Take your First Step
As I sat in my consumer credit counseling class, because of an old paycheck advance debt I couldn’t pay off, I started to day dream of what it would feel like to be financially free. I guess it’s true when they say, you learn from your mistakes, I know I certainly did. After spending a whole day listening to a financial expert talk about a debt management plan, I was determined to get myself in gear and start to create my own bright future. (As a side note, for any people in debt who are thinking of seeking credit counseling, I highly recommend it).
Breaking free from the chains of debt, is the most exhilarating feeling that I have ever experienced, a close second was when I sky dove from a plane in Scotland, but still not as good as crawling out of that money hole. If that doesn’t give you a sense of the negativity of it, than I don’t know what will. That day at the credit counseling office changed my life, after I left I made a pact with myself that i would ever use any credit card or loan irresponsibly. I was determined to regain control of my life, and that is exactly what I did. I started by clearing any of my outstanding debts, it too a while but I did it.
There were times I just wanted to throw in the towel and say, screw it! But I stuck to my guns, I made a pact remember, and that was something I took very seriously, something that stems from my childhood I’m sure. The only difference was, that I had made it with myself, and I wasn’t about to let myself down, not this time, not like all the times before. I started to do a lot of research on other non traditional ways to make money other than the typical job. I still have a typical job; the only difference now, is that I dabble in a lot of other things as well. Wait, that sounds a little dark, but it’s not. Ha-ha! I started investing my money. Before I started that, I had to learn everything from scratch, I mean I didn’t even know what a stock was, but now that I am well versed I could easily be mistaken for a Wall Street junkie.
Paying off my debt in it’s entirety was the most difficult obstacle I had to overcome. Honestly people, I cannot stress enough, how important it is to stay financially secure. I have also since then set up an emergency fund that I will never touch unless I absolutely have to. It was the first thing I did, once I had money available to spare. I managed to put aside 6 months of living expenses so that if I ever get laid off, or something crazy happens, I will have that to tie me over until I can find something else. Once you are free and clear of debt, look at other options of brining in money, if there is one thing I have learned with this entire experience, it is to never rely solely on one income to keep you going. Find creative ways of making money fast and once you have the knowledge to do so, invest your money wisely in different things such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds or real estate just name a few.
Years have gone by since that day I sat in that class, I remember sitting there feeling hopeless and feeling like it would be years for me to get out of my mess. Now here I am years later in a great spot, and in hindsight realize that nothing will ever happen unless you take that first step toward your dream. So what are you waiting for? Take your first step today; you’ll be glad you did.
Tags: