Garcia Family Blog

So, Life… Is What Happens!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:54:26 GMT

So, Life… Is What Happens!

We may have hindered our changes to win the $10,000 WeLiveFIT! Challenge because of our two trips to New York this year….but I would happily give up the $10,000 to have me sister with us longer. I have learned throughout this competition that your financial goals must be adjusted to accommodate life’s demands. I’ve have always ruled my life within an organized matter and I become very unhappy when someone or something “moves my cheese”…yet this year I have learned to deal with the punches and make some adjustments without feeling a sense of dread and that’s a great feeling. So, life is what happens every day…your car breakdown, plumping problems, kids get sick, etc. So, now this! My mother is totally strapped for money since my sister has become ill; she is 70 years old and is still working to support my sister and her two young daughters. She had to hire a lawyer to ensure my sister would get her Social Security Disability benefit, Last Will and Testament together, and finally her home taxes doubled this year. This Christmas was an eye-opener on how bad it is for her; so, I wasn’t planning on buying gifts this year but felt like I had to make things better. Now, I will have to adjust my budget to include a monthly stipend for my mother and I’m okay with that…last year, I would have been a total mess…yet, now I know things will continue to change and I will have to make modifications…and that’s okay!

2009

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:27:51 GMT

Pretty rocky start to our Holidays…we almost lost my sister on Christmas Eve. She was rushed to the hospital within minutes of her life. So, we have spent the major of our time visiting with her and she is doing much better today; I’m hopeful; yet I know her time is limited. So, not much going on here except family bonding time…the original plans was that we would all go visit my brother in Pennsylvania and bring in the New Year together but even if they let her out of the hospital; I don’t believe she will be up to the trip. Yet, when I reflect over the past year I am grateful for several things: God, my family, friends, my great job, yet what I will remember the most about 2009 is the WeLiveFit Challenge and how it changed my life for the better…

Tips for starting the New Year!

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:05:03 GMT

Tips for starting the New Year! Did you know that every Monday on ABC Channel 27 News features Florida Commerce Credit Union CEO Cecilia Homison; Tallahassee very own financial guru. Cecilia gives you the best financial information and advice that will help you regardless of your financial situation. If you want to know or have questions about buying a new car, FICO score, tracking your budget online/downloading, teens saving, IRA’s, starting a new business, student loans, buying a home, tax credit, online resources for all subjects and several other tips. If you missed any episodes you can recap by going on the ABC Channel 27 News, www.wtxl.tv and clicking on the Learn More about Financial Fitness. So, if you are serious about making a change in you life and ready to commit to your financial freedom…follow my guidance. Good Luck!

PS Thanks Cecilia and Channel 27 for sharing your knowledge with the Tallahassee Community.

Accomplishing my 2009 Goals!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:25:19 GMT

Accomplishing my 2009 Goals!

I’m very proud of what we have accomplished this year and look forward to next year with a better understanding on how to manage my finances. I can’t image going back to my old life…worrying about my bills…I have a plan and I will be sticking to it…and in 4 years; debt free. So, what were my 2009 Goals for the WeLiveFIT! Challenge; well they were the following:

1st To develop a budget plan that will teach me how to make the right decisions regarding my finances; now, tomorrow, and the years that follow…DONE…and will continue!

2nd Within four years, I need to be able to qualify for at least a parent plus loan; if needed, to guarantee funding is available for my son’s college expenses…Credit Score…Great shouldn’t have a problem!

3rd Within five years, I plan to reduce my debt by a third, save at least 5% every year, have a emergency fund without dipping into my savings and have a plan in place that would allow me to retire within fifteen years…If I continue at this rate I will be out of debt before 5 years!

4th Bare minimum, I have to ensure that I’m able to learning to live within my means; stop impulsive spending and lead by example for my son… DONE…and will continue!

How much money should you spend on your pet?

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:52:15 GMT

How much money should you spend on your pet? I have never given it much thought…I do the basics…my dog has more than most; a doggie Health & Dental plan with Banfield $29.95 monthly, nutritious dog food $10 monthly and he gets to roam the entire house. Yet, my monthly budget spreadsheet was incomplete. I did not allocate incidental expenses for my dog? In the future, I will have to reassess budgeting for our dog Baxter and I highly suggest you do the same if you have a pet. I love our dog Baxter and he is part of our family… we have to take care of him. As your pet gets older they will become prone to diseases and/or unbreakable bad habits…like our beloved pet Baxter. Baxter is so greedy and would prefer to eat human food than his very expensive and nutritious dog food…costing me on average an additional $250 a year on his Veterinarian treatments. During Thanksgiving break Baxter was determine to eat some turkey and found his way into my BFF home’s compost and became extremely sick…basically dog food poisoning. So, if I didn’t have the Banfield plan it would have cost $647 instead of $250 and I would have paid it!

OMG…9 months…what a difference in my life...

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:59:03 GMT

OMG…9 months…what a difference in my life...

I feel great! I had to deal with a major crisis and I didn’t have an anxiety attack over it! Best way to describe it is to recall the 1st time you switched from whole milk to 2% milk, or when you gave up caffeinated drinks for non-caffeinated drinks. At first, you don’t believe you will make it through the day without it but after a few months you don’t think about it anymore…well that how I feel about becoming financially fit. Nine months ago, if you told me my car alternator needed to be repaired or else, I would have been a basket case. I would have checked every credit card I had to see how much was available to charge and would have been up all night. Today, yes I was concerned and I had to miss some important events but I didn’t lose sleep about it. Why? Because today I have an emergency saving account…and didn’t have to charge anything…VICTORY DANCE.

Why Not Share The Wealth!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:23:18 GMT

Why Not Share The Wealth!
Throughout the WeLiveFIT! Challenge I hope you have learned from the knowledge I have gained and shared from my real-life lessons in become financially responsibility. Now, I would never ask you to do anything I would not or have not done. Thus, I would like to challenge you to take the Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan Pledge. It has become a way of life for me; I don’t even think about anymore…so, if you are serious about become financial fit try it! Within a month’s time try doing the following:
• Do not spend money for one day
• Do not use your credit card for one week
• Do not eat out at a restaurant for one month (No Fast-Food)
You may be surprised of the outcome…I was…and now, I’m closer to financial freedom!

Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:32:48 GMT

I try really hard to keep abreast of today’s financial market but like most working single parents I can’t do it all and it is such a depressing topic that it’s always at the end of my to-do-list. Nevertheless, I do what I can… I have been a Suze Orman fan for some time now; I always thought I needed some major cash flow to live in SUZE’S World but her newest book the Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan has changed my opinion forever. It is a practical book full of great tip on how to responsible deal with today’s financial reality. She gives you a brief history of what happened in 2008 and gives you several action plans to safeguard your money in the future. The book includes action plans to deal with credit cards, retirement investing, saving, real estate, paying for college, spending and hints on keeping steady pace in the financial market. I borrowed both the book and the CD for the library; I pop in the CD in while I’m driving and I use the book as a reference guide.

Holiday Travel

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:33:52 GMT

Holiday Travel…

Why is it that just before it's time to travel for the holidays, gas price go up? I'm already feeling the stress of trying to cut back on my holiday spending. I've decided not to go to Orlando this year for Thanksgiving but instead I will go to my BFF home in Chiefland and save some money. I'm hoping I will save on gas and I wouldn't have the desire to shop there on Black Friday...I hope. However, I need to go to New York for Christmas; no question about that! Yet, I realize that I don't have to spend $2,000 on gifts but just being there with my family is what really matters. I once believed that having money would make my life easier but it donesn't matter how much money you have if you mishandle or abuse it...and that's what I was doing for years. This month will be the first time that I will have a cushion in my checking account that is not a Tax Return and it feels great! Usually, the funds are gone within a week; this year I have no desire to part with it so carelessly. Thanks…Florida Commerce Credit Union for showing me that I could do it!

Personal Accomplishment!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:19:05 GMT

Personal Accomplishment!

Last Saturday, I participated in the American Heart Association (AHA) annual Start Heart Walk at Tom Brown Park. It’s been two years since my knee operation and about three years since I’ve done any exercise. I’ve been trying to build myself up to some type of exercise routine but with the additional financial pressure which cause me some major stress; I just didn’t have it in me. Well, I made it through a 2.5 mile walk and it made me feel great! I kept telling Brandon I wasn’t sure if I could do it but when I did; it was fantastic! Afterwards, I was ready for anything.

Christmas This Year!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:10:52 GMT

Christmas This Year!

I usually look forward to the Christmas Holiday and if truth be told it’s when I accumulate most of my debt; knowing that I will have my Tax Refund to offset the damage when I get home. I go to New York, buy presents for my mom, siblings, nieces and nephews and visit with old friends…spend, spend and spend. But this year, not too sure what I’m going to do! In the past, I would have already purchased my ticket to NY, started making of wish list of presents and alert my friends with the pending arrival date. Those days are long gone…for the better…I think! Yet, I’m feeling a little depress not knowing what will happen this year. I know Brandon wants a laptop and usually any big ticket items that he wants, my family members pulls together and purchase the item but this year everyone is helping my sick sister; so, wouldn’t dare ask; it wouldn’t be fair and I know Brandon would never want me to ask them. Yet, we would all gladly give up all the gifts just to have her with us ever year.

Victory Dance!!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:22:15 GMT

Victory Dance!!

Small victory dance as I paid off my Lane Bryant Credit Card today! It has a 22.80% rate attached to it and it only has a balance of $411.00 but it was killing my credit score. The problem started when Lane Bryant put me on a special financial hardship program that wasn’t supposed to hurt my credit score but it did. In my case, the “Re-up” part of the program meant that for five months it looked like there were no payments coming in or they anticipate a late payment and because of this my FICO Score took a major dive. When in fact, none of my payments wherever late and after six months it would be reported correctly. So, beware of any program that has what they call a “Re-up” after six months unless you don't care what your score look like for 5 months. Now, that it is all over, it’s a huge relief and I can’t wait to view my new credit score next month. Victory Dance!

Garage sale news!

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:37:58 GMT

Garage sale news!

Yes…our 1^st garage sale ever! We made $347.15; I was a little disappointed because the items I thought would sell, did not…I guess it’s telling of the times. The $30 remote control Hummer was sold for $15…I don’t think Brandon was too happy about that. The awesome furniture didn’t move. Maybe in November…yes, we are doing it again! It was great doing it as a community event…we had over 10 homes participating but I wonder how well it would go if there wasn’t so many. It was a long day but it was well worth it. Thanks to the Westbury Estates for organizing the event!

I FELL OFF THE WAGON!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:42:42 GMT

Fell off the Wagon.

Just when things were going so well, I fell off the wagon. It all started with a trip to the doctor’s office. I had to take Brandon to the doctor’s on Tuesday morning because he had difficulties with his leg circulation on Monday night. I get so nervous, anxious or panicky…whatever you want to call it when I have to take Brandon to the doctor that afterwards I just want to relax, watch TV and eat goodies. I’ve been depriving myself of all the “Good Stuff” that I just went overboard. We started with lunch at Applebee’s Restaurant, an hour and half later $25.88; I felt a little guilty but I didn’t stop there! I needed bread for lunch the next day; I was just stopping into Publix for a minute…half an hour later…$34.27. I know “Wants Over Needs”… but Coconut Custer Pie, Drumstick Cones, Bagel Bites, Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese and yes, I did get the bread, Chicago Italian Bread and Fresh Hoagie Bread…I couldn’t stop myself…we didn’t eat it all in one day; we had some chicken, hoagie, pie and drumstick cone. TODAY’S REALITY $60.15…that’s a week’s worth of groceries.

Garage Sale!

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:30:12 GMT

Garage Sale!1st garage sale ever…October 3rd…I have no idea what I’m doing. I spent six hours last Saturday cleaning out our garage and to my astonishment I found several items that I forgot I had, some very precious to me. I had several handbags…WOW… four Coach bags... fabulous! I will sell one; send one to my niece in New York and keep two for myself. Some wall prints that will look great upstairs in my house; some I will sell. Several lamps, some antiques others a bit more contemporary and still in their original box. I also found pictures that could never be replaced…memories. My problem is that I don’t know how to price these items. A friend suggested I checked eBay and maybe the Pawnshops to price some items like stereo stuff, beanie babies, remote control cars and bed frames. If you have any other suggestions let me know.

September 11th

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:16:36 GMT

September 11^th

I woke up this morning with a strange sense of dread…I didn’t know where it was coming from. This overwhelming feeling of anxiety and dread usually comes over me when I’m worry about money or my family but I’m not. I felt like something bad was going to happen today but hoping nothing does. I called my best friend and shared my feeling and she reassured me; yet, it still didn’t go away. Then a co-worker told me to make sure I observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the eight year anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Then it all made sense… that horrific day eight years ago and I prayed; grateful for my friends and family that were spared that day and for the unfortunate victims.

The Magical Land of the Garage!

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:33:14 GMT

The Magical Land of the Garage!

We spent our Labor Day weekend relocating Brandon’s bedroom from the 13x13 room with private bathroom, walk-in closet and adjoining game room to what was once commonly known as the guest bedroom; a 10x10 room is now Brandon’s new bedroom. So, we started this task using the Trading Space concept; move everything out of the room first, clean the room, measuring and visualizing where his things would go and then move them back in. When we went down to the garage to get some tools; WE DISCOVER THE MAGICAL LAND OF THE GARAGE! In the garage we discovered bits and pieces of gear, some we desperately needed, others that would improve and make this smaller bedroom comfortable. We found closet space organizers, picture frames, and a free standing lamp, and better yet, we found items that were still in boxes; a new wooden window blind, new lamp, and bookshelf without spending a dime. Wow, we had plenty of things that I had brought over the years on sale to make changes but never did or things from my old apartment that I was going to try to sell at next month Garage Sell. But I hated every minute of the move…I don’t like to have my Cheese Moved! But Brandon the best! When I had enough; he would just remind me; it’s all going to be okay…we are almost done…10 hours later…we’re DONE!

One Step Forward…Two Steps Back!

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:33:39 GMT

One Step Forward…Two Steps Back!I’ve made some strides in the past few weeks; I finally redirected my Optional Retirement Program (ORP) to MetLife…and from the jump start I will make $2520, plus 3.5% interest. I researched my investment options (with some help) and feel confident that I made the right decision to switch to MetLife from ING. I’m also excited about the prospect of having a boarder; the extra money will come in handy but giving up my privacy may hurt… It will require more household tasks but it will allow me to be there for Brandon afterschool activities and it would eliminate the need to find a part-time job…maybe! Things were going great…but No…that would be too easy… Murphy's law…If anything can go wrong, it will; I have a roof leak...

Child Support Mediation!

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:27:48 GMT

Child Support Mediation! YES, I REALLY DID NEED A LAWYER…I finally made it to Child Support Mediation and really did need a lawyer. I feel so disappointed in our Judicial system right now…and I guess the adage “only a fool represents himself in a court of the law” is absolutely TRUE; but what happiness when that fool doesn’t have any money! I felt intimidate and deceived by my ex-husband and there wasn’t anything I could do about! At first my ex-husband’s law firm indicated verbally to me and in writing to the State of Florida that my ex-husband income is $55,000; which at that time I knew they were low-balling his income but they would have to prove it…Right! WRONG! In fact, because our combined income was believed to over $100,000 we had to go to private medication; as yes, it cost twice as much; then on the day of mediation they show me a W2 of only $38, 000! You see, apparently, if you are self-employed you can deduct the kitchen sink and lower you taxable income; leaving my ex-husband with an income of $38,000 ...I CALL BULL_ _ _ _! I will never understand not doing the best you can do for your child but that will be his burden to bare not mine. I’m not signing anything until I actually see 2008 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return!

Birthday Blues…

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:35:21 GMT

Birthday Blues…

I had another Birthday this past Saturday! I usually spend my birthday weekends at St. George Island or in New York but not this year…L My very good friends took me and Brandon out to lunch; that was fun…Thanks guys…I love you guys! Not sure, were I would be without you guys. After lunch I took a nap and then I started organizing my house, cleaning out closets, and getting ready for my 1^st ever garage sale…REALLY! When? Not too sure; it’s too hot to sit outside in August! Maybe in October or November! Brandon has some pretty cool and very large remote control cars that will make some youngster very happy.