Francisco's Personal Finance Blog

Well, as though as the economy is turning out to be, I am proud to say that so far, I am having good luck getting through it. I sometimes feel that when I need cash, it somehow comes through.

A few months back, I had nothing, they I got back tax refund...truly a life saver this particular year.

In other ways, my expenses have been just below what I make, allowing me to relax a little, and desperately work to keep my job.

I have personally had friends and family be laid off or have hours reduced. I am lucky that has not happened to me.

In the end, I realize that by surviving bad times, one learns to be more conservative, and I have also learned that I will never allow myself to go without some sort of emergency savings which I am currently working on building up.

I will never in my life, allow my family to have to concern themselves with whether they will have enough to make ends meet.

This past year has been a learning experience for many of us, and its a life long lesson not to be forgotten anytime soon.


a TOAST TO...

to the future.... and to a better life

Well, it's been one month since I took a part time job. So far, I have learned to adjust my schedule in order to meet my deadlines for my full time job.

This is truly a great learning experience. I have run across and seen some old friends and faces.

Having a second job has shown me first hand the hard life that many others have to make ends meet.

For me personally, the second job is not an absolute necessity, but it has helped me when it comes down to paying my bills.

At the time time, I have actually been able to save a few hundred bucks which gives me some comfort knowing that I won't be starving any day soon.

The hardest part will come when my wife will no longer be working and depend on me totally.

The part time work, and extra income has helped in keeping up with my goals of paying my credit cards aggressively. I am still months away from being debt free, but each month, I am a step closer.



I decided that my part time employment is temporary and that by the late fall, I would spend more time at home.

The shift might be hard after getting used to the extra income but someone we'll make ends meet.

Life is full of every day challenges. I am sure that through some ingenious way,I can make things work.

Well, I took people' advice and recently got an opportunity to work a part time job in the evenings & weekends.

I accepted. The pay will be minimum, but I figure that at this point anything helps.
Either way, I will probably be working only a few hours each week.

I don't believe it will interfere with my current first & full time job.

Well, its all for the best!!.

Well, I guess spring is right around the corner.
I was glad the weather was a lot nicer today that the rest of the week. I guess the temperature being in the 60's beats having had a snow storm this past Monday, which left about a foot of snow on the ground.

I managed to get out for a short walk.
Its the only exercise I really got the whole week.

I am not overweight, but I could definitely tone my body a little.

Anyhow, today we also needed to move our clocks forward. Although I still get up early in the morning, even on the weekends, it never is welcomed.

On the positive side of things, after today, it will still be light at the end of the working day.
I hated leaving work, only to get outside and feel like it was time to go to bed.
Now the sun will still be shinning.

Hooray!!! for the coming spring!!
I can't wait to get outdoors a lot more.

I love traveling in the region.
After having a horrible, we in New England really appreciate the warmer days!!


Happy Sunday to all!!

As I have said before...live can't get any better on my way up!!


http:www.on-my-way-up.com

I work full time monday to friday.
There are times when I think that perhaps a great way to make ends meet would be to get out there and find a second job.

Although this sounds a lot easier said than done, I have given the thought very serious consideration.

The only problem is my preferred time to work additional hours would be just the weekend.

At the moment I haven't found anything.

Any suggestions?

(I have never worked in retail before, but it appears that it may be one of my only choices.)

Its seems to me that as the weeks go by, I haven't made much progress in being able to save anything.

I think regardless of where you stand in the socio-ecnomic ladder, if you don't learn some real financial discipline, you will always be in financial trouble.

I, for example, have the impression that if I earned a little more, could potentially pay of the significant amount of credit cards debt I have a lot faster.

I am working on paying as much as I can each month. I have set the goal of making at least $500 of principal payment each month. For the last three months, it has worked out great.

But changes in life and in circumstances lead me to believe that I should also be attempting to build up a small nest of savings.
I have nothing at the moment, which at times scares me a little.

I am basically living pay check to pay check. Who isn't?

This coming month, I need to revisit my priorities and see where things can be cut.

I, too, need to restructure my finances, but unlike GM or FORD, I can't go bankrupt, otherwise I will end up on the street.

Financial knowledge will definitely be something I will be teaching my baby once he or she grows up.

(I don't yet know if it is a boy or a girls) Its too early.....

Sometimes I think I am working too long without taking some time to get a breath of fresh air.

Its already March 1st, and it feels like December 31 just passed a few days ago.

My point, two months have passed, and I don't think I have done anything productive this year.

My goals: I don't even remember them.

On the positive side: I do consider the next items a great success:

1. I have manged to pay all my bills on time
2. I have managed to pay $500 in principal towards my credit cards as I originally planned.
So far the plan is to stay on scheduled, and eventually my day of debt freedom with come.
4. I still am happy with life...
I think this is worth mentioning...

Everyone needs goals in life and if they aren't worthy ones...there's no real satisfaction with what we actually do..

I have set news goal for myself for this coming month.

1. I am in the process of trying to see if I can get/obtain a part time position during the weekends, and evening during the week, if necessary to ensure that I can start saving some money this year.

2. I also have the intention of applying to a local law school.

This is by far one goal that has come and gone, but I have decided I will shoot for the gold.

It requires me shifting my priorities for the next 4 years, as I plan on pursuing this part time.

I want to ensure I can keep working full time, study part time, and balance my personal life as well.

Its quite a challenge, but I am ready and up for it.

Here we go....to to start working on my personal statement....

I got thinking that most people spend $20 a week to go see a movie (usually you don't want to go alone).
And this doesn't even take into account buying any really expensive, yet not worth it, unless you are starving popcorn.

Well, I had a great time visiting some family members I had not seen in a while.

At times, I feel these visits are great ways to reconnect.

I am a young guy so there is a lot of knowledge my aunts and uncles have shared with me over the last few years.

Nothing beats a free fun evening with family.

Try it sometime...you never know how much you might enjoy it.

Chico

Its amazing how time flies. Over the last few days, my wife and I talk about how much we have enjoyed previous summers.
I was just listening to the radio came on.
I remember the great summer of '04 because of it.
2004 doesn't seem that long ago, but in reality its almost five years ago.

I guess I am just going to have to get used to living with time flying by.

Soon, I will have children and they will grow up.

I can't wait.

Hopefully my finances stay in order for me to make ends meet and to ensure that by the time I want to retire there will be money there for me to live on.

I would have to be a burden on my children in the future.

Chico

wwww.on-my-way-up.com

I just wrote a more detailed explanation of ways to negotiate a good price on a car.
You can find it on my web page:

http://www.on-my-way-up.com

Let me know what your thoughts are, and whether I was clear or not.

Thanks for your opinions.

Chico

Happy Valentine's.
No price can buy one's true love.
For me there is no better gift than knowing that the company of my wife brings great happiness to my heart.

Valentine's day is a day that has been commercialized to the fullest.

But for me, true love is priceless.

I wish you all the best, in life, love & happiness.

Happy Valentine's Day.

My wife is very happy with the choice that we made.

We definately agree that this car will give us peace of mind & reliability.

I can do travel to see my uncle who is about 2 hours away about worrying if I can make it back or not.

I can't wait for the summer when I actually do a lot more traveling.

Talk about spending money.



I just spent $18,900.00 on my new Matrix. I needed a new car because my previous one was having mechanical issues.
I didn't want to deal with it anymore and this deal should permit me to live trouble free for a good while.



Talking about finances: I managed to get myself a good deal.

I got 2.9% on a $18,000.00 loan and payed the rest as the "down payment."

The breakdown on my costs are the following:

$18,900.00 purchase price
$945 (5% sales tax)
25 (transfer registration fee)
50 (new title fee)
298(document fee-financing applic. fee)

GRANd TOTAL:

$20,218.00

DOWN PAYMENT IN CASH $2,218.99

LOAN AMOUNT $18,000.00
Special rate financing at 2.9%.

My next 60 monthly payments will be $323.03 each month.

(PLUS INSURANCE).

Hope this gives an insight into the hidden extra fees associated with purchasing a car.

I will discuss "Negotiating the price" momentarity...but believe me...the better prepared you are the better you can handle the situation..with NO SURPRISeS..

I got grilled for a good amount of time before they gave me the price I go..

...I feel like I got a good deal...considering the options in the car.

They were asking $22,259.00 & I got it for $18,900.00; a reduction of $2259.00

Oh well, I am spending a lot of money...and getting in more debt...in the end I am doing it all for Barack Obama.
I am helping stimulate the economy...

...now if I could only stimulate a pay raise soon....

-More to come-

The only good thing about this day is that I can pay my new bills coming up next week.
Car insurance & utilities due dates are right around the corner.

I just can't believe how fast these past few days have gone by.

On the positive side...I am happy...things are good...I am welll...

Well, that just means I can keep working harder.

Better days are ahead..

I am certain of it.


Chico

http://www.on-my-way-up.com

It seems that 2009 just started and I thoug this year would be off to great start, but I was wrong.

To begin, I just had to pay a $200.00 fine (See post below).

Not only that, this month is short, which means my rent money doens't really give me any ability to progress.

Sometimes I feel that we should pay equal amounts of rent for every month except February.
We all deserve a discount sometimes. February just doesn't seem like a fair deal.

On thought of good news: I kinda got a discount back in December.
My landlord was nice enough to take $50.00 off the rent (Kind of like my Christmas Gift).

In these financially strapped days anything helps.

I have a challenge for all of you to help turn our community into a happier one:

May I suggest a random act of kindness from all of you....make someone's day shine with a smile.

Let me know what you guys do...

best of luck

The only reason I look forward to this time is because there's the possibility of me getting about $1,000.00 back.

The only reason this is great it because it will help me stay afloat the coming months.
I recently got a parking ticket for $200.00 and just mailed it in.

Man, I could have taken a lime ride and it would have a little cheaper.
I tend to think in comparable terms and am just kicking myself for not being more careful.

Goal for the rest of the year: 0 Parking tickets.

I work as a real estate paralegal and this past week it work has been crazy.

With last month's interest rate drop, there has been a jump in our business with many people refinancing.

Its a great time if everyone knows what they are doing.

Anyhow, work has kept me off the computer lately.

I, at least, try to do some reading on during my commute.

I read different topics. I have had a some books sitting around my desk, and I finally go to "Chess for Dummies'.

I learned to play chess a few years ago, but never got any good at it.

It has been a while since I played.

I have the game on my blackberry so I decided that I would read it and start to play again.

I know I can play online,..but for me its just to pass time.

It be great if I learn to become a better player.

For all of you out there, board games are fun and entertaining when you can get a group together.

Sure beats paying $20 bucks for two movie tickets verses a game board costing $20 an can be used indefinitely.

Have fun.

Enjoy life.

I love this website. It allowed me to create my very first blog and has became a useful tool to express my thoughts.

I like the idea that it concentrates on savings and has a lot of advice coming from different people through the world.

I ran across a site that gave me the idea to start up my very own website

http://www.on-my-way-up.com


I was excited to get a jump on it.

I have slightly neglected writing more here, but I definitely will continue to write here..but I will also try to continue developing my own personal site.

I have learned a lot over the last few weeks.

Like all of you I work during the week, so the majority of the updates come on week ends.

I am just getting started on my master plan..but eventually I hope to hone in on a topic that will give me a greater traffic.

My objective is to learn to create a website which is not very easy...and to share my knowledge regarding what I know.

I work in the real estate field so I hope to be of help to as many as I can.

Wish me luck.

The year just began and I thought I was off to a good start until I did the math on what I had to spend on just the first day of the new year.

I intend on trying to keep a spending journal for the month of January.
This will help get create a sustainable budget so that I can try to save some money this year.

I started with $0.00 in savings..and life is not easy this way.

So here's my expense log for January 1st, 2009.

1. Target $7.01
2. Phone $8.21 (partial payment)
3. Toll $0.80
4. Rent $850.00

Grand total $866.02.

For today, January 2nd, I don't expect to incur any expenses.

01/02/2009
Total expenses $0.00

Support my blog and visit my new webpage.
www.on-my-way-up.com

See previous blogg

I I Below
I I
I I
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Hello Everyone, I hope everyone is doing great!!
Best wishes for all your endeavors which you are about to set your sail for.

I haven't been online much, these past few days, but I have learned that I want to learn to create my own personal online web page.

Since I don't have much experience I have spend the last few days just thinking of what I want to do and how to set it up.

I have learned from other people online that if someone wanted to learn something, web page work sounds like a good choice, especially considering all the help that is out there online.

Well, by page is just getting started, but take a look and see it live:

http://www.on-my-way-up.com

By the way, I just managed to squeeze adsense on to it.

It appears that your financially support my effort by just clicking on an add...no buying...no selling...just clicking..

So show your support, visit..and click.

I do wish you all the best for 2009.
May your year begin with a good budge, and it it hasn't, you can't complaint that it is too late to start one.

This year, develop a sustainable budget, live within your means and enjoy life.

Have fun with your friends and family.

See you all soon.

And, thanks for stopping by.

With the year's coming around the corner, now is the perfect time to start considering what accomplishments were were able to complete this year.
For me personally, there are a few things I am very greatfull for. At the same time, there were a few bumps in the road, and unexpected expenses that are leaving me in a small hole I wish I was not in.
Regardless, I am healthy, happy and can continue to enjoy my employment which is the reason I can keep making it on my budget.
So, the great events of this year:

1. I got married, to my beautiful wife!!
2. I am in good health, and living a happy life.
3. I have a steady job that I enjoy doing.


The negatives of this year:
Financially, I am in more debt that I started with. (18K+ right now)
No big financial gains in income :-(
(Negative economy doesn't help me in the job market either...hence my positive review of being happily employed above).

Well, my new year's resolutions are short and swift.
1. I have already prepared my debt reduction plan and have created an amortization schedule for 3 years (36 Monthly payments).
(Not online will I be paying off my debt, but in the next year I will to accumulate some savings simultaneously.)

2. I will probably become a father next year. (Something I am really looking forward too.)

3. Increase in personal aptitude, business knowledge and education.

Well, that's it.

Each week that goes by, I want to increase my personal knowledge in many fields. Personally, I enjoying knowing how things works and how things get done.

One day, my personal knowledge will permit me to success beyond anyone's expectations.

Well, to all of you out there, good luck in your hopes, goals and dreams!!

Never stop, never give up, never give in to pessimism.

Happy New Year!!

I know everyone in financial trouble thinks of the lottery as the solution to all, if not almost all of our financial problems.
I wished I could win something, but it appears that chances of getting something are very slim.

I prefer so use my $1.00 to pay down my credit card. One thing is for sure, it can at least cover one dollar of interest, verses taking a chance at hitting it big.

Don't lose hope and good luck with your debt reduction.

Don't play the lottery often.
A dollar here and there through the year won't do any harm, but don't expect it to be the solution that takes care of it all.

Try this out of you think it might be of use to you.
I use Skype all the time.
Get Voip Save 50% Off Your Phone Bill

One thing I have learned in life is that its never too late to think about the future.

It seemed that when I was a young boy I had ideas of where I would be today.
There have been doors shut in front of me and at the same time new opportunities opened up that I never expected.

I am happy where I am and only hope for a brighter future.

My advice to all that follow is not to lose hope.
I still have dreams of where I would like to see myself in the future, and as I get older is appears that not everything is accomplishable, but at the same time never lose hope.

One thing is for sure, others prefer to always be ahead of us.
The reality is that if you want to be ahead you have to think differently, you have to recognize nobody will ever give you anything, whatever you want, you have to earn it.

Each and every life sacrifice we make gives us the life experience to be the successful person that we all can grow to be.

Again, never lose hope.

Small steps lead to the ultimate place we all desire, whether it's a financially stable life, a better position with work, or just happiness in your life.

A thousand mile journey begins with one step.

Good luck to all!!

Today is payday, sorry, I meant to say Friday.

I am sure that I am not the only one livng on a Friday to Friday basis. It takes a lot of effort to get out tof this cycle, but so far I am getting better and better at it.

I am dispointed to hear so many bad news about hte economy since its just leaves a negative mood with everyone around me.

I have had many lucky breaks.
(Today, I guess NOT being laid of, is a good sign of luck.)

Life shouldn't be this way.
We should feel secure regardless of where we are.

I have a friend who will be retiring in three weeks and I wonder whether I will ever be able to achive the same.

I joke with my wife that I won't wait until 62 or 65 years. I want to retire at 45.

Yes, that seems agrassive, but I have nothing to lose by setting such a fast goal.

Another thing I pointed out to my wife, my friend is retiring with a pension.
(Who is currently working and has a Pension...we only hear 401 (k)..k.kkk.kkk).

I all those kkk can add up. Our hope is we save enough $KKK so live on.

I pointed out to my wife that pensions will be like dinasours. By the time we retire, in about 25-35 years, they will be a thing of the past. A story that people can talk about.

Social security here I come.

Life goes on..


Good luck to all of you, and enjoy your weekend.

We have all heard that in order to be in good financial order, you need to take a budget into account.
Well, I am sure most of you have at some point have had the thought that budgets are something only businesses need. (Not you as an individual who can't possibly live on more than what you earn).

But the truth is, as much as many are you angry that the government is living on a negative budget (it owes more than it takes in). Many of us, as individuals also are living on a budget being our means.

Time for get back on track.

But where to start, well, like any problem, first you have to be honest with yourself and admit you have a problem.
But don't be disappointed. This is the first step to the new you.

To initiate setting up a budget, it is recommended that you write down your moth to month recurring expenses. I would start with items that don't vary. Afterwards, I would add any month to month bills (utilities) that vary and list the average monthly bill, or base it on last month's amount (whichever is the greater amount, you don't want to under budget).

Here is a list of my expenses:

RENT $900
CAR Insurance $160.36
Car Insurance $138.17
Commuter Pass $59.00
Phone bill $118.00 +-
Cable Service & Internet 85
Credit Card $150
Credit Card 2 $150
Student Loan $60.00

Once you have the basics, list any utilities that you may pay.
I don't have many, so here they are:

Gas $45 +-
Electric $35 +-
Food $225.00 +-

Once you start writing down what you pay on a month to month basis, it is important to keep updating your information. I am sure that there will be items that you may have missed.

For example, you may forget to add a water bill, if you pay it on a quarterly basis. The same applies for taxes.

Also remember to try to add excise taxes n vehicles for the month the car registration renews each year.

Its a tough job nailing down all your expenses but this is the very beginning.

I use a notebook, so I can list and check off the items as I pay they through the month.
I also have the due dates written in to ensure that the wills are taken care of with a priority.

Next step:

Try to take note of all your cash & credit expenses on a day to day basis.
Its not necessary for you to cut back, you just need to start becoming aware of where your money is going.

If possible, it's a good a idea to budget for small expenditures such as morning coffee, dinner out on weekends, gifts, and unexpected expenses (i.e. emergency cash).

Getting in the habit of checking where you are is a good idea. You don't need more than an hour each week or two.

Once you have a list of what you typically pay on recurring expenses on a month to month basis, you can set aside funds to ensure that your month to month expenses will be covered, and you won't get caught not having cash to pay bills on time.

This information is also useful to determine where, if desired, you can cut back and not be hurt.
It also helps you determine what services you can cut back on, so that you can save more. (or if in debt like me, save some cash to cover other expenses).

Analyze what your take home pay is and try to budget so that you are no longer in need of using a credit card.

I have not used my credit card for over 6 months. I have had to sacrifice a lot, but not that much. Since I currently have a hefty amount of debt, I don't anticipate using my CC any time soon. I look forward to the day that I will be credit card debt free.

It is a day that is coming, each month I see how much progress i have made, and although it feels bad to be in debt, it feels great knowing that each month the balance is a little less.

Let me know if my information has been of use to you.

I can't wait for Jan 20th.
History is in the making.
I am glad to still be young because I am certain a better, happier future awaits me.

I, perhaps, may still be able to retire after working 20-30 years.

Time to start saving.

Well, its that time of the 4-year cycle again. I had to get up early to go elect the next president.

Well, I did my duty. In fact, I was firt in line.

I have never felt better about making my vote and having it count.

I am proud be part of the group that will bring a new direction to this country.

Make sure all of you than can participate take advantage of the opportunity.

Good luck.

Can't wait for tonight, for the results!!

$18,350.00 in credit card debt is alot of money. Roughly 70% of what I may expect to earn next year.
My, that's a lot.

Is there any affluent reader willing to chip in to help in your sincerest random act of kindness?

Let me know. I would love the help.

Now is the time to get started on setting some goals for the next year.
I have learned that each year we learn something new.
For example, I made some pretty horrible spending decisions this year. (Funds I regret having spend, which could have been used for something more meaningful).
As the year has gone by, I am eager to get myself a brand new desktop with video editing capabilities and a decent graphics card to enjoy some online gaming.

I used to to that a lot more a while back, but since I moved out of my previous home. (I left the desktop computer to my 15 year old brother, and I use this current 3-4 year old laptop.)

Not top of the line to enjoy intense graphic gaming.

I have started looking at computer models. The one thing that pleases me is that I should be able to get a very good one within the price range of $900 to $1300.00, thanks in part to the sagging economy.

This also brings up the point that a lot of people are suffering economically. I too have had to cut back a little.
I am pleased to be happily employed.
I have not personally been affected much, but things to look bad when there is such a negative vibe in the area.

Again, moving back to new year resolutions.

This year, I do plan on becoming for physically active. I have neglected the sports I used to enjoy on a more casual basis. The problem has been my wife doesn't life doing much. But we have to find common ground. I used to bike, Rollerblade, swim, and just go hiking and trail walks.

In economical practice, I plan on starting to save some money.
I have saved nothing so far, just placed my self in debt.

While I have great experience at managing debt and paying bills on time, I have neglected to save for an emergency.

I know financial planner would love for us to have 3 to 6 months worth of expenses saved up. Its a little hard to do, but that doesn't prevent me from going forward with the goal.

As the end of the year approaches, I will re-visit these ideas and see how probable they are.

I don't want to be dreaming, but at the same time, lack to setting goals isn't going to get anyone anywhere.

For all of you setting high goals. Good for you. Don't let anyone set you down.
While they may not be achievable today, they may be tomorrow!!!

Happy new YEAR...soon.