Friday, December 25, 2009

month by month

I have been pretty busy with work. The hours have been fine and helping us pay a lot of bills. Unfortunetly my pay has not gone up yet. Once it does the extra money will really help out a lot. This will be especially true when overtime starts up again.

I am still looking for another job to help pay off the bills that are in default and pay off some other bills.

This journey is progressing. I am just praying nothing bad happens along the way.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Any suggestions on paying off first

I recently read that someone suggested paying off the highest interest first. The reason for that is if you pay off the high intesest first you will pay off your debts first. The highest inerest accumulates debts faster, and by paying those off first, You will save on the accumulation the fastest.

My suggestion, is do some soul searching. Do what is right for you.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

confusing

Just watched a report on the complexity of the credit card terms. The credit card companies have been making the terms so complex, it makes it so hard to even know what your credit card rate is going to be. The terms dont have to be so complex. The reports showed a man who rewrote the terms so a 10 year old could understand them. THe companies all rejected his proposal.

By keeping confused they can snooker a few more people to apply for credit. I would suggest that if you can no understand the terms. You need to ask. You can be sure I will be doing this from now on. Except it will not happen for a long time. I still have a lot of bills to pay.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

If the calls are starting to follow you at work

If creditors are starting to call you at work. Which by the way could jepordize you paying them back. What you need to do is first tell them not to call you at work. If that does not stop, then write them a letter. If that does not work, turn them into the better buesiness bureau.

Negative publicity never helps out someone. This is helped out several people that I have talked to.

I should mention to document this. If you can record it, it would even be better.


I hope his will help out someone.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

credit reporting agencies.

If you have a lot credit problems, and you are starting to take care of them. Check the credit reporting agencies for errors. Everyone is wanting their money, but they really dont care about your credit history facts. If there is an error, you are the one that is going to try to have to fix it. First try to contact the error place, and see if they will fix it. If they wont do it, then you can put up a defense with the credit card agency. Each agency will have instructions on how to do this.

I hope you the best is your journey.

Friday, November 6, 2009

updates

Things right now are plugging away. I can make some payments on some of the debts has slowed the calls. There are a few debts we are still behind in, and those calls keep coming in. We are looking for ways to get those bills payed off, since they are all less than $2,000. Hopefully our business will grow enough to pay them off or I can get some extra work to pay them off. I will be glad for this to finally be over and that we can move forward.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

home equity loan

I read somewhere suggesting getting an home equity loan to help consolidate your loans. This will only work if you have a way of paying for the loan and your close the other lines of credit.

By closing the other lines of credit you will force yourself to live withen those means, and you wont put yourself into a deeper whole. The other factor is being able to pay for loan. That brings up the old adage. Dont relax, but try to find other lines of income. Even if it is just a few hours every week. $50 dollars a week translates into $200 per month. Enough to pay for some bills.

You are just going to have to ask yourself if you can do this. Just be honest with yourself.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Relationships

I really want to be out of debt in a bad way. So many people just walk away from there debts and leave someone hold the bag.

I think everyone at times feels like this, but think about this. I you leave someone holding the bag, what are you going to feel like. You are not going to listen to anything this person has to say, because how can you trust someone like that.

To pay your bills off in full is being the best example. I want to pay all my bills and be the best example to all others for my God.

Thank you and have a great day.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Do you deserve the biggest and best

No not really. There is nothing saying that you deserve a huge flat screen television. If you want that you really should go get that second job and save the money at first.

Manufactures may not like to hear that, but by doing it that way, you will keep yourself out of trouble. When you do own that television, then you will be able that television even more.

I am going this route now. Yes I may be missing out on some things, But I am getting older and I would like to retire some day.

Have a great week.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Stress

During this time you can be put through a lot of stress. This needs to be delt with or it can cost you a lot more. First of all make sure you get sleep. Rest will help you think clearly. Make sure you are eating alright and healthy. A vehicle can not run on empty, and neither can you. When you get a second, do a little exercise. My best ideas came from a long walk, yours can to. Plus walking will help you sleep better.

Watch the stress, A heart attack or stroke will do you no good.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Erase your debts

One way to help lower your credit card debt, is pay off what you owe with a fraction of what is owed. Example, if you owe $3,000 they might take $800 to pay it off. Yes you might pay off your card, but it does hurt your credit rating in the long run. This is reported to the credit reporting agencies, and lowers your credit score. This might hurt your chances for a loan in the future. This is a choice you have to make for yourself. I just wanted to leave you with the facts.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Good news

It may take awhile and you can show the numbers. Discover card does have a hardship program. I am now on it with a lot smaller payment. I wont be able to pay it off fast, but at least it will start going down, and it is more possible to make the payments.

Point to consider. You must get a solid job, to show how much you are making. Get a compiled list of all your bills and how much you spend. They might not ask for all of them, but having solid numbers will help it go through faster. Be courteus, and say thank you for there help. I know it is scary, but you do need to talk them once you can make any payment.

I am now on the start, have some more card companies to talk to. Then I can take care of the bad debts, and then move onto those which are not bad debts.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Remember this is not free money

I think we all forget this. If you borrow the money, you need to pay it back. I helping my wife build our business. In the past few years this might of been okay. But the economy took another downturn. If I would of been more frugal with the credit, we would not be hurting so bad. How can I be mad, if I was part of the huge credit problem this country is in.

I am working now to fix the problem. This is not easy since I am making a little less. I am glad when we can volunteer for overtime. It is helping out a lot in just making the payments. Hopefully it can keep enough, until I can pay the cards down enough for me to make regular payments.

Have a good day, and try to always prepare for the hard times.

Friday, October 9, 2009

just a few thoughts

I am grateful for the work that I have now. I am starting to see more and more people just looking for work. I am still worried about making payments to everyone. Hopefully the credit card companies will give me a hardship payments. This will definitely help me get my finances under control. I am talking to discover credit card on monday. That leaves two more credit cards to talk to. Hopefully they can make a deal that i can afford to pay. I also want to start making payments to those who loaned money to us.

Our small candle business, is also still floating around. Right now it is our best chance to dig out of the whole. We don't have much of a choice, because of some of the expenses with running it. The changes we have made, have made a difference in making money. Stop by in Berlin to see us or check us out. Http://www.harwoodsstore.net.

I am still scared about what is going to happen, but I am not going to blame anyone else. Hopefully it will not take to long for us to dig out.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Paying?

This is a big danger sign with your credit cards.

You are going along paying your bills just fine. Then some unexpected expsense comes up. You need the credit card to pay another credit card. The second this happens you need to take proactive measures. Start the process of paying down your debts. You say you can not afford to do that. Then do what I am pursuing. Look for a part time job to pay off those debts to pay down the debts.

If I would of done this a lot earlier, things would not of been so bad right now. I am glad some things are getting closer to being paid off.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

will cutting up your credit cards help

Not really. Unless you cancel the account, they will send you another one in a short time. This might help you get your credit card problems under rap too. By not having the cards you could in time get your payments under control. Just make sure the if you have a subscription that charges every month, that you cancel it.

Good look on you journey to getting out of debt. I am also slowly working that way. I still have some outstanding debts that holding me back. And yes I am still looking for a part time job to help get rid of those multitude of small debts.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

One of the best ways

I know it will be hard, but the best way is to go cold turkey on making any new charges. You may even miss out on some things. But not by charging, you will more quickly get out of debt, and you will be forced to do something you did not want to do. Go get a part time job.

I know this is hard, and you may loose out on a lot of sleep. but that lost sleep would be a lot better than collection agencies, bearing down on you. Go for it.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Earning more money.

Awhile ago we purchased a candle shop to help make more money. Now this is making us some money now. What is holding us back is the overhead. If you have any talent in making a craft item I would suggest go for it. If you dont, go get a good book and start learning. I dont really recomment buying a business, unless you can get it for little money. Then you hopefully can get ahead even faster.

Here is our website http://www.harwoodsstore.net Come buy for a visit. If you know any candle lovers, send them to our site.

Thank you very much and have a good day.

Monday, September 21, 2009

You sometimes have to live with what you hate.

Not all of us have money put away for emergencies. So the credit card is usefull in getting somethings down.

Now let me explain what an emergency is. When my son emergency surgery was down, I went to the pharmacy to get a prescription. Having high deductible insurance, made the cost go over 190 dollars. Whithout a credit card no prescription would of been possible right at that time. Another emergency is my wheel hub fell apart going down the road. It had to be replaced at that time. Most repair places what payment immediatly. These are what constitutes an emergency.

Just like you have to work with a jerk at work, to bring home a paycheck. Sometimes you need that card in emergencies. Just when you have to use them. Tighten up and pay it off as fast as possible.

Friday, September 18, 2009

more pay

I Just talked to my boss the other night. He is considering taking my pay to the highest level it can be. This would be about a dollar less than when I was laid off. This is alot closer to making payment off some bills.

I still have the need of taking care of the past due bills, and actually eliminating a couple of the bills. For instance the discover bills. Then I might be able to make payments on all the bills.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Identy theft

When you are having problems paying off card, Idendity theft could magnify the problem. I know how easy it is to avoid looking at bills when you can not pay them. I suggest you still moniter them. Just to make sure no unauthorized purchases are put on your cards. This might help you pay off the cards a little sooner.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

credit history?

This is a trapping we seem to get into, for getting a good credit rating. This is probably going to change somewhat, with the new regualtions coming through. I don't know how they are going to change, we are just going to have to follow the news on how this will affect us.

If you do need to have a good credit history to get a better loan, is to try this. Get s0mething you will need. That is something like a freezer or refigerator. By paying this off you will develop a credit history, and you get something you will actually need. Don't get something like a huge plasma television, which would be nice, but a lot less necessary.

By the way, dont cancel the card right away. Part of your score depends on how much credit you have and how well it is paid off. Keep is tucked away, and enjoy something usefull.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

back to work

I had just been laid off. Then I was offered a night postion on the production line. The pay for the line is better than the day, and hours are pretty well solid for the year. I will be making still $2 an hour less than before, but they get some solid overtime for part of the years. Over all I should still do pretty good. This should help us get onto some payment plans.

Our candle business picked up a pretty good wholesale account. Not enough to get rid of the debt right away, but we can make some pretty good steps in that direction. That is pretty good, because I am adjusting to night shift, and just too tired to look for another job right now. Hopefully I can make the adjustment very quickly.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

borrowing from one lender to pay another

Is this even a good idea. I really dont think this is a good idean under any circumstance. This happens when we step over the threshold, by going over our means to pay bills. I know it seems to be a short term fix, but in the long run you are only hurting yourself.

Believe me, I know. This is part of the reason we slipped into a deeper hole. Dont make the same mistake I made. Start looking for extra work, and take care of that bill.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Are 0 interest periods worth it?

That all depends, if you have the ability to not miss a payment or finish paying off the amount before the end of the term.

If you miss or late with a payment, You will lose the program and all charges go way up. If you do not pay off in the term period, You will also see a large jump in charges and payment. This also includes all the charges and interest you would of paid. You will see this charge on your statment. This is a great motivator to get er done.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Still not sure

It is getting toward to the end of the month and I have not been picked up by another department. I was told I should be laid off again at the end of this week. This sure puts a lot of stress on the family. Hopefully soon I can have a perment job, so I can start paying bills.

Monday, August 24, 2009

clarify

I just wanted to clarify this. I really dont hate the people at discover card. I just hate what happens to you when hard times hit. I know we can not predict hard times, so we need to try to be more diligent and not let things get out of hand.

Believe me, Me and wife are making plans to watch more closely, and not to use the cards to build something. Either we find a different way to do it, or we will do with out. I hope others can live by this advice also.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Payment date

Be very careful of your payment date. A lot of credit card companies have the right to change the date of your payment date. It makes it very easy to miss the payment date. When you do you get hit with late payment fees and cranked up interest rates. If you carry a balance, watch for your date.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Should you just stop paying

I can not tell you to make a payment. When the hard times come, there is just not as much money to go around. This brings a lot a stress into the household. If things are shaky to begin with, then things will get worse. This can make you to make bad decisions. Hopefully you do not pass up opportunites. My advice to you is keep looking for jobs. When you find that job, you can start working with the companies to take care of your debts. Do keep a list of all the places you owe money. Just don't worry about trying to pay it all at once. Just chip away at what you can, and hopefully you can take care of the bills a little at a time. Soon that mountain will be a small ant hill.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

High interest rates.

There is currently a practice with credit card companies. If your payment is late they start escalating your interest rate. Discover card is extremely bad with this. With being laid off some payment did make it but they where late. My interest rate escalated up to 29.9% interest. With the higher interest rate the payment quickly goes up. This makes making the payment even higher.

Unfortunately we do not know when hard times are coming. We can look back and say not to charge so much. This is good advice to start with. For the rest of us who did, if you can any way possibly, take a part time job. If you can anyway possibly avoid the higher interest rates, do it.

The laws on the interest rate are going to change for next year. Hopefully it will take some pressure off.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Credit Saver?

You see their ads on television and print. They claim they can save you a lot of many by negotiating down your bills to what you can afford. Do you wonder if they can actually do what they claim.

I personally have not used the services at this time, but I have talked to people that have. The companies really did meet their claims. You might ask what the catch is, and there is a catch. You need to have a verifiable income. If the income stops, you will more than likely be out of the program and right back where you used to be.

The bottom line is you need to find a job, before anyone can help you. I have seen a lot of companies out there. You should not have to pay out a huge upfront fee.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

I am adding a gift.

I starting thinking that I really should not get something for nothing. I have access to a lot of Amish recipes. I will give out one recipe for each donation. There is no minimum. Just be sure to give me an email address when donating. If you don't tell me what type of recipe you want, I will ask you first. If I don't hear from you, I will randomly pick one out for you. I sure hope everone enjoys their recipes.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Concerning mysterious posts

I know this is happening with debit cards, but I am not sure about credit cards. If you are looking at your account online you may notice a large amount charged($65 or more). Then the amount will change back to the amount you know should of been charged. What is happening is the companies are putting a hold on your account for a short time. They are making sure there charge is being filled. This presents a problem. You may be denied the use of your card, or even worse. You could be charged overdraft fees. Kind of sneeky. Hopefully this is not allowed to keep going on. Hopefully all can come to the site and visit.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Any ideas

I know all of us enjoy our time off when we are off work. I know that sometime soon my work schedule will have a solid schedule soon. I also know if I want to get the debt paid off sooner, I will need to find some extra work. Me and my wife already sell candles, but with the tough economy, sales will only go so high. I thought of pizza delivery, but our vehicles are still not up to par yet, so that will have to wait for some more time. Does any one have any ideas for legitimate work to do from home? I live about 14 miles from the nearest town(bigger than a church and bar and school), so extra work is harder to find. I don't want to hear about surveys, filling out forms, or ameriplan. I have already seen those, and is contemplating about doing some of those. I can only receive wireless where I live. Thank you for any help. Sorry to those looking for an easy fix, there is none. Just keep working at it and it will get better.

Monday, August 3, 2009

It's comming close to the time I might be laid off again. I don't think it will be as long this time. The problem is a lot of jobs I could be hired in will pay at least $2 or $3 less per hour. This is still more than what a lot of other jobs pay. I will continue to keep you updated on how things are going. Getting rid of this bill will take some pressure off. Thank you very much.,

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Would anyone be willing to help?

We were doing all right with paying bills. Then like a lot of other people I was laid off. The unemployment checks just was not the same. This was about the same time a local car plant announced it was shutting down, and any open jobs were quickly snatched up. Besides finding another better paying job, it has been really hard in keeping and paying bills on time. Discover card decided to jack up the interest rate to 29.9% interest. This is making the bill so high we can not possibly pay it and pay other bills.

The other bills are not too bad. We are starting to make a little head way in paying those off, but more bumps in the road keep appearing. My son is complaining of one of his tooth is hurting(it is a baby tooth), but I was taken off the dental insurance. I could not afford the cobra coverage. I truck needs new ball joints put on it, and it is listed as a $900 dollar repair. The list keeps going one.

I am really hating to ask for help, but I just don't know what else to do. Would there be anyone willing to help out with any extra donations. They would be greatly appreciated. We have about $16,000(Those charges have been adding up for awhile).