Day 11, 12 and 13

I must admit thinking about the financial legacy I can leave my kids (my own and others I am able to teach) surely gave me a feeling of hope! I realize that I am not just breaking a bad habit but be provided ways to teach, train and invest in the future generations. I can leave a financial legacy to my kids that go beyond an inheritance. I was never taught how to handle money properly all I saw is a mother that had credit cards and shopped, shopped and shopped again; but when she was laid off in 1994 and those creditors hounded her it was sad. Many thoughts entered my mind as I did these three days. Of course the mistakes; but also how much I have changed mentally because of this fast. I realize there are so many items that I can let go of, so many things I don't need and I can decrease my wants; all I'm thinking about now is paying for my swimming lessons ($55) and purchasing my clothing/shoes for the summer; but with a major transition coming I must be mindful daily of my spending and what is really necessary; also that I can become more frugal that I can concentrate on need and in a little while the debt it will be gone. I have even thought of going to different grocery stores and only purchasing what is on sale instead of one store. I sat this morning (I couldn't sleep) and did my budget for the next 7 years. I kept my salary at what I will make this year with the goal of saving my promotions. Further our boss told us that everyone that received an "Exceptional" performance appraisal will receive a 'cash award'. Of course I was all smiles. Once I've established a good amount in the emergency fund and fund for the condo; then I will steadily pay off the debts. I have some extra money right now and I'm trying to decide do I want to save it or give it to my credit card debt. That is my thinking now. I think I will give it to the credit card. I'd rather do that than feed my stomach (that was how I thought previously). But I cannot eat out anyway; so win, win!

I look forward to having seminars for children from the ages of 5 and up and teaching them about money (God gave me that idea as I read the chapter). Further, HE showed me how important it is to walk in the visions for your life; because wealth is there (beyond the monetary). Now I see why he wanted to bring such stability into my life during this fast as well. I never realize how much WISE Financial, LLC could touch their lives. The debt chapters were not so hard to read; because I realize that diligence brings a profit further (I've beat myself up enough about it). Being upset about my choices will not correct them; but taking action will. I went to Target today (2.19.10) we needed some bathroom items and I wanted a snack but I have cut some things out of my diet but remembered that I can have animal crackers. I purchased a box and a box of Teddy Grahams; my budget was $14 for the bathroom items; I ended up spending $16 I was a little bothered about the $2 overage; but that is just an example of how cognizant of my spending I have become. So I have about $72 left and now I want to put some aside of food and gas and give the remainder to my credit card. Further, I will tutor today and will receive a little more change for my pocket.

As I went back three months on spending oh my God! Over $1000 spent but I have gone to the ATL women's conference (ate out alot), ate out in December and January had a lot of liquid drinks since we were on a liquid fast. I realize that there are so expenses that I don't know what they were for; so I need to add these to my ledger. I realize I don't place all the items on the ledger as I should. Well, I'm no longer counting days because I want to go as long as I can. I love the reward that is coming with this diligence and sacrifice and it shall continue. I asked GOD when could I eat out again, he said when you have a "eat out kiddy". So as I save monies from my allowance and continue to save and pay off debt little by little I can begin to eat out.

I must tell you it felt so good to do my budgets for the next few years and see the debt being erased and year 7 when I able to invest, invest, invest! I've also decided when I begin my career that I will have my exemptions low so I don't owe and invest in my retirement program at my job. Keep in mind I didn't include my business/cash flow monies only my teaching salary monies; so this will be an interesting journey. Further, I have been paying a lot of fees since I frequent the ATM and use my card; so I need to think of ways to decrease this. Today I am going to Starbucks and using a gift card; and I'm packing all of my meals and snacks to eat before and after I tutor. My gas tank is almost empty but I'm going to see how many days I can drive without filling up the tank. My car is really good on gas, and I'm happy about that. Well I look forward to what the next few weeks will bring and all that I will give to savings and my debts!

I even wrote as one of my financial goals that I will do this fast with those that would like to participate 3 times a year (beginning, middle and end). I wonder how many will like to take this plane ride; its surely an eye opener. Well, here's to financial freedom!