Miracles Never Cease...

When I first graduated from college, my credit was shot. I was in debt 3 feet above my head and the first couple of jobs I had didn't even put a minor dent in it. I lived in a closet of an apartment furnished with the junk pieces I was able to find while I was in college.

At one point I went to Consumer Credit Counseling for help. They told me I did not make enough to cover all my bills. (Duh!) They would only put two of my credit cards in there service (they don't do that anymore - it's either all or nothing). I picked the two cards that were giving me the most trouble. They had become completely out of control due to late fees, then eventually over the limit fees, and finally collection calls. It took me years but those cards are now paid for and long gone.

In the 10 years (yep May 2006 will be 10 years) since I graduated college, I have paid off my car, student loans, all of my credit cards and now only have debt between $3000-$4000 that I have acquired in the last year. I have a great paying job & I'm finally in a place where I can afford to buy the house I've always wanted.

When I look back to 10 years ago, I thought I'd never be at this point in my life. I felt that it would take some kind of miracle. Well, I guess miracles never cease. Here I am, able to buy the things I really want or need...able to help out my friends and family...able to shop for a house and new car without fear of how I am going to pay for it. It's a wonderful place to be.

So for those of you that asked why I am able to buy a $950 elliptical exercise machine, help my mother with her bills, and pay $700+ for the health care of Oliver, it is because I now can. I sacrificed all those years to get here. And besides I am smart with my money. I have 2 savings accounts, a nice growing 401k, and I work hard everyday.

By no means am I miss money bags, as Joe likes to call me. But I make purchases and charge things that I know I can pay off in a timely manner. No big mystery there. So stop asking me if I robbed a bank, won the lottery or just inherited some money. Cause even if any of these items did occur the last thing I would do is admit it. Geez!