1 post tagged “cleaning”
Well, sort of. Since I'll be eligible to re-consolidate/re-sell my $90,000 worth of government-backed loans to Direct Loans in July of this year (and then enter into the Income Based Repayment/Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program), I decided to forbear on my Sallie Mae owned loans that are currently serviced by XPress Loan Servicing. I figured since I'll have almost $150,000 (which accounts for the interest on the principal) forgiven after 10 years (the 10 years starting in July), I may as well take a break from paying and put my normal monthly payments of $1070 to my credit card debt. This way, I'll have a substantial amount of the credit cards paid off by the time July rolls around and with the Income Based Repayment Plan, my $1070 monthly payments will be reduced to approximately $700.
As much as I hate President Bush, I would give him a big wet smackaroo for signing this bill into law. It is going to make such a huge difference in my life. Although I wish the law were retroactive (considering that I have 8 years of public service under my belt already), I'll take what I can get. Of course, we'll see if the loan forgiveness ends up being taxable at the end (probably will).
Last night I finally got a response for a part-time waitressing job. I hope I get an interview. I responded to a craigslist post for a new restaurant that's opening right near my apartment. How awesome would that be? She responded by email and asked for my phone number. Cross your fingers.
On Saturday my night court duty went smoothly. I actually only ended up working 9-12, but will get the entire $175 check. Wahoo!
So, $500 will go to Washington Mutual Credit Card tommorrow. $14 to Discover for the backpack I bought. $200 to MBNA for the balance transfer. I get a little obsessive/stressed about my cash flow because I'm always worried about bouncing my student loan payment. At least for the next few months I can keep throwing $ at the credit cards and not worry about that. So far, I've paid $5,777 towards my credit card debt. I can't tell you how AWESOME that feels.
Yesterday I went up for Fosters because I needed a mat for my kitchen sink (I don't have a dishwasher). What a cool store. I purposely only brought $40 with me and left my debit card at home. It's amazing how different a shopping experience is when you only have cash to pay for things. I know that if I had had a credit card, I would have spent a lot more money. But I'm very happy with what I bought - a sink mat, a good scrubber, a eurosponge (I'm trying to cut down on my paper towel use and this brand promises to last through 17 rolls - we'll see!), a neat container in the shape of an onion to hold onions to keep them fresh and so that they don't stink up the fridge (I couldn't resist it was so cute and only $3.50), and a scrubbie that ended up being a total waste of money because it ripped apart after only one use. I usually get my sponges at the dollar store, but was getting tired of the fact that they rip apart so easily. Oh well.
Today I have off for President's Day. The day will be spent cleaning. Serious cleaning. Like baseboards being wiped down, appliances being moved, etc.
I know I've said this before, but I can't tell you how fantastic all of this feels. It's like the rest of my life (except for the love part) is starting to come together. Just from the simply act of getting control over my finances. I've gotten more organized, have learned to cook some really great dishes, have more energy, and less headaches (although maybe that's attributable to the new medication).
Things are coming together.
