I think that the tips and tools are helpful and sharing is caring so they say.
6.) Setting goals: Currently I have to say that setting goals is a huge motivator for me at this time. My first goal is to pay down majority of debt by end of 2020. My second goal is to limit spending overall especially with non-essential items. My third goal is to purchase a laptop. This girl has not had a lap top of her own since 2013! I spent all my duckets on other things when I should have been responsible for other things (clearly why I am doing this entire thing and writing in this blog)
Stay tuned for more as it comes! Good luck and Good Night!
shebelievedthatshecouldsoshedid.finance.blog 