11/27/2021
The Truth About How I went From Living Paycheck to Paycheck to Financially Healthy
Yes- that’s right. There was a time I was working over 80 hours per week, I had no benefits and I was living off of waitressing tips to buy groceries because the 3 jobs I had were not paying all my bills, let alone putting me further ahead. Instead I was getting hit with a tax bill every year because all these part time jobs we not taking enough tax off my check. I was maxed out on credit cards and had carried forward debt into my life from a relationship I ended.
Moral of the story? I have been there. I decided I didn’t want to stay there any longer.
What did I do?
#1 Made a biweekly and monthly budget. I tracked every cent. I wanted to know where my money was going, when it was going to hit my account and how much of it I needed.
#2 I figured out ways to live below my means. I got a vehicle that cost me less on a payment, I called around and got my vehicle insurance lowered, I learned how to meal prep, pack snacks and coffee to avoid eating on the road, I price checked everything, I analyzed all aspects of my spending to see what was necessary and what pleasures I had that were putting me over my budget.
#3 I started saving. Because I found money in my budget did not mean it was there for plays. It was there for keeps. EMERGENCY FUND, SHORT TERM SAVINGS, RETIREMENT. I learned how to PAY myself FIRST.
#4 Protected my life, because I didn’t want anyone else paying my dues to society if I passed away, I also wanted to make sure there was money coming into my home to replace my income and in the event of terminal illness it was there for medical treatment.
#5 I learned my worth, I got a job that was stable, and paid me enough to cover my bills and then instead of finding another part time job to grow my wealth, I went to work for me because HELLO tax write offs!
#6 I educated myself on How Money Actually works, I figured out how to pay off my debt quicker. Negotiated interest rates and hit principal every month not just that minimum monthly interest payment. I also cancelled that balance protector; turns out it is useless.