Everybody knows that guy/girl. The one who makes a decent living, seems to be fairly intelligent, but when it comes to money and savings, they have the decision making skills of a washed up 80's child actor. It makes me sick and upset, especially because that guy is me. I figure my first real post belongs on the wall of shame, because up to this point, that is what my finances have been. I have been lurking here for a little over a month, and after saving close to $500 just watching every penny (early retirement, here I come), I am ready to jump into this 100%, if ya'll will have me.
So how did I get here? Always hated talking about, or thinking about finances. Watched my parents stress and fight over bills my entire childhood, so have tended to just ignore it, ( outside of actually saving and being productive, this is a very good plan) and always have an everything is great attitude. Graduated college in 2003, made a few poor career choices with jobs where I thought I could make a lot quickly, and in 2008 decided to go back to school, beat down and broke. I now do golf course construction and love it. Not the highest paying job, due to a lot of competition for work and today's market, but I love it, and it is actually a "green " career ( despite the reputation golf has). So for the last 6 years, I have worked 60-80 hour weeks, thrown a little bit (3-5%) in 401k and spent everything else like a true baller. ( Sadly, that isn't even true. I spent $20-30 at a time, mostly eating or bars, and since it seemed like small amounts I didn't care. Wasn't until I budgeted a month that I saw how much money I really wasted. Which may make this a little easier, since I didnt really spend a lot on "things", just need to cook for myself and spend a lot less on little things here and there) So now at 34, and realizing finances had hurt past relationships ( more due to me not being open, and letting stress build more than money itself) , and am now with someone I hope to marry one day, I see the need to truly change and not just go through the motions. She is a lot better financially than I am, and may not be full on mustachian, but saves a lot, and supportive of me doing this. Being at this point in my life, and basically at square one sucks, but what can I do?
Luckily, the one thing I did do well, is that I have no credit card debt. I do have student loans ( about $18,000 left) and a car payment that is almost paid off ( I know, was trying to be cool ), but little expenses outside of that. My goal is to save 20% of my income ( not counting the 12% I now contribute to my 401K), as well as pay off half of student loan debt by end of 2015. I really wish I would have found this years ago ( most of my internet searches did not include mr. or mustache ), but I cannot change the past, so it is all about from this day forward. I will continue to make tons of mistakes, and will probably end up on the wall of shame a few more times, but in 10-20 years from now, I plan to look back at this decision and be glad I sacrificed what I may want now to better what I have later.
Feel free to judge away, and any advice will be greatly appreciated