I'm Working It Out Ya'll!

Just wanted to ask that you be patient while I figure out the layout for my blog, etc. I'm new to blogging and I'm trying to make my page more reader friendly. I'll get there soon!

My Life, My Love, My Finance

Thanks,
Ms. High Maintenance

Finally........As Promised....My Long Term Goals--Part I

Okay, I know that I promised to discuss my long term goals with you a month or so ago. I got side tracked by the need to purchase a vehicle. Now that is done, I'm back on track. I have so many long term goals, so I am going to just talk about them one at a time. For me right now, long term is within the next 5-10 years. I will be discussing my financial, profesional, spiritual, and maybe even my personal goals. My first goal is HOMEOWNERSHIP! Right now, I sort of rent my home. Actually, I'm blessed that my father in law owns my house and we really don't have to pay much in rent right now. Thank God for family and favor! Anyway, I am a HGTV fanatic and any show that comes on that has to do with owning a home or being a first time buyer, my eyes are glued to it. This goal is a long term goal for me because I am not sure if I actually want to buy a house in the area that I live right now. Homes in my area are older and need a lot of repairs. Also, I don't live in the best school district, so that is one of the things that I will be looking at when deciding where to buy.

Secondly, it takes a LOT of money to buy a house. Yeah, I know you can do the 100% financing programs, but I want to try to save up the 20% down payment before I purchase. For me and Mr. HM, that is a big task at this time, BUT, I'm committed. I also want to know as much as possible about the home buying process before I actually buy a home. Some things I know I won't understand until I actually go through the process myself, but there are other things that I can be researching and understanding now. I'll talk more in depth about my plans to achieve homeownership and how important this is for me and my family. I feel that I probably over simplified this goal a bit, but as I said before, we'll revisit this issue often. For right now, I'm just fulfilling my promise to my very small audience of readers and discussing my Long Term Goals.

My Life, My Love, My Finance

Love ya,

Ms. High Maintenance

Taking Baby Steps.........

Lately I have been frustrated by the fact that I am taking "baby steps" towards my financial goals and I've had a few set backs along the way. Right now, I'm most frustrated by my income level. Could I make more money? Heck yeah. Other people in my same situation in my profession generally make 2 times the amount I make. By my situation, I mean, recent graduates with the same degree(s), job experience, etc. I chose to take a job making less money in a nonprofit/government type position in order to help those who generally can't get assistance. Do I regret this decision some days? Yeah, I do. On the days that I want to go buy clothes or buy unnecessary things for Skater Boy and the twins. Then, some days when I can't put more than $10.00 in my savings account, I wonder why did I choose this. BUT, there are days that I feel as if I have touched somebody and helped somebody, and that small $10.00 savings is well worth it. Note to self: My value is not determined by my bank account but by my ability to make a difference in this life. I'll continue taking baby steps and knowing that I have to start somewhere. In 10 years, when I make more money and can afford to save and invest more, I'll appreciate it more.

My Life, My Love, My Finance

Love ya,

Ms. High Maintenance