It has been just raining expenses lately.
Pouring, I’d say.
Weathering expenses like a boss
My bank account has been getting hit like some Whack-a-mole lately.
Last month it was my car that needed new shocks and an axle.
This month it is this “Welcome Tax” from the city for the new condo.
Next month, ANOTHER big bill coming in is that my tooth needs a root canal done.
Note: My tooth doesn’t hurt to the point where it needs to be fixed NOW, but it does twinge and ache once in a while, and I want to get it done and over with.
What will it be for December? *sob*
Thousands, and thousands.. poof.
THE SILVER LINING IN ALL OF THIS?
It is times like this, I get down on my knees, bow down to the personal finance sprites, and thank my lucky stars I was rudely brought back to reality after I graduated by realizing I was paying a whackload of money in interest to service my debt.
I shook myself off and I cleared my $60,000 of debt in 18 months with this tool, which taught me the importance of money, debt and saving.
Yes.
I spend a lot, I waste a lot of money, and I do lots of (in hindsight), not so smart things….
….but I am so thankful like you wouldn’t believe that I am financially stable, solvent, with a completely paid for home in cash (Hellooooo $500 “rent” versus my previous $1100!!), a completely cleared car, and even more savings to boot.
I am grateful that I understand personal finance, investing my money, budgeting, debt, and I make my own choices with my eyes wide open for better or for worse.
I am not in a position where I am living paycheque to paycheque and these past few months have really seared it into my psyche.
I do not have to worry about paying bills, what I am going to eat, and to even censor myself (much) when I shop and spend money.
That feeling of financial security is priceless.
I am thankful, happy, and grateful for everything that has happened so far, all the good, and the bad.
I wouldn’t change it for a thing.
Who knows if I would be where I am today if I had made different, supposedly better decisions?
Now to pass on the knowledge and give back…
I go to a playgroup a few times a week and have kept quiet thus far, but when we do lightly touch upon the topic of money, I really, desperately want to help these mothers who say they live paycheque to paycheque and can’t seem to get ahead.
Do I say something?
I don’t want to out myself because it’ll become pretty darn obvious who I am if you are even remotely into Canadian personal finance blogs, and if you happen to clock my real-life outfits on Instagram.
Especially if I accidentally blurt out that I don’t have any debt and they know I own a home, but without saying anything like that, I have zero credibility.
I guess I could talk about my debt, but even that, would give me away. I mean, clearing $60,000 in 18 months? WTF.
Parents are going to give me the evil side eye.
Another thing holding me back is that I want to, but I also don’t because it would be exhausting, a lot of work, and they won’t appreciate it if it’s freely given.
(I know this for a fact, as I have been burned many times before. Only three people I know, have ever taken my free, friendly advice to heart and changed their ways.)
To get them to change, I need to charge them, like a nominal fee.
Or maybe I should suggest doing a personal finance seminar that people pay $5 or $10 to go to, on the days that I happen to be there chilling out while Baby Bun plays.
I’d have to obviously prepare materials ahead of time, but I could just.. free-for-all answer questions or give basic overviews.
Mulling it over right now.
I want to give back.
