September 21, 2007
-
Credit Card Roulette
The Money Game. A cautionary tale.
"Chaaarge it..." Wilma and Betty's mantra when going shopping in the 60s cartoon sitcom The Flintstones
"Neither a borrower nor a lender be..." Polonius, in Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act i. Sc. 3.
“Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery." Mr. Micawber in Charles Dicken's David Copperfield Chapter XII
1994: I pay off my student loans from the 70s and obtain my first credit card, a joint account, with my girlfriend Pat. We use it for "special purchases" and home improvements, which multiply pretty quickly.
1995: After breaking up with Pat, I agree to keep the card and her name is removed from the account. She owes me about a thousand dollars but because I'm a nice guy I let her off the hook. I always pay more than the minimum amount each month on the card. I move in to a rented house with my friend Joel. My half of the rent is $500.00 a month.
1996: Dozens of offers for new cards are mailed to me, and I begin to play the "credit card game". I pay off the balance on one card with another offering a lower interest rate. I buy a Brother word processor (on credit) to begin transcribing my handwritten poems and stories into digital files. The wp also has a financial program and I use it to keep track of my finances. I'm getting good money at work and the future looks rosy. I get my first bigscreen TV, a 60" monster, from "Paul, the King of Bigscreen TVs". The item costs more than I paid for my first few automobiles. I have to create a credit account at Paul's just for the purchase. I also purchase a new home stereo system with a shiny new credit card. I put a down payment on a 1992 Geo Metro convertible.
1997: I call each of my purchases my latest "new toy". My roommate Joel questions my decisions regularly. He warns me that I'm digging myself into debt but I don't listen to him. I buy my first computer, which includes the Microsoft Money financial program, with a credit card. When Joel's old dryer's belt breaks, I buy a new washer and dryer. I also have to get a new Lazy boy lounger when the old one breaks down. I'm tracking each of my financial transactions on the computer, and it tells me I will have everything paid off within 4 years with no trouble at all.
1998: Early cards begin to increase thier APRs. (annual percentage rates) I obtain new cards to pay off the old cards. Because my financial future still looks good on the Money program, and because I get a hefty raise at work, I begin to buy Betty Boop and classic auto model collectibles. I'm making lots of money, and begin a savings account, but keep my credit cards, and even obtain a couple more of them, "just in case". I buy myself one of the new "digital" videocameras as my Christmas present. The camera costs over a grand, but the purchase is easy as butter on credit.
1999: I buy my second computer. I pay off the TV loan with another credit card with a lower APR. I take a vacation to Nantucket Island and stay in an expensive Bed and Breakfast for two whole weeks. I pay off the loan for the convertible with a credit card having a lower interest rate than the loan.
2000: Early in the year, I spend three days in Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show, using a credit card for lodging, meals and entertainment. I meet Regina online and pay to bring her to California, and for her lodgings once she gets here. During our three month relationship, I loan her over five thousand dollars, which she will never pay back. My backup savings account is obliterated. By the end of the year, I've borrowed ten grand against my 401k plan at work, and I open the first "consolidation" credit account with MBNA bank in order to combine some of my now growing debt. When my own bank, the Bank of America, refuses to give me a new credit card with an APR as low as I want, I cancel my 20 year old bank account and start banking at Wells Fargo. I begin to have my paychecks direct deposited into my Wells Fargo checking account. In October I use five grand of the money I got from the credit consolidation account to put a down payment on a slightly used 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse instead of paying off credit card debt with the money as intended.
2001: Early in the year, I spend another three day vacation in Vegas for the CES charged to one of my credit cards. My expected raise for the year doesn't go through when the company for which I work loses two important clients one right after the other. After 9/11, the economy starts to go south. All my lenders raise their rates. I start finding it difficult to pay over the minimum amounts required each month. Still, this doesn't stop me from buying another computer on credit.
2002: Another Vegas trip in January. Rent on our house is increased. No raise again this year.
2003: After almost a decade sharing a house with Joel, I get tired of using the same living room as he does, and I make plans to renovate our spare bedroom into my "media room". I know I'm in debt up to my ears, but to save my sanity, I move into the "media room". Purchases include bookcases and curio cabinets for my collectibles, and a new 53" HDTV widescreen TV. I'm spending a lot, so I don't get a new Lazy Boy for the media room right away, but get another less expensive chair in the interim.
2004: I get a small 5 percent raise. I splurge on a new Lazy Boy for the media room. The chair costs almost a thousand dollars. At a time when I'm really getting involved with my video hobby, my 1998 camera begins to act up, so I buy a newer digital videocamera for $1200.00 on credit. I swear this will be my last major purchase until I can pay down some of my debt, but I'm lying to myself.
2005: Early in the year, I begin a relationship with Liz, whom I meet on Xanga. I take her lots of places around the southland, and I use my credit cards often. Partly because of the increased traffic on my new Xanga blog, and the fact that I'm hosting my videos on allthingsmike, my website bandwidth increases past the amount on the account, and I'm charged for the penalty. One month this is over $500.00. I upgrade to a full business account which costs $60.00 a month. By now, I finally figure out that I'm in deep doodoo as far as my credit card debt. The final nail on the coffin is hammered home by the wholesale raising of interest rates up to 20 percent and beyond at the end of the year. I begin my monthly unheard appeals to my creditors to lower my rates. My largest single debt, to MBNA, maxes out the card at $13,500.00. I'm paying $300.00 a month for just that card, and this serves only to pay the interest, and never touches the principle. I have visions of beefy collectors coming over to my house to break my legs when I'm late making a payment.
2006: A new owner buys the duplex in which I live a week before our water main breaks. After the repairs are made, the rent goes up. I now have six credit cards, and am $30,000 dollars in debt. I keep thinking things will get better. I'm offered another 5 percent raise, which hardly pays for the increased taxes, and doesn't put any more cash in my pocket. In September, I use a credit card to pay for a three day stay in San Diego with Liz. She offers to pay half the hotel fees, but I never ask her for the money. I pay off my first 401k loan (the payments are automatically deducted from my pay before deposited in my account) right at the time that my overdraft account on my checking account (a Wells Fargo credit card at 23.99%) reaches it's maximum. I take out another $10,000 401k loan and pay off some of my debt. When a payment for my car insurance comes due, I borrow $500.00 personally from our controller at work. After haivng trouble paying the minimum on my Chase credit card account, which shot from 6.99% when I transferred balances in 2004 to 25.99% by 2006, I obtained "crisis" financing help which lowered the APR to 12.99%. After six months, it shot up to 29.99%. Repeated calls to the bank were greeted with the company line that they "helped" me already, and would not lower my rates. Two debtors advise me to seek credit consolidation. I attempt to sign up with "Take Charge America". After over an hour on the phone, having dissected and divulged all my financial information, they tell me they can't help me. I'm making less than I need to pay each month.
2007: At my wit's end, I really scale down my finances. Tired of seeing red ink, I stop using the Money program altogether and just write checks, hoping that I don't need to borrow from my overdraft account, which happens with more regularity. I pay off the car loan, which should free up over $300.00 a month, but the rent goes up $200.00. The cost of living seems to be going through the roof, including the price of gas to get to work, and the credit card lendors are not working with me. When I'm late a day on a payment, I'm penalized. My overdraft account, which I've paid down to zero twice over four years, is about to be maxed out at $3000.00 when Wells Fargo increases my limit. I start getting numerous emails alerting me that I'm using my overdraft account on a monthly basis for up to $500.00 to cover my checks to other lendors. I start thinking seriously about why people commit suicide.
A fellow workmate has a second job. I inquire about whether that would be a financial boon, but decide that low pay on a second job would hardly pay for the gas to get me there. He's only getting $8.00 an hour to work three hours an evening straighening shelves at Lowe's hardware. My pride prohibits me from wanting to work in a low paying retail job since my first career was in retail management.
Two weeks ago I got an offer in the mail which begged for investigation. The Bank of America had added my name to a list of borrowers who might benefit from a "gold consolidation account". The deal looked sweet. Borrow up to $50,000 with no collateral and if I qualified for the lowest APR, 8.99%, the payment would only be $586.00 a month on a $35,000 loan. I fudged for a long time before finally making the call Wednesday afternoon because I feared I would be turned down.
I created a spreadsheet with my debts. The total debt to creditors is $36,000. My average interest rate for all cards is 22.99%. The total I pay each month (which I can't afford) is slightly over $1000.00. I figure if I can reduce the APR and the monthly amount by any increment at all, I will be better off than I am.
The application process is a breeze. I spend about a half hour total on the telephone call. Even though I already owe over $18,000 to the Bank of America, they will cancel those two credit cards, pay them off, and will deposit an additional $18,000 in my checking account. I qualify for $36,000 I need to take all my cards to zero. I nervously ask what my monthly payment will be, and am told $890.00. This is too much. The flyer mentioned $586.00 at 8.99%. My FICO score sets my interest rate at a whopping 21.99%. I ask for a lower rate. I beg. I wheedle. I flatter. "You certainly have a nice voice." I tell my credit associate. She goes to her supervisor, and returns with 2 points off. In my best Roger Rabbit voice I say "P-p-p-please see what you can do to get the interest rate down to a more manageable amount. 16.99% would be okay!" She tells me she'll see what she can do, and puts me on hold again while speaking with her supervisor. The bottom line, after yet another session of imploring her to give me a lower rate because "I'm a nice guy" is that my APR to begin will be 17.99% and my monthly payment will be $747.00. The "account" is like a big credit card. After a few payments, I'm positive I'll be sent blank checks just like with the accounts I have now. As soon as that money is in my checking account, I will be paying off my debt with this one account, and will only have the one payment to worry about.
I can always attempt to find a better deal. When I refinanced my car the APR went down from 12.99% to 7.99%. I can do the same thing with other consolidaton accounts like GE Money, who also send me mailers.
If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't. I don't think I'll use the Money program again just yet either. If everything works out as I'm planning, I might even begin to save a few bucks, and hopefully have some assets when I plan to buy a mobile home next year. If you're young, you can start the game of credit card roulette with "student cards" designed to help you with your books and supplies. They get you young, and keep you in a spiraling mess of variable interest rates. At the end of the day, the credit card companies get richer and richer. If you can, don't fall for the bait like I did.
"You always hear about "credit history" but never much about "credit future". That's because when you owe lots of money, you don't really have much of a future...." Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher, fool
EDIT: 5:25pm pdt. (This is the LINKS and COMMENTARY section, folks.) Well, there ya go. Nobody wants to read about sex, so I whine about how little comments I'm getting in the shortest blog entry ever, and get 15 comments on that entry in about three hours. Then I get home from work today and find my current entry has something like 30 comments and is on www.xanga.com. My regular readers know how I'm always wondering why my blog isn't featured. Thanks to everyone.
Now I've got to start returning comments, and I never can seem to write a short comment, so this could take some time to reply to everyone who's dropped (or are dropping by, or will drop by) I want to empasize by the way that I love my toys. I use them to make my MikeVideo movies, and utilizing all those computers, which just got obsolete real quickly in the early days, I have created my legacy website, allthingsmike, a seven year "electronic experiment in art." Penn Jilette once said that we're probably living in the age of the apocalypse anyway, so use as much credit as you can and live a little. I admit it. I've done exactly that. But hey, I'm 54, I'm single. I have no responsibilities (except to myself and my roomie Cancerboy), but I like to think I have common sense, and I'll get out of this hole. In my own mind, I've done that already. Any advice anyone has, is giving, or will give I'm aware of, let me tell you. This is, as the title describes it, a "cautionary tale." Blogging lets us use our own experience as an example for others. I always hope my writing is more inspirational than tragic, upbeat while recognizing suffering. Welcome to you who are visiting, and if you like what you see here at WhenWordsCollide,then I invite you to subscribe. I try to offer a mix of my poetry, photography, MikeVideos, and reminiscences, usually posted about twice or three times a week. Thanks so much for stopping by. MFN/ppf Further Edit: 9/23 8:35am. I just got my 100th comment. And I've returned about 45 comments so far. I also plan to finish and upload my latest video, "The Tall Ships" sometime today if I can. MFN/ppf
Comments (306)
Freaky. As. Hell. I have no credit, which is scary, but I've kept my husband's credit really good. I'm rather glad I don't have any credit cards. One would do me good, but any more than that is asinine. I'm glad you learned your lesson and that I don't have to learn it in the same way
Yikes Mike! The thing you forgot to do is destroy the old credit cards when you got the new one with the lower APR. I've had five different cards, but only ever one at a time. My current APR is 8.99, and like you, I've always rounded my monthly payment up. You know it's a funny thing... in order to get a good credit rating, you basically have to get credit somewhere. They don't tell you that the easiest way to booger your credit up is also by getting credit somewhere.
My big splurge item is books. It's really the only thing that tempts me beyond my normal spending habits. Mostly I use my credit card for emergenies. But every once in a while... I just have to have a book for my collection. Actually the only reason my current credit card has a slightly higher balance than I would like is that I had to use to fix my car after an accident a couple years ago.
Now I hope you're going to be good with your new line of credit, Mike. You don't want us to stage an intervention, right?
Hello, Mike.
Interestingly scary.
Honestly, I've never experienced having a credit card. The stories I hear about it scare me off. I almost got one for things I wanted to get online but I had to think a thousand times and ultimately I decided not to. I did have a Debit card and eventually I had it closed.
Btw, Jurgens also has a new "money" entry. I just came from there. When I came to your page, it's "Money..", too. I find it very interesting.
Hope all is well. :wave:
I was the type of person who never ever had a credit card balance. Mortgage, car loan, that's it. Then the economy hit. My protected entry today is particularly timely... I'll make sure you're on my list...
Hey Michael! :wave:
What a story! I wonder when I'll get my student loans from the late 90's paid off?
Steve :sunny:
It is an easy road to follow, that's for sure. Even the cards with "fixed" APRs can basically change to variable at any time! In fact, they can charge whatever they want, really. I once had a card change my rate to a MUGH higher one, because they "felt the balance was high" on a COMPETITOR'S card, even though I had NEVER been late! I hope you can treat this as a loan that needs to be repaid instead of just paying the interest, because that's where they really get you. The only way I will use them now is if I can pay them off in full every month, but all it takes is a bad couple of months, and there's no way to get out. On top of that, I think they are evil. Seriously, you notice that as soon as you are good and hooked, the interest rate goes up so that there is no way you can afford to get it under control, and they don't care. Good luck getting this under control!
You are so right the whole credit thing is scary ..and the card co are sooo evil they just keep enabling people to get in deeper...
I had a horrific fight with the catholic school when they said they would make available credit card payments ( master card and visa) for tuition so they would be sure to be paid... and let the congregation of immigrants who had a hard time making ends meet but desperately wanted a safe catholic education for their child ... so much for "scholarship" from the parish .. just help these people dig a deeper HOLE
You are a very honest and open man for sharing like this ...
Huggs
and i suspect soul searching
I wish us both success in managing in this difficult times
Hi Mike, Yeah, as per Sannya's comment, I also wrote about Money matters...Fortunately with a bit more positive note than yours. However, I had been also in dire straights when we had an interest rate hike here in South Africa. In that time I had to take drastic steps to try and change the momentum...in the end I took my car back to the dealer and said they must please take it back...and just cover my loan outstanding on the car. It felt really disempowering and I must say I felt that I was a failure. But today I look back and believe that taking that step at that time was the best decision I ever made.
You have my sympathy and best wishes. Best is to stop the game...live at the bare minimum and start to pay back...there is no easy way out. 36000$ is a lot of money in South African terms.
Watch this movie:
Maxed Out
Credit Card Answers
Seem like Dancers
So much fun, we want one.
But don't Listen
You're missing
If you believe,
You'll grieve
well you know how much I like poetry lol. . .sometimes I find it fun to leave "poetry" type stuff as a comment.
Anyway, congrats on being featured! You deserve it.
: )
Been there. Much luck on keeping it straight.
Reading this account was very nice. Im not in that situation, yet but can see how easily one could fall in. You really spelled it out. How simple it all just snowballed. I wish you the very best of luck and when this new acct starts sending you new checks and all that fun stuff I hope you will have learned and will stay strong enough to not give in.
Thank you for sharing, people need to be aware of this situation and hearing a personal story rather than just being told not to really will be benificial to many people. Thank you.
I like you went through that my husband and I had 13 major credit cards loans out on a new vehicle and thought we had it all... then it all fell apart... husband was laid off for a while and the bills fell behind I now own l credit card and will never do that again:)
Credit Card Is In The Yard
Credit card is hard to resist
Money mists down
We want, to greed we're bound
We make sound of need
Really, it's only our selfish seed, but we don't like to read
So we hardly know, we skip over that part.
We start off wanting money,
and end up with less, how funny.
Only spend the money you have
or you will have more need to rely on credit cards
You made featured:) and this post is a service to those who have yet to learn. the hard way.perhaps you will spare someone some misery:) :goodjob:
Hmmm that's quite disgusting. Bt then when you look at the grand sceme, what the hell were you spending your money on? I dunno maybe it's just that I grew up poor and I find that right now I don't need too much. I'm just trying to make groceries. I hate seeing those around me screwing up their entire lives by buying stupid things they don't need. Personal sacrifice for comfort is needed before you strike it rich. I see all these kids with souped up dorm rooms but I think...do you really need that? I am just aiming to do sit back when I'm old and enjoy my earnings. It gives me something to be happy about after several years of misery and scraping by for groceries.
Wow I hope you get out of debt and stick to a sensible budget. Credit cards are evil because you are basically spending money in the present what you are going to make in the future and paying a premium for that ability
I am interested in how much interest did you actually pay all these years vs the amount you actually spent :wha: Probably be even more shocking
Personally I have only one credit card and it gets paid in full every month ... the bank never makes a dime off of me while I earn interest on my money saved and using their money to spend. I am what the credit card companies call "dead beats" :nono: since they are actually losing money giving credit to me
.
Hey everyone! its the shameless advertiseing division of Jahan Claes's blog! are you looking for sophisticated social commentary? No? Great! Check this blog out!
Okay, that is one scary cautionary tale. Have you learned something from this?
You should really stop spending. Seriously. Sell your car, and buy an old volvo for 1/2 the price that will look like crap but run to 300,000 miles and more. Do you think you buy fancy stuff to make yourself feel like you've "made" it, or just to feel better about a bad day? Cut up your credit cards. Sell off the luxury items you own to pay down your debt. Start bringing a brown-bag lunch to work every day. No more vacations, restaurants, or movies till you're in the clear. Debt is like being on a huge hamster wheel...time to jump off.
I've been reading "Your Money or Your Life" lately. It's helped me think about money in a whole new way. 'Course, I get off on polyester from the Salvation Army.
ever thought about filing bankruptcy? I think that might be the only way to finally get rid of your debt. It's actually not as bad as it sounds. g/l with it.
Glad you go wise before you were living in the streets. I went from 57,000 credit card debt to zero. Its hard work, but if you keep track of every penny, you'll find ways not to spend. Good Luck!
Funny story, Mike: I've only had one credit card, and no longer. I went on such a ridiculous DVD buying spree that it took me two years to pay it all off. Since then, I simply deal in cash. And only cash.
Sorry about your situation, been there, done that, never want to do it again! Posting all of this is such a good thing for you to do for others, especially younger people! I hope they learn from your mistakes. I would like to recommend this site to you and anyone who may read this comment and need help!
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/index.cfm?intContentID=4123
This is a list of steps to take to get out of debt. For example, the first one is to save $1000 for an emergency fund so you don't use cc's. He says that he knows how hard this is but do it anyway you can, even if it means....selling stuff! The debt snowball idea means to start paying things off. Pay your minimums on everything, any extra cash available should be applied to whatever has the lowest balance, so it is paid off first - this gives you a sense of accomplishment. After the lowest is paid off, you apply all the money you were putting towards it, towards the next lowest. After all is paid off, you start saving. I'm in the process of saving - hard for me! Also, get rid of your credit cards! Read the testimonials on the site also, you'll be amazed!
Good luck and hang in there!
just dont spend the money you dont have.....
Kids should be taught at a young age that it's just not good to use credit cards indiscriminately. The problem with plastic is that you don't realize how big of a hole you're digging yourself into. I recently obtained a student credit card and hope to start using it to build good credit. I will make sure I have the cash to pay it off each month.
That had to be tedious to write out, but thanks. It's crazy how fast debt builds up. When I hear a story like yours, I remember it can happen to any one of us...decisions today have to be paid for someday.
I am so sorry that all of that happened to you -- and I really appreciate you spelling it out on an event-by-event basis; definitely makes it understandable. It's not like you were some stupid guy who got a credit card and plunked down a six-digit purpose.
As for me (I know this is completely unsolicited, sorry), I can't imagine planning my finances four years in advance! That's incredible, that Money even has that option. I currently have no credit card, am living independent on my own with a full-time job, and while it doesn't pay much, I have no debt (college is completely paid off from a prior job). Stories like yours make me appreciate how well I trüly have it.
Also, if I may ask -- do you still write?
[And, yes, I realize that may be a dumb question considering your self-titled "poet" bit, but still... perhaps I'm requesting an elaboration, then.]
Pay cash for everything and dont buy things that you dont need. Sorry to be blunt but you did this to your self by not acting responsible. Im 24 and dont owe anyone a dime! I live a simple lifestyle with no car or other luxury items. I do it all on 9.14 an hour in the sf too.
Hey, now you're Mr. Popular. People relate more to money than sex? Go figure.
wow- amazing story... the real world of credit... geeze.... scary.
Well, you can't start fixing the problem until you know you have one... and you know it! I had great credit until I believed my hubby about using credit cards... and getting student loans... and making lots of poor financial choices...and then the car breaks down and it goes on the card... etc. etc. etc. It goes on and on... we just don't even have credit cards now... but we're still paying the terrible things off.
oh shit! Thanks for sharing!! I've learned so much out of it!!
I was thinking that you made me feel better about my debt but I think it actually makes me a little more wary about my current situation. Especially since I've been considering buying a labtop entirely on credit and I think I've got around $5000 wrapped up in credit cards already. I never make large purchases on unnecessary things but the point still hits home with me.
Good luck and God bless.
You don't know how much your story has enlightened me. I always get those student card offers and have been contemplating one. I realize now they are just a trap and I should never get one. Also I realize yes I might need to take out student loans to go to school but that is the only debt I should ever have. After that I should pay over my monthly minimums and try to get them paid off as fast as possible. You have truely opened my eyes and this is one young person who will not fall into the credit card trap. Thank you for sharing your story.
It is true that credit card companies hook people young now. However, as a student, I found the only way to get credit was to get a credit card. Landlords often run credit checks and will not rent to people without credit, similarly with loans, unless you have a co-signer (meaning the bills paid will help your credit less). Though I expect many students now have cell phone bills which help give their credit a boost, it is still difficult to get a credit history, making it nearly impossible to do things like buy a car, fund education, buy a house, etc. The credit game has become very, very ugly, and it seems the only way to survive it is to make the full payment every month (of course if everyone did that, credit companies would go out of business).
Debt free in 03 was my motto!! My kids take out their own loans for college!!
That is really insane! It doesn't even seem like a huge amount in the bignning, but it grows so quickly! good luck to you in the future!
I got in the same game but my game ended in bankruptcy court, I ended up in the hole for 126,000 in just credit card debt.
good luck and be carefull its no fun
Wow. That sounds crazy.
My parents are in some debt, but I think they've taught me well enough to survive it all.
I have a debit card, which is my total responsibilty with my 6.25/hour job.
I still get an allowance until I'm eighteen, which is nice.
I'm buying a car in a few weeks, which will be my first serious test.
The companies really do try to get young kids, though. When I was sixteen I started recieving credit card info, even though I couldn't get one. It still puts the idea in the kid's head, though.
I try to manage my money as well as I can, and do well at work. (I'm supposed to get a raise this month! I should be making about 20 cents more, it still helps a lot with me being seventeen. I hope that by the time I turn 18, I'll be making enough money to make up for not getting an allowance, which it should.)
I'm really glad you posted this because it'll help the people that read it.
It's made me think, and I definately appreciate it.
This definately deserves to be a featured blog. :goodjob:
We live in a society today where if we want, we get. It's too bad when we are in school we aren't taught delayed gratification. I think part of the reason the majority of Americans are so far in debt is because everyone's trying to keep up with the Jone's, and status plays a big part too. I once heard the definition of status is, buying things you don't want with money you don't have to impress people you don't like. Just a funny thought. I'm 19 and have one credit card, it's maxed out too. Luckily I found a leadership development organization that helped me get my life on track financialy, spiritually, and much much more. I hate to think where I would be today if I had not started practicing delayed gratification. Thank God there are people out there who care about helping others out. I would recommend that everyone read the book "The Cashlfow Quadrant" and "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyasaki, the just might help you get on the financial fast track.
As scary and familiar your story is, I am more impressed that you could recall all the details and time frame for the changes in your financial woes. Even if it was looking at old records, the organization you'd need to be able to give such details is impressive.
I did the opposite. I refused to get credit after one card I wanted turned me down. I graduated college and wanted a car. See when you are a student they are more lenient on the fact that you have NO credit. Apparently no credit is worse than bad credit. I get financed for my car loan only because I work at the car dealership, but I'm paying almost 17% interest - in 2002. By them time I pay it off (11 months early) I realize I could have charged the entire balance of the car loan on my credit card and saved money the credit card only had a 11.7% interest rate. I think I'll hold off on the house another year and keep paying off the debt. M first year out of school (for the second time ugh) and I've paid off one credit card and one student loan already!
Great story! Makes me wonder about my credit card...
Congratulations on making featured, Mike!
This is one of my worst nightmares. My hubby thinks I'm out of my mind because I'm as obsessive as I am about paying off our debt, but he doesn't realize how quickly it can pile up. I wish you the best. It seems you're finally on track though. Good luck :-/
Wow. Thank you for this entry.
When I was about eight years old my mother was diagnosed with cancer. The family ended up living off of credit cards and cash advances.
The day of my mother's funeral eight years later, a bill collector called. When I informed her that my mother was dead, the bill collector told me to "stop bullshitting" and put my mother on the phone. In the next few months I spent hours on the phone re-hashing the details of my mother's death with similar bill collectors. They were all animals.
Now that I am in college I find myself getting loads of credit card offers. I have actually set aside time just to shred weeks of built-up offers. Credit disgusts me. Creditors disgust me. Bill collectors should be ashamed of themselves. Aside from student loans, I have no debt. The thought of charging something to some giant evil entity makes me feel ill.
perfect example of why we as a family do not use any credit cards. We don't have any. I will not touch them.
To many people get in way too much trouble with credit cards.
I've been there. In 1997 I had no credit, so my mother co-signed on a car note for me. The credit card offers began rolling in, and by 2004 I was $30,000.00 in debt. I declared bankruptcy, which is a black mark om my soul for 10 years. Ugh. I wish you better luck.
Congrats on being featured
good entry, and I bet it hits home with so many people too
really good to know.
Don't use Money. Use Quicken.
Hello Mike. I can feel your pain. lol Hope things get better soon.
My new labptop is finally supposed to arrive this weekend and I hope to be back to posting and visiting. Hope you are well.
Hugs
Kat
I live by the mantra "debt is evil." I have less than $3,000 of credit card debt and it will hopefully stay that way. I don't need any big-screen TVs or fancy recliners.
Interesting indeed. Credit is ok until you suddenly suffer slashed work hours or worse. One soon learns the world has changed a lot when you weren't looking and everything is harder now. Everything.
study early american history (in the movie, the last 1/3 of zeitgeist) and you will see that it was intentionally set up this way. i'm a victim as well.....
just say NO :nono: to personal debt!
you should get a job waiting tables. you'll make way more than the cost of gas to get you there. tuck it away for the month until you have a nice chunk and pay off principle. thats what I do.
Congrats, my friend for making FC!
I went bankrupt in 2001 over less than $20000 in debt. Do I have regrets? Not really. It forces me to be a cash buyer. The real estate industry has taught me that one can overcome bankruptcy in quick order if you keep your nose clean and pay early or on time on the debts which you do keep. It's imperative and in one year and sometimes less you qualify for a home or car. If you continue with slow pays, as I've done then your score remains low and your credit history will certainly reflect the bankruptcy. I'm hell on my money....it's certainly not my best attribute.
That said, I've kept a very simple life because of it.
As soon as possible I'm looking into a secured credit card for which I will be my own lender. I've discovered that certain transactions only take credit cards, not debit cards (with the Visa logo) such as......car rental. I believe this is by far the best way to go. :spinning:
Mike, I certainly respect you for having the guts to write out your credit story here on Xanga! The Bard certainly gave the right counsel when he penned the line, "Neither a borrower nor a lender be!" And the writer of the Book of Proverbs in the Bible said, "The borrower is servant to the lender!" Your well-told story is going to save a lot of people from falling into the horrible trap that you fell into! God bless you, indeed!
David
It looks like maybe now with the new loan perhaps you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope it works out for you!
I must agree with what dropsofjupiter wrote about. That is Dave Ramsey. If you are finally angry enough about your debt to do something REAL about it, go to daveramsey.com. He is a man who by the time he was 25, had a real estate portfolio worth well over $1,000,000. He lost it all because he played the credit shell game. Remember, banks are like casinos, the house always wins. You also need to pick up the book The Total Money Makeover. This is essential. In this book are the baby steps that dropsofjupiter wrote about, but there are also stories of people who were where you are now. They did stupid, just like you, some of them did stupid with 000's on the end. Iti s about behavior and discipline. I know what debt is like, but the borrower is always slave to the lender. I am tired of being a slave!
You can do it. It sounds like you are ready to tackle and kill your debt once and for all. You just need a plan!
remember. http://www.daveramsey.com
you made xanga front page WOOT!
Hi there me again....
I can not believe how far "off" I am ... lol i am usually sooo perceptive
I have to wonder ...looking at the chonology ..what was doing on June 6th 2006
hopefully i will have a few moments of clarity by wednesday...
well either i will be be ok...or i will be ready for the rubber room...
i hope it is the former ..as i dont like the smell of rubber..and that will only intensify things ....
heres to on ward and upward
ºô¤Wݯ§Ö¿ú¡ã
ºô¤Wݯ§Ö¿ú¡ã½Ð¤j®a¯d·N! ¦³Ó¦n®e©öªºÁÈ¿ú¤èªk´£¨ÑÚ§A§r!¯u«Y¦n¥¿! ¸Ü»¡¦³¤é¦n´eËݤWºòºô,çܵf°_ªü¶ý¸ÜøÚ¶R ©O¼Ë¶RªG¼Ë,¯u«Y¿E°®ð! ¸ò¦í§Úݯ¨ìÓºô¯¸¸Ü¥i¥HÁÈ¿ú,¤ßçÜø¬~¾a¦Ñ¨§ ¦Ñ¥ÀÚ¿ú´N¦³¿ú,«}¸Õ¤UÅo,ÁÙÕiÓºô¤Sø¬~n§A o¬J¨¤ÀÃÒnumber,¤Sø¬~¦¬·|û¶O,¥u«YnÓ¦a §}¦P¹q¸Ü¸¹½X´N¥i¥H¦³¿úÁÈ,«}¥Ó½Ð°µ·|ûÅo~ ¤Ï¥¿¤Sø·|»k©³o¬J,ÊÉN¥i¯à¤Wªùݯ§A¬[¹À¡C ¨¬¨¬µ¥¥ª§Ú¤@Ó¤ë,ÉA°¶×´Ú³æ§r?³s¼v³£ÉN°¦! ¦ý«Y¨ì¥ª²Ä¤TÓ¤ë,¬ðµM... ¦³±i¶×´Ú³æ±H¥ª¾¤,øÚ»´N¸Ü,¤@Ú»´N¯u«YÀ~¦º! 9¦Ê´X¬üª÷?§éªð°µ´ä¯È«}¦³¦¨6¤d3! ¥b«H¥bºÃ,´N¨«¥ª¥h»È¦æ,¥æ¥ª¤p¤p¤âÄò¶O,´N¯u «YÚ§Ú©ð¨ì6¤d3°A! ²ª½´N«Yµo¹Ú!¶R¥ª¦n¦h¦n·Qnªº³¥,¿³¾Ä¤§¾l, ·íµM´N¦n§V¤OËÝÄ~Äò«Å¶Ç,«Å¶Ç¶V¦h,ÁÈo¬J¿ú´N ¶V¦h! ªGµM,ø°÷¤@Ó¤ë,¤S±H¥ª¤@±i¶×´Ú³æ¾¤! ¤µ¦¸¦³¦¨1¤d3¦Ê´X¬üª÷,§éªð°µ´ä¯È,¼M!¤µ¦¸µo¹F³â!¯u«YÃø¥H¸m«H!¤S¹L¥ª¤@Ó¤ë, ¶×´Ú³æªºª÷ÃB´N¥h¨ì2¤d4¦Ê´X¬üª÷! ¦Ó®a,ø¬~°Ýªü¶ý©ð¿ú³£¦³¤j§â¿ú¬~,¯u«Y¶}¤ß¨ì¦º! §Aø«H?ı±oÉN¥i¯à? ËݧA´NÉN¥ª¤@ÓÁȤj¿úªº¾÷·|³â,¦ý«Yø¦nø°O±o¥j»y¦³¤ª"¹ç¥i«H¨ä¦³,¤£¥i«H¨äµL!" ¤Ï¥¿¤Sø·|»k©³,¸Õ¤UµL§«! *********¥[¤J¤èªk*********(¦n®e©ö!) ¤W©OÓºô http://www.sendmoreinfo.com/ID/3037360«ö¥k¤W¤è"Sign up Free" "Click here"ªº¬¡°Ê¹Ï¥Ü, µM«á,¸ò¦í«ü¥Ü¤@¨B¤@¨B¿é¤J¸ê®Æ,¤U±«Y¬°¥ª¤è «K¤j®aªº¥[¤J,¸Ô²Ó»¡©ú¥ª¥[¤J¹Lµ{¤¤ªº²Ó¸`! (¦]¬°©OÓ«Y^¤åºô,©Ò¥H¤j®a¶ñ¼g¸ê®Æ®É½Ð¥Î^¤å) First name:¦W(¨ÒSHUI xxxx) Last name:©m(¨Ò:Cheung) Company name:¥i¥Hø¶ñ Street address:¦í§} (¤@©wn¸Ô²ÓËݶñ,¦pªGø«Y´N¦¬ø¨ì¶×´Ú³æ³â) City:«°¥«¦W(¶ñHong Kong) State:¥i¥Hø¶ñ Zip¡G¶l¬F½s¸¹(¶ñ000-000) Country:°ê®a(¿ïChina) Phone:¹q¸Ü(°ê®a¥N½X+¹q¸Ü,¨Ò:852-2345678) Fax:¥i¥Hø¶ñ Email:¹q¤l¶l½c(©Ò¦³ªº¥æ¬y³£·|³q¹L¹q¤l¶l½c¶Ç°e,°È¥²¶ñ¼g¥¿½T) Confirm E-mail:¦A¦¸¿é¤J¶l½c¦a§} Year of birth:¥X¥Í¦~¥÷(¨Ò:1984) Gender:©Ê§O(Male,¨k©Ê / Female,¤k©Ê) ¥[¥H·|û¦¨¥®Én³qª¾§A¶Ü?(½ÐÂI¿ïYes) ½Ð¿ï¾Ü¦Û¤vªºÓ¤H·R¦n©Î¿³½ì(³Ì¦h¥i¿ï10¶µ) ¶ñ§¹©Ò¦³¸ê®Æ«á,½Ð«ö"Submal",¿Ã¥ú¹õ´N·|¥X²{ Thank you¦r¼Ë,¤§«á¦^ªð«e¤@¶,«ö¥ª¤W¨¤(Forget your ID or Password?) ¦A¶ñ§Aªºe-mail , µM«á«Y5¤ÀÄÁ¤§¤º,¥hµfè¤~¶ñªºE-mail¤á¤f,§A·| ¦¬¨ì¤@«ÊÅwªï«H©M§AªºID number and password PS:«Å¶Ç¤âªk: §â http://www.sendmoreinfo.com/ID/3037360³Ì«áªG²Õ ¼Æ¦r3084566§ï¬°§Ao¬JIDnumber,µM«á±N¥H¤Wªº¤º ®e½Æ»s¨ì¦UÓºô¯¸ªº¯d¨¥ªO¤W,°O¦í,¤@©wn±N 3084566§ï¦¨¦Û¤vªºID numer,¦pªGø«Y,§A´N«YÀ° ºò§Ú«Å¶Ç,¦ÓÁÈ¿úo¬J¤H«Y§Úø«Y§A¬[³â¡C
Have you conidered PROSPER.COM? I'm a lender there and like many others, specifically look for good people with few delinquncies who for whatever reason have gotten a bit over their heads with their spending.
This certainly seems like this is one of your most "commented on" entries. Even our misfotunes sometimes can be the seed for harvesting fortunes.
Well I HAD to come by and congratulate you on making the featured on the front page that you are always so eagerly hoping for! Yay! And this post makes me laugh too. I know it shouldn't, but you sound so positive even though you're so in debt. But honey, so am I. And so are a lot of people. And we are alive and happy and peaceful living types! It'll all work out. You can't take it with you! :p
Homie, I be off da grid, nobody can trace shit to me. I only spend cash.
The government still be after me for a black op gone wrong.
(get it, BLACK op!!!)
b ahahahaha
Dayam. And I feel bad cause I still have to pull out the Hamiltons in walmart while everybody else does the card thing.
WOW! ive learned you have to keep a tight reign on that kind of thing, you can find yourself in a pit real fast!
Yeah, I did that, the consolidation credit thing, it didn't work for me, but you are probably more disciplined than I am. Now I have all my credit debt with CCCS. I have had to struggle to make ends meet, but I am glad that my credit cards are being paid off. Sending a kid to college is expensive too, but so far we have not needed a loan. I am grateful for that. God has been good to me in this way. Thanks for stopping by, Mike. I always enjoy hearing from you.
Hugs, Tricia :wave:
<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on">
<TBODY>
<TR height="100%" width="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on">
<TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">i thought you had to strings of hair:lol:
<TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1">
<TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
I've so been in the credit card debt and money issues.....i understand how it happens oh so easy.
as for the comments, who's to say what catches ones eye at any particular day...........
They say Money is the Root of all evil.....I believe it to be true.
This blog made me sick to my stomach! Not because it was poorly written or awful or anything, but because debt is so awful! My husband and I started off poorly, but learned quick and are now fully recovered from the debt monster!
I see a fellow commenter posted a link to one of Dave Ramsey's webpages. I swear, Dave Ramsey is an amazing man, so compassionate and helpful. He has changed so many people's financial situations! He changed our lives. ..
i have been in debt before and my brother has just filed bankruptsy this month. i think i have managed to not become as in debt as you because of my dad pounding it into my head about how bad credit cards and loans are. how they basically take away your freedom by making you indebted to them.
what really got me to start not using my credit card so much was me reading a book by Dave Ramsey. It is called the Total Money Makeover. It doesn't use fancy tricks or gimmicks to get rid of debt it uses common sence. Sometimes the creditors that try and get you out of debt aren't really there to help they are in it also to make money off you. So I would not trust them too much either.
Get the book it is worth the money even if you are in debt. It will teach you how to get out and stay out and how to save money too.
I thought when I first read it the beginning where it says to save money for the emergency that may or may not happen first and then pay off your debt next was a little weird but i did it anyway. Murphy's Law happens when you least expect it and sure enough my car started acting up right when I was getting a little freer with the money. So save your emergency fund first then go for payoff.
I've played the game myself, still stuck in it though.
And I thought I was in credit hell. Those damn cards bring nothing but financial slavery! I workin on getting out of debt, but I aint ther yet
No matter how many people tell you credit cards are evil it takes personal experience to understand.
I definitely understand. :whocares:
Credits Card can have its Good and Bad advantages. It could be used for Good or Bad. Good would be as far as managing the card and being responsible without letting it get out of hand from the looks of it your doing pretty good. Bad would be simply charging and charging without keeping up with how much your swiping the card and once the bill comes that when you freak out you come to realize you maxed out your card and now you have to pay it all back. To make a long story short I feel Credit Cards are good for emergencies only because once you receive one to tend to loose it unless you have will power.
Totally awesome story and a really good reason to avoid the Credit Card TRAP ! ! ! Before it gets you... :goodjob: :goodjob:
It is a scary road to travel. I'm in a slightly different boat as I have no credit cards, but my property taxes went from $685/year to $2803/year in 2005. Been trying to sell the house ever since but getting no where. Can't afford the payment, it's D-Day.
Way to go on being number one in featured content :goodjob: :goodjob: :goodjob: You deserve it more than anyone I know.
Hugs, Tricia
You've just detailed that you're fiscally irresponsible. Not much else needs to be said. Be glad someone out there is willing to bail you out. Good luck on paying off all that you owe.
Congratulations, Mike, on being featured. You work so hard on your blog, you really deserved the honor. I'm proud of you.
hi! what's happening here? i'm getting all kinds of traffic from you today (on all three sites!!!!) i don't get it! i'm thrilled for you- look at all the comments already. i think you've been discovered!:love: very sweet! money and easy credit can keep you in the poor house. it looks like you have a handle on it -if you don't have another fiscal emergency!!! :heartbeat: anyway... whatever happened here- you must have touched a xanga nerve- i'm thrilled for you! :heartbeat:
Yikes,
That's a good scary story to read just before going to bed. I could have slipped down that path just as easily. Thankfully, I've heard many stories like yours (though not as much detail, and with more crying), and took those lessons to heart. Interesting stuff.
Could have been worse, though. I had a friend from my church who went down a similar path, and ended up getting in trouble using the company gas card to gas up his personal vehicle. He went to jail for 5 years for that. Now that he's found the Lord, he had to live with his parents for a year (at 32 years of age) and work for his father, but his life is turned around. Hope you don't have to hit that sort of rock bottom, but it looks like you've slipped pretty far down the debt hole already.
Interesting read. I have 3 credit cards myself, all with high(20-24%) APR's. However I really try not to use them much, except for things I am already purchasing. I Usually pay off the balance at the end of the month and generally only have a balance on one card at any given time. It has worked for me well, as far as credit goes. On one of my cards, they raised my credit line 400%( it is now $2000) just 6months from receiving it. It is a bit scary to think about though. There is really no way I would charge even half the limit because of the high interest, I do not make enough income to even think about charging a two-thousand dollar item. If I can't pay for it, and I can't pay for it in say 2months time(2payments) if I were to use credit, then I am not going to do it. I have these cards to build a good credit history. Not to buy things I can not afford.
User has whispered to baldmike2004 ...
ryc - I actually disagree. I believe the internet would (potentially) allow people to become "Jacks of all trades," but, with the exception of that rare genius, online resources can never impart the same knowledge that a formal education will. For one thing, sources on the internet are often inaccurate.
I appreciate your comments on my entry on creationism and evolution. Good luck returning all your comments - I know I had a grand old time with it back in June.
Dear Mike,
I'm with Drakonskyr, I only had one credit in college (where they got me hooked). It seemed to take forever to pay it off, but in the end I vowed never to have another credit card again since it felt awful having to pay it off. Ever since then I only have a pre-paid credit card or use cash ... makes it easier on the nerves.
Although I'm happy to see that you brought it down to one lump sum, and I'm certain you learned that it is better to save and take it easy then end up in that bad situation again.
Love & Friendship,
Liz
HI! I am Hong Konger,a common student.
A featured entry and lots of comments - all CREDIT to you!
I'm 26... and have never owned or used a credit card and have zero desire to. I never buy anything that I dont have cash at hand for.
ain't that true
I hate money issues. I ahve one bank card for my checking account, and one student credit card that I always make payments on and have determined to not charge from it. I'm only using it to start building up my credit. I truly do hate money problems.
-Kylie Rose
I've been down this road before...
Yikes. Thatnk you for the tale. Right now I'm getting more in debt than I want to be, because I moved across the country and didn't get paid for a few months. It is difficult because now that I am getting paid I don't see me getting my debt paid off quickly.
Mike, I've been there, done that, and managed to get out of debt. But getting out of debt often is something that can't be done on your own. (At least I couldn't do it on my own). There are companies that can help. It won't happen overnight, and sometimes it won't be easy. In my case, my husband & I were about $35,000 in credit card debt. It took about 4 years to get out, and during that time, I had no credit cards - except for one gasoline card. Face it, you didn't get in such horrendous debt overnight, and frankly it's never easy getting out of a messy hole that you had a hand in creating. The company that helped me is called The Debt Solution (www.thedebtsolution.com), but there are several out there. Call one of them ... It sounds like you have nothing left, which means you would have nothing to lose!
well first off, yay your post was featured!!
secondly, i work for a credit card company and the job itself is great but credit cards scare the hell outta me. i just got one in like, april and i am slowwwwwly paying it off...
so, i know where ya comin from! :wave:
Wow. I've worked myself in to a mess of trouble with credit cards in college. I'm now 4.5 years out, and STILL dealing with it. I've also just taken out LOADS of student loans to put myself through law school. However, I'm getting things in order & paying down cards slowly, but surely. I'm relieved I didn't get myself in to as much of a crisis as you did, but I'm also relieved to see that there are some workable solutions out there. Best of luck and thanks for a great entry!
ryc: hi mike, thanks for returning the comment, I just wanted to congratulate you on getting through my entry, haha. I was honestly shocked. Someday I'll write something worth reading and then maybe I'll come comment you again
. Enjoy your xanga fame.
Thanks for all of the info. I never considered the fact that individuals use mind control in different ways on each other. Maybe my friend should start a countercult.
Thanks for the technical info also.
I think I'm a bit manners obsessed in general. Bathrooms are just a major pet peeve of mine. Don't get me started on cell phones lol. When I worked retail, people would come in with those earpieces in and it would drive me up the wall because I kept thinking they were talking to me. Then, when I stopped answering, they really would talk to me. Oy vey. Then, today, I was doing my laundry and had moved someone's stuff from one washer to another. A guy in there watched me do it and then he took my washer. Why don't people have manners anymore? I'm 22 and I feel like I'm part of an earlier generation or something lol Thanks for stopping by and leaving comments
Much appreciated!
I'm 20, and I've been paying the balance in full on my credit card each month for the last two years. Your entry basically scared me into making sure that I don't ever spend what I can't afford (which is what I've been doing without anyone having to tell me).
Day-um! 105 and still going! Thanks for coming for a visit! I can put you in touch with a couple of realtors and it would be a referral of which I would be paid....Pplllleeeaaaasseeee! They are personal friends of mine and I believe that one is with KW in Long Beach. Hugs....Lana
i couldnt even go back and figure my financial history out.....all i know is i just cleaned up mine and i plan on it staying that way!!
RYC: Thanks for the constructive criticism, Mike. Sometimes too many people can be "yes" people, if you know what I mean.
We still have to get our songs "mastered", which is a process that should liven up the sound a bit. When we recorded we didn't go to a state of the art studio or anything. They have several here in Nashville but usually the only people that use them are bankrolled by the country music record labels, which we obviously have little to do with.
ooh, pink bellbottoms. that would be sweet.
We all have to play the credit card game and it is one that means juggling everything. Friends of mine are going through this and refinance everything and cant get it. I just pay slowly but surely and have cut a few of them and gotten a few paid off. When one goes it goes. I keep about a total of three now and one gets paid off every month. The other two are for when I travel and for needful things.
RYC I wish she would start a photo journal but the girl likes taking them more then blogging.
:yes::wha::wha::sunny::giggle::laugh::fun::yes::spinning::coolman::coolman::rolleyes::sleepy::wave::littlekiss::p
wow this makes me feel bad because i work in retail, and my job is to get as many people as possible to apply for our credit card, then buy as much as they can! so sad.
And the credit card companies always have that way of raising the limit just when you think you are about to max them out. Thank you for sharing this, maybe it can help others stay out of credit card trouble. It all snowballs too easy and almost before you even realize it!
omfg talk about money woes. I'm so glad I had my dad beat "responsible use of credit" lecture into my head when I was younger. WHOOO YAY for a near perfectcredit score at age 20!
what you have mentioned above is the greatest fear i have to date. college life is not easy with many loans and money out the window and after seeing my parents struggling with countless credit cards for the longest while, i never want to be in that boat ever. good luck to your future endeavors!!
hello
I'm lucky enough to only have one credit card and I'm going to finish paying it off my next paycheck.
Me and my boyfriend found out that when someone checks our credit that Capital One doesn't post our credit limit so even if we're under our limit, it looks as if we're over. Example, my credit line is 1000 dollars. I only have 200 dollars charged to my card. Since my credit limit isn't posted on a credit report the people looking at it have to assume that my credit limit is zero, so it looks like I'm 200 dollars over, even though I still have 600 dollars available.
Since neither of us have much credit we can't really afford to have anything that looks bad, so we're just as happy not using our credit cards.
the reason why i don't have a credit card, and stick to debit
at the moment.
i found that working at a restaurant really gives you quick cash.
i walk out with $100-$150 every single night,
i'm on the schedule 3 nights a week. . .
but if i want to make extra money because a car payment is coming up,
then i pick up other people's shifts and can make a lot.
as a second job it's pretty nice.
the reason why i don't have a credit card, and stick to debit
at the moment.
i found that working at a restaurant really gives you quick cash.
i walk out with $100-$150 every single night,
i'm on the schedule 3 nights a week. . .
but if i want to make extra money because a car payment is coming up,
then i pick up other people's shifts and can make a lot.
as a second job it's pretty nice.
Your story is so true for millions of people! I'm just glad my family never went the route of student loans when I was in college less than two years ago, so that's all paid off, and so is my grad school which I only just finished this year. It's one of those spiraling things, like a snowball that just gets bigger and bigger as time goes by, and I'm glad you're working your way out of it! Something that might help keep costs down is to not own a car. I know this sounds crazy but depending on where you live and work, it's very doable! There are car sharing companies such as Zipcar (www.zipcar.com) where you get an account with them, they send you a keycard, and when you need a car, you go to their website and pick the car you want, when you want it, they're parked all over the city so you can find one close to you and you've already got the key! Also, I would highly recommend checking out the book "How To Live Well Without Owning A Car" by Chris Balish. It goes through all the expenses of having a car, and then goes through all the other options of transport without a car. Definitely a great read! (and to save money on books, such as this one, ask your local library to order it for you! Then you can borrow it for free whenever you want!) Hope this helps! Good luck on your future! -QueenLonelyness
It's so easy to get into debt. Good luck paying it off - it will be hard but you can do it.
a brilliant post.
Mike,
I got my first credit card in 1971. It shows what an old fart I am! I've always been scared to use them much, and I guess that fear has saved my butt a few times. Right after i got married in the early 1980s, there was a time when I was using cash advances on my credit card to pay my mortgage :nono:
At that point I hit bottom and consolidated my debts and paid them off.
Thanks for sharing your story. My 22 year old daughter is getting married next June and I'm trying to teach her and her fiance' how to use credit responsibly. It's an uphill battle!
Looks like you have had your fair share of credit card shinanagance, I always told myself to never get one, but tight times, and needs for school books has... well gotten me to apply for one, its coming in the mail. Lets hope I dont follow the same path you have eh?
Wish I could say I didn't have any credit cards... ugh, and my story parallels yours times four in total. Thanks for posting it. Makes me think about what my next step might be.
:giggle: :giggle: :giggle:The jews are guilty for all our misfortunes. Are you sick/tired of
being forced to co-habitate with the negro? I sure am. Let us fight
this scourge of western civilization.It is time for the negro to be
held accountable for the devastation they have brought to white people.
We demand the immediate removal of the negro from our schools. We
cannot learn if a born half-ape is pestering us. We will see to it that
negroes and other enemies of or culture will never again, so much as
think about stepping foot on a white nation
Don't beat yourself up, see the movie Maxed Out. It's all part of the credit card industry to lure you into all those little traps. Even if you don't pay them off, they have long ago made back their money many times over. I've been there. The best you can do is, go on a cash only basis, cut up all the credit cards, and pay whatever you can, when you can. Try not to file bankruptcy, that one follows you around for a good ten years.
I declared bankruptcy in 1997 to get myself out of credit card roulette. From that point on I have either done without, been poor, or just lived with a lot of wants that eventually go away when you know you cant have them. About 2 years ago I finally got 1 crdit card and it only has a 500 dollar limit. I dont allow myself to have anything higher and I intentionally got one with a very high interest rate to force me to pay it off every single month. It works very well.
The only bad debt I have now and forever is my studentt loans which I can finally this year, 10 years after finishing school, start paying off.
Wow....Here's to getting yourself out of that ugly hole. I see you've got some pretty good advice. I'll throw my hat in the sell some of your stuff ring. Oh, and that job that you are too good for, take the stupid thing, or look for something like it. I just got a second job working retail and while I'm not real excited about working two jobs I felt like we were being crushed by the small amount of debt we have. I was upfront with them about how much money I needed (like you I have retail management experience) and the fact that I was not willing to work a shift shorter than four hours. They hired me on the spot.
Hoping to see some updates with good news.
I am SOOO losing the came of CCD Roulette... I feel ya.
priscillia_skd@yahoo.com
Complements of the day to you.
I am Priscillia, how are you, hope you are fine and in perfect condition of health. I went through your profile and I read it and took interest in it, if you don't mind I will like to know you much better, although I came online to look for a true and loving man that is ready for a true, honest and loving relationship and will be able to take good care of me if you are the kind of man am talking about then send me a mail now on my private email included, so that I will tell you all about myself. Looking forward to hearing from you, thanks and God bless. priscillia_skd@yahoo.com Best Regards
Priscillia.
The problem is not the rate, it's living beyond your means. My financial plan is simple but has worked for my entire aduilt lfe: with the exception of real estate, if we can't pay cash, we don't buy it. Yes, this means we delay purchases but we are for the most part debt free.
Credit cards are the DEVIL, Bobby Boucher!
I played this game and realized the ball was weighted against me. It was "only" from 99 until, say, 2003/2004 that it took for me to pay off teh debt- MBNA was nicer to you than to me. At the first chance they could, they cancelled my credit card and said "Don't come back. Unless you get a job, then maybe we'll talk." Hahah. Reading your story helped me realize that my situation wasn't THAT bad, though it was kind of shitty (I mean, I ruined my credit score at one point by non-payment; you had a job so you still paid, which is better than a lot of people, really). Also I had something nifty to help me out- parents. I owed them the money still but it was slightly better than creditors calling constantly...
Gee I feel like the last person on earth without a credit card. No paypal, no bank account, zip. Looks like I am under the radar and also get no junk mail (except e-mail junkmail.)
Between your romances and being a nice guy there is the devil to pay....but sometimes the experience is priceless...to a point.
Yawn, sorry I watched your three mast video, not hollywood material ...
wow... hehe.. i know ppl who have done that before...
i, myself, am getting into debt... but from student loans...
in the six digit range, by the time i'll be done..
good luck to you and restoring your credit.
;D
thank you for the post more vulnerable young people needs to read and understand what they will get into when they start gettin' credit cards and spending it like crazy
:sunny: Crown Financial - True Financial Freedom
This is an excellent write up buddy! I hope that this is seen in the light of many young people like myself. I have a spending problem too and I have decided that I will not use my credit cards anymore. I've had one since 16 and was able to keep it under control until college hit and I had it rough. Despite the fact that I have a decent Salary and a full time occupation at Canon, I still am working off the credit card debts from days ago.... only $7k left to pay off from those damned credit lenders.... hahaha
Future money has great temptations not money can resist, especially with the various privileges the cards offer besides just being another payment mode. But is horribly scary how the debt pit just gets deeper, the snowball effect is nothing funny.
I figure out it must have taken real long for you to come out with this post, advising people about the dangers of credit cards, appreciate it. But somehow, i know i still wish to own a credit card when i am able to ...
credit card roulette -- is that like a form of mini baller roulette? count me in!
I ran across this on the front page and thought it sounded interesting.. This sure does make me scared when I graduate college and have all my loans to pay off!
This was really scary to read. I got a credit card about a year after I started working, and two years after that had maxed it out without intending to; more, I failed to make any payment 3 months in a row because I was too busy spending my money on stuff I wanted. Was promptly placed on the central bank's national blacklist (eeks). Used my year-end two-month salary bonus to pay off the card and have lived without plastic ever since. I figured if I couldn't handle it I should just do without. One of the best decisions I've ever made.
Wow, you make my financial life look so simple. I have a student account I don't pay fees on, I pay rent, utilities, internet, and school fees, I put aside money for groceries and clothing and try to keep a bit of cushion. I just made a purchase of a brand new Mac (with debit) and hopefully in a couple of months I'll be able to afford an 30GB iPod. I guess I'll need to get a credit card at one point to build up credit so I can buy a house. I'm pretty anal when it comes to money because I grew up in a family that made poor financial decisions and this is my way of rebelling. Thanks for sharing your story, I sent the link to my aunt (who will take the hint in a nice way I hope). For the guy who talked about buying books being his vice my advice is use your local library and only buy books you have read before and know you want to read over and over and buy them secondhand when possible (this is especially true if you have limited space for books). Great post.
:heartbeat:
Great story, thank you.
this is why I promise myself I'll stay away from them, I know I'm an impulse buyer and would splurge 'just this once'.
I do have a pre paid card though, for online shopping so I have to keep track of it as I load money onto it.
It's good that you're getting back on track.
Hi there to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and your views
are good designed for new viewers.
What's Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I
have discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads.
I hope to contribute & assist different customers like its helped me.
Good job.
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!
I really enjoyed reading it, you will be a great
author. I will make certain to bookmark your blog and may
come back in the future. I want to encourage
continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it
or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the
message home a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog.
A great read. I'll certainly be back.
I visited several blogs but the audio feature for audio songs existing
at this website is actually wonderful.
I don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post
Cheers!
was great. I don't know who you are but definitely
you're going to a famous blogger if you aren't already
I'm not sure exactly why but this website is loading
incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it
a issue on my end? I'll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
You could definitely see your enthusiasm
in the work you write. The arena hopes for
more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
All the time follow your heart.
I really like reading through an article that will make men and women think.
Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Hey There. I found your blog the usage of msn.
That is a very smartly written article. I will make sure to bookmark
it and come back to learn more of your useful information. Thank you for the post.
I'll certainly return.
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this webpage's articles or reviews all the time along with a cup of coffee.
You really make it seem really easy with your presentation however I find this matter to be actually one thing that I think I
might by no means understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
I'm taking a look ahead to your subsequent publish, I will attempt to get
the dangle of it!
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how
could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a
acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright
clear idea
Thanks for sharing such a pleasant idea, paragraph is nice, thats why i have read it completely
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should publish more about this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but typically people do not discuss such topics.
To the next! Many thanks!!
Howdy! This blog post could not be written any better!
Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept preaching about this. I most certainly will send this information to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
First off I want to say great blog! I had a
quick question which I'd like to ask if you don't mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
I've had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.
I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted simply just trying to figure out
how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Cheers!
I am really loving the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into
any web browser compatibility problems? A number of my blog readers have complained about my website not
working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?
Simply wish to say your article is as surprising. The clearness for your publish is
simply spectacular and i can think you're knowledgeable
on this subject. Fine together with your permission let me to snatch your RSS
feed to stay up to date with imminent post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep
up the rewarding work.
Saved as a favorite, I love your website!
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
It will always be exciting to read articles from other writers and use something from
other web sites.
The Universal pharmacy is actually economical if you are from regardless of what parts of the modern society.
The price is affordable for anyone and everyone; you want
to need of purchasing it. After determination is done, pay attention to the appropriate keep.
Once acquiring the remedy, you will have used it. Just consume the
products with bare standard water. cialis from canada
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog web site?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast
provided bright transparent idea
Hello there! This article couldn't be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept preaching about this. I will forward this information to him.
Pretty sure he's going to have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I
I may revisit once again since i have book-marked it.
stumbledupon it
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may
you be rich and continue to help others.
I am actually grateful to the owner of this web site who has shared this
fantastic post at here.
Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads
up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link
to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
It's a pity you don't have a donate button! I'd most certainly
donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i'll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed
to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share
this site with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
bookmarked!!, I like your site!
Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to understand so much approximately this, like
you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you just could do with some p.c.
to force the message house a bit, however other than that, that is
wonderful blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.
I really like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the terrific works guys I've added you guys to blogroll.
This is very fascinating, You're an excessively professional blogger.
I've joined your feed and look ahead to in quest of more of your magnificent post.
Also, I've shared your site in my social networks
We absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post's to be exactly I'm looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content for you personally?
I wouldn't mind publishing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write related to here.
Again, awesome web site!
What's up every one, here every one is sharing these kinds of experience, therefore it's nice to read this blog, and I used to pay a
quick visit this weblog every day.
Very great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly loved
surfing around your blog posts. After all I'll be subscribing to your rss feed and I'm hoping you write once more very soon!
Wow, marvelous weblog structure! How lengthy have you ever
been running a blog for? you make blogging look easy. The entire glance
of your site is magnificent, as neatly as the content material!
This is a topic that is close to my heart... Best wishes! Exactly where are your contact details though?
Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around
on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo
News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Thank you
Fantastic items from you, man. I have take into accout your stuff previous
to and you're simply extremely great. I really like what you've bought
right here, certainly like what you are stating and
the best way through which you are saying it.
You're making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it smart.
I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific web site.
It's amazing in support of me to have a web site, which is helpful designed for my know-how.
thanks admin
Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Many thanks for sharing!
Great post! We are linking to this particularly great post on our website.
Keep up the good writing.
Hi there, I discovered your site by way of Google even as looking for a similar matter,
your site got here up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my
google bookmarks.
Hello there, just became alert to your weblog via Google,
and located that it's really informative. I'm gonna watch
out for brussels. I'll appreciate in case you proceed this in future.
Numerous people will probably be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on. Any recommendations?
Excellent post! We are linking to this particularly great post on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I'm impressed!
Very helpful information specially the last part :
) I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain information for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
Somebody essentially lend a hand to make critically articles I might state.
That is the very first time I frequented your web
page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this
actual put up amazing. Fantastic activity!
We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our
community. Your site offered us with useful info to work on. You have done an impressive task
and our entire community can be grateful to you.
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues.
It was really informative. Your website is very useful.
Thank you for sharing!
I think this is one of the so much vital information for me.
And i'm glad studying your article. However wanna remark
on some general issues, The website taste is perfect, the articles is truly great : D.
Excellent job, cheers
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This
is an extremely well written article. I'll be sure to bookmark it and
return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post.
I'll certainly return.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that
you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is excellent blog.
A fantastic read. I'll certainly be back.
Howdy are using WordPress for your blog platform? I'm new to the blog world but
I'm trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your
own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether
this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You are wonderful! Thanks!
I really like reading a post that will make men and women think.
Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine.
Please let me know where you got your design. Cheers
I used to be able to find good info from your content.
It's an remarkable paragraph in favor of all the
internet users; they will take benefit from it I am sure.
Greetings! Quick question that's completely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.
If you have any suggestions, please share.
Appreciate it!
This is the perfect webpage for everyone who wishes to understand this topic.
You know so much its almost hard to argue with you
(not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that's been discussed for many years.
Excellent stuff, just wonderful!
Very nice article, totally what I needed.
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I'm quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
Having read this I thought it was very enlightening.
I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together.
I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
This website truly has all of the information I needed about this
subject and didn't know who to ask.
I go to see each day a few sites and websites to read posts, but
this weblog presents quality based posts.
I like the helpful information you supply to your articles.
I'll bookmark your blog and check again right here frequently.
I am somewhat sure I'll be informed lots of new stuff proper here!
Good luck for the following!
Hi, everything is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that's
genuinely fine, keep up writing.
Howdy exceptional website! Does running a blog similar to
this take a lot of work? I have virtually no knowledge of programming
but I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyways, should you have any recommendations or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic but I just had to ask.
Thanks a lot!
I am now not certain where you are getting your information, however good
topic. I needs to spend a while learning much more
or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was searching for this
info for my mission.
Hey superb blog! Does running a blog like this require a
large amount of work? I've very little expertise in coding however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near
future. Anyways, should you have any ideas or tips for new blog owners please share.
I understand this is off subject however I
simply had to ask. Thanks!
Fastidious answer back in return of this issue with real arguments and telling everything about
that.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on pill pill identifier.
Regards
Fantastic blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I'm hoping to start my own site soon but I'm a little lost on everything.
Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There
are so many options out there that I'm totally confused ..
Any recommendations? Bless you!
Very great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that
I have truly enjoyed browsing your weblog posts.
After all I'll be subscribing to your rss feed and I'm hoping you write once more very soon!
This piece of writing provides clear idea in favor of the new users of blogging, that in fact how
to do blogging.
I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for wonderful information I was looking
for this info for my mission.
Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There's a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your
content. Please let me know. Thanks
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout
of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could
connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text
for only having one or two pictures. Maybe you
could space it out better?
My family every time say that I am killing my time here at
web, except I know I am getting experience every day by reading thes fastidious articles.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job.
I will certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
I'm confident they'll be benefited from this site.
This excellent website definitely has all the information and facts I
needed about this subject and didn't know who to ask.
Hey there, You've done a great job. I'll definitely digg
it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they'll be benefited
from this web site.
What's up friends, nice article and nice arguments
commented here, I am actually enjoying by these.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog
that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite
some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with
something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Hi, constantly i used to check website posts here early
in the daylight, because i like to gain knowledge of more and more.
Very nice article, just what I wanted to find.
I enjoy reading through an article that will make people think.
Also, thank you for permitting me to comment!
Hi there I am so delighted I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Askjeeve for something else, Nonetheless I am here now
and would just like to say cheers for a remarkable post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don't have time to read through it all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time
I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb work.
Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was
super long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I had written and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to the whole thing.
Do you have any helpful hints for beginner blog writers?
I'd really appreciate it.
What's up it's me, I am also visiting this site daily, this web page is in fact pleasant and the visitors are genuinely
sharing nice thoughts.
Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to
your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Hey there! Quick question that's entirely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My website looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4.
I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!
Terrific work! That is the kind of info that are supposed to be shared around the web.
Disgrace on the seek engines for now not positioning this put
up higher! Come on over and visit my website . Thank you =)
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting
videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to
read?
Hey there! I've been reading your site for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Lubbock Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep
up the excellent job!
Very good info. Lucky me I came across your site by chance
(stumbleupon). I have saved it for later!
Keep on working, great job!
Amazing! Its in fact amazing piece of writing, I have got much clear idea concerning from this article.
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your site?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could
connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
At this moment I am going to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming over again to read additional news.
Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I'm
impressed! Extremely useful info specifically the last phase :
) I care for such information much. I used to be looking for
this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
I'm curious to find out what blog platform you're
utilizing? I'm having some minor security issues with my latest
blog and I would like to find something more risk-free.
Do you have any solutions?
fantastic points altogether, you simply won a emblem new reader.
What may you recommend about your post that you just made a few days ago?
Any positive?
Very rapidly this web page will be famous among all blogging and site-building
viewers, due to it's pleasant posts
Tremendous issues here. I'm very happy to peer your article.
Thanks so much and I'm taking a look forward to touch you.
Will you please drop me a mail?
My spouse and I stumbled over here different web page and thought I should check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to checking out your web page
repeatedly.
Good info. Lucky me I recently found your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I have saved it for later!
Quality articles is the secret to be a focus for the people to go
to see the web site, that's what this web page is providing.
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this webpage's content everyday along with a mug
of coffee.
Paragraph writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with after that you can write if not it is
complicated to write.
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it's really informative.
I'm going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue
this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your
writing. Cheers!
I all the time used to read post in news papers but now
as I am a user of net thus from now I am using net for
content, thanks to web.
Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from.
Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark
this blog.
We're a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with helpful info to work on. You've performed an impressive job and our
whole community shall be grateful to you.
Awesome! Its in fact awesome article, I have got much clear idea about from this post.
Very nice write-up. I certainly love this site. Keep it up!
Definitely consider that which you said.
Your favourite reason appeared to be at the net the simplest
factor to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed even as people consider concerns that they plainly
don't recognize about. You managed to hit the nail
upon the highest and outlined out the whole thing without having side-effects , other folks could take a signal.
Will likely be again to get more. Thank you
I enjoy what you guys tend to be up too. This kind of clever work and exposure!
Keep up the fantastic works guys I've included you guys to my personal blogroll.
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
I'll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
Hi there, You have done a great job. I'll definitely digg it and personally
suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from
this website.
I believe everything said was actually very logical.
But, consider this, what if you wrote a catchier post title?
I am not suggesting your information is not solid, however suppose you added
a title that makes people desire more? I mean Credit Card Roulette | WhenWordsCollide is kinda vanilla.
You ought to peek at Yahoo's front page and see how they create article headlines to get viewers to click.
You might add a related video or a picture or two to grab people interested about everything've written. In my opinion, it could
make your posts a little livelier.
What's up all, here every person is sharing these familiarity, so it's nice to read
this webpage, and I used to visit this webpage every day.
naturally like your web site however you have to test the
spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are
rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to inform the truth on the
other hand I will surely come back again.
Hello mates, good piece of writing and fastidious urging commented here, I
am in fact enjoying by these.
I have read so many articles or reviews on the topic of the blogger lovers however this article is in fact a nice
article, keep it up.
I'm not sure why but this blog is loading extremely slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I'll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
This post will help the internet viewers for building up new weblog or even a blog from start to end.
Hey there outstanding blog! Does running a blog such as this take a massive amount work?
I have very little expertise in computer programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyway, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please
share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I simply wanted to ask.
Thanks!
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up very fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Woah! I'm really digging the template/theme of this site.
It's simple, yet effective. A lot of times
it's hard to get that "perfect balance" between superb usability and visual appeal.
I must say you have done a fantastic job with
this. In addition, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Chrome.
Excellent Blog!
I'm not sure why but this website is loading extremely slow for me.
Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
I'll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Excellent article. I'm experiencing some of these issues as
well..
Your mode of telling everything in this article is truly
good, every one be able to simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot.
Hi, i believe that i noticed you visited my weblog so i got here to
go back the desire?.I am trying to find issues to enhance my site!I
assume its good enough to make use of a few of your ideas!!
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I am inspired!
Very useful info specifically the last part :
) I deal with such information much. I used to be seeking this particular information for a long time.
Thanks and best of luck.
I wanted to thank you for this fantastic read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of
it. I've got you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you post…
Hello, after reading this amazing post i am as well cheerful to share my know-how here with
friends.
Awesome! Its actually remarkable article, I have got much clear idea
on the topic of from this paragraph.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
I am looking forward for your next post, I'll try to get the hang of it!
Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it ;
) I'm going to return once again since I book marked
it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change,
may you be rich and continue to help others.
First off I would like to say superb blog! I had a quick question which I'd
like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your
mind prior to writing. I've had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.
I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first
10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out how
to begin. Any recommendations or hints? Cheers!
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help
woth SEO? I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted
keywords but I'm not seeing very good success.
If you know of any please share. Thank you!
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It is
the little changes that produce tthe most important changes.
Thanks a llot for sharing!
I really like what you guus are up too. Thiis kind of
clevrr wortk and reporting! Keep up the fantastic
works guys I've included you guys to my own blogroll.
When I initially left a comment I appear to have clickled on the -Ntify me when new
comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is
added I receive 4emails with the same comment.
Perhaps thedre is a means you are able to remove me from that service?
Appreciate it!
Having read this I believed it was rather enlightening.
I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this informative
afticle together. I once again find myself personally spending way
too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what,
it was still worth it!
You should be a part of a contest for one of the mmost useful blogs on thee net.
I'm going to highly recommend this web site!
This is really interesting, You're a very skilled blogger.
I've joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.
Also, I've shared your site in my social networks!
hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up anuthing new from right here.
I did however expertise some technical issues using this website,
as I experienced to reload the site many times preevious to
I could get it to load properly. I had beden wondering if your wweb hosting is OK?
Not thwt I am complaining, but sluggish loadkng instances times
will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if
ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I'madding
this RSS to my email and can look out for muchh more off your
resplective fascinating content. Make sure you update this agaqin soon.
Hello! I could have sworn I've visited this
web site before but after browsing through some of
the articles I realized it's new to me. Anyways, I'm certainly delighted I
found it and I'll be bookmarking it and checking back
frequently!
First oof all I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question in which I'd like to assk if yoou do nott mind.
I was curious tto know how you centerr yourself
and clear your mind prior to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my miind in getting my
ideas ouut there. I do enjoy writihg however it just seems like the
first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
Kudos!
I am genuinely thankful to the holder of this site who has shared
this wonderful article at here.
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you ben blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look
of your site is fantastic, let alone the content!
My proggrammer is trying to convince me to move to .net from
PHP. I havce always disliked the idea beccause of the expenses.
But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
I have heard very good things avout blogengine.net.
Is therde a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?
Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi are using WordPress for your site platform? I'm nnew to the log world but I'm trying to get
started and create my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make
your owwn blog? Any hhelp would be really appreciated!
I couldn't resist commenting. Well written!
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I aam experiencing issues with your
RSS. I don't know the reason why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else having the same RSS
problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindpy respond?
Thanx!!