tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512688883172655592.post1534738016881394808..comments2023-07-10T10:58:44.850-04:00Comments on the A* Team: Another Confession.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04918400618339051084noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512688883172655592.post-27489839333932478502008-11-12T21:21:00.000-05:002008-11-12T21:21:00.000-05:00In 2001, just two months after buying my first hou...In 2001, just two months after buying my first house as a single parent of a 10 year old, I was laid off work. Two months later, 9/11 happened. If you remember, the economy wasn't good and the job market was terrible. Ultimately, I was unemployed for nine months. Lost my house, lost any semblance of a decent credit rating, and nearly lost my mind. I felt that losing my house was a sure sign of failure. But once I finally went back to work, I was making as much money as I did before I was laid off. How blessed am I?! But NOW I had the 'luxury' of using the month that USED to be my house payment to catch up with EVERYTHING ELSE. I paid off every debt that I had over the next seven months...only because I didn't have to make a house payment and I was still able to stay in that house until the sheriff's sale. There were other blessings that came my way, making it easier for me to catch up and be debt-free...and I took advantage of most of them. I swore I was never going to have debt again. But that didn't last forever. I am buying a home (again! who would have thought I could do that - again as a single parent of a teenager - after a foreclosure?). And I have a car loan. But I do not have one credit card. I've considered getting a debit card for my checking account. But I figure if I've gone this long without the plastic, I can continue to go on without it. And let me tell you, it's VERY cool at Christmas to know that not only is my Christmas shopping done, it's ALL PAID FOR too. : )Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512688883172655592.post-31846540517675835592008-11-12T17:21:00.000-05:002008-11-12T17:21:00.000-05:00Hey Lauren! I think you're on an awesome start wit...Hey Lauren! <BR/><BR/>I think you're on an awesome start with the whole finaces in a relationship thing b/c you want to work together... and finding out what works best for the two of you is the key. <BR/><BR/>From my experience, it takes time and a lot of communication to get two individuals on the same page when it comes to finances in the marriage. In our situation, one is more of the organizer/saver and the other the giver/spender. (Ironically, I think this is often the case!) We have learned from one another's strengths how to budget and how to find freedom in giving. <BR/><BR/>I think you're off to a good start - realizing where you're weak and he's strong... and it is never a one-sided street so there will be many financial strengths you'll bring to the table too!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for sharing!<BR/>ShannonShannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16505893973885343135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512688883172655592.post-29240867463294551982008-11-12T13:32:00.001-05:002008-11-12T13:32:00.001-05:00Pretty appropriate topic, considering I just reali...Pretty appropriate topic, considering I just realized I lost my debit card!! After just having my wallet stolen this summer, I panicked. I finally realized I used my card to get money for the parking garage at Riley on the way out after Andrew's surgery. After about 12 phone calls, I finally learned that if the machine is inactive for 10 seconds, your debit card is sucked back in and shredded. There's apparently no way to tell if this is the case or not, so they just suggested I cancel the card. Thankfully, it hasn't been used so it's probably safe to assume it's shredded in the machine. The real kicker is I gave the pastor my validated parking since I appreciated him coming up for the surgery. :) I stopped and got cash so we could pay to get out of the garage, then we left. GRRR! Guess I could say it's Seth's fault? Nah, only I could be so dingy, even while trying to be nice to someone else. Sigh...Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05299729353445110856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512688883172655592.post-50159810493697203152008-11-12T11:49:00.000-05:002008-11-12T11:49:00.000-05:00Wow this is big question. Scott is the organized ...Wow this is big question. Scott is the organized and number guy. He balances everything and pays the bills. I am the one who lives with her heart on her sleeve and I would just continue giving to anyone in need and I could so easily get my self in trouble with the "I have checks left so I must have money left thought process". Looking back over our marriage we have learned from each other. I have learned to balance and spend wisely, to say no to this new or that new thing but I have a long way to go. Scott has learned to let go of the money and put it in God's hands and is becoming an wonderful steward with our money. We have learned great lessons like, Scott turns everything pink so I do the wash, and Scott is a way better cook so the fancy stuff is his. It is growing process but when God walks with you it seems to work itself out. There is speed bumps and from time to time feelings can get hurt but God is in control and he loves to teach us. Keep the gender thing out of it and use your gifts and you are on the right track to a healthy marriage. KimLife is short but God is sweethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02349754552906573219noreply@blogger.com