Author Topic: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better  (Read 2815 times)

Keely

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Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« on: July 12, 2018, 12:25:38 PM »
Hey all!

I am a newcomer to the forums but a long-time reader of the blog.  After hitting a point in my career where I was desperate for change and incredibly depressed I decided to put some of the lessons in to action.  This last week has been a big one for changes and I would like to share my badassity for my first post:

1. I sold my paid off "dream vehicle" last week that I had worked very hard at paying off early - a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  I work from home and my child goes to daycare 1.25 miles up the road. We used the Jeep to run to the grocery store or out and about on the weekends.  The vehicle really didn't make sense for our family.

2. I started biking my child to daycare more and more over the last few months.  Selling the Jeep meant I had no choice but to bike him.  I'm not badass enough to go without a car just yet but I did get a taste of it and really appreciated putting my body to work, making me want to do it more.

3. The sale of my Jeep was 21,500.  After searching Craigslist for the last month, researching cars and their values, and spending probably far too much time thinking about it... I was able to find a 2014 Mazda 3 with 39k miles on it and negotiated a price of 11,500 when it was listed at 13k. Better mileage, better insurance rate, and I now have an extra 10k.  I feel good about this transaction!

4. All outstanding debt can now be paid off, aside from the mortgage, and we are quickly getting to the point of saving a large chunk of our income. A few months ago we were at 3%... we're now at 15% and it's only increasing from here!

5. Last, I was offered a new job this week making more money because I took the risk to make a career change... and apparently they wanted me!

I feel like I am on a good path and am very excited to be here.  We're slowly, but surely, making positive changes so that I hopefully never have to feel like I did earlier this year.  I'm feeling a bit raw giving up my creature comforts of a Jeep... and even a little guilty purchasing the car off of Craigslist... but it'll pass.  I sure am proud.

plantingourpennies

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2018, 03:29:51 PM »
Welcome!

Sounds like all good stuff-you should be very proud.

I now have an extra 10k.  I feel good about this transaction!

Believe it or not, the first 10k is actually the hardest =)


ginjaninja

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2018, 03:33:26 PM »
This is so awesome!!! Thank you for sharing your badassity.  I look forward to hearing more of your stories in the future :)

Ladychips

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2018, 03:54:31 PM »
Outstanding work!  You go!!!

Anette

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #4 on: July 12, 2018, 04:28:27 PM »
congratulations on taking the first steps toward freedom 👍

We used to drive a Kia Carnival executive( minivan, possibly has a different name in the US).For a van that size the  mileage wasn't even bad and the car felt so comfortable even luxurious.
We never had a payment on the Kia, as we bought it  2 years old with cash, but all  the maintenance and repairs were outrageously expensive.
Well, after getting to 250000 km and taking about a year to get to the point of selling it, we bought a very sensible, no frills Citroen Berlingo with less space and better mileage last winter.
We just came back from. Italy in this car (~1000 k m one way) a nd the car is fine but I did see mini vans on the road and remembered the decadence -  but then I remember my improved savings rate and that is a great feeling.
It is funny to see our car in our driveway, though. We just got new, Italian neighbors and their 3 !!!! Jaguar are practically right next to our car, which is the type of car lots of craftsman in Europe use😉

joonifloofeefloo

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #5 on: July 12, 2018, 05:04:57 PM »
All absolutely fantastic!!! Way to go :)))))

And, welcome!

SwordGuy

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #6 on: July 12, 2018, 06:30:48 PM »
Bravo!

You've done the hardest part already -- you've changed your mindset, your actions, gotten to a positive net worth and to a positive cashflow.


Now it just gets easier and easier the more you do it!


Keely

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #7 on: July 14, 2018, 09:06:25 AM »
Thanks everyone!  I'm incredibly happy to be here.

marty998

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #8 on: July 15, 2018, 02:31:34 AM »
Congrats on the changes you have made so far. Awesome work having $10k in your pocket, and a double win paying off debt with it.

lemanfan

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #9 on: July 15, 2018, 03:17:17 AM »
Awesome so far!

Trifle

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Re: Just starting... but it just keeps getting better
« Reply #10 on: July 15, 2018, 09:06:18 AM »
Fantastic first post @Keely!  You are well on your way.   

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!