Been a long while

[North Georgia Gal]

It’s been forever since I have been on this blog. Some of your names I remember. I hit rock bottom in 2022. I lost my mom and my sister within a year of each other. They were both my financial safety nets. I realize now that I never really grew up and took care of myself. I was always relying on someone else. I finally admitted that I don’t make enough money and found a job making more. I no longer live an extravagant life. I scrimp and save and hope to be able to buy a condo in the next couple of years. Right now I live with a family friend who charges me minimal rent. She has been helping me learn how to be financially responsible. I have paid off all my loans (except for my car) and all my credit cards. I have a few outstanding medical bills that I am working on. I have a small emergency fund. I just wish it was as easy to save money as it is to spend it.

I’m going to try to post regularly again to hold myself accountable.

[disneysteve]

Welcome back. It sounds like you’ve made great progress. Keep plugging away and it gradually gets easier. As you chip away at the debt it frees up more for saving so that grows faster and faster.

[MonkeyMama]

Hi NGG! It's great to hear from you!

[crazyliblady]

Hi, North Georgia Gal! First of all, I am so sorry for your loss. However, I am happy you are taking this opportunity to improve your financial situation. You are right that it is easier to spend it than save it, but we still try.

[srblanco7]

Very sorry for you and those you lost. Good that you're making progress with leading a life of financial responsibility. Please keep us updated on your progress.

[Petunia 100]

Hello NGG! It sounds as though you have been making wonderful financial progress. What happened to your house, did you sell it?

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom and your sister.

[North Georgia Gal]

Hi Petunia…I was forced to sell my house in 2019 after I was laid off an unemployed for about 6 months. I moved in with my mom until she passed then moved closer to Atlanta to be close to my children.

[bjl584]

welcome back. sounds like you are making good progress. keep it up. don't hesitate to ask lots of questions. there are tons of smart people here willing to help

[myrdale]

Hey North Georgia Gal, welcome to the forums!

You mentioned you're saving for a condo. I'm in NW Georgia, myself. There is lots of new construction going on all over the place, but there are also a lot of deals to be had if you go digging for them.

Financially, it sounds like you're in the process of getting everything in order. Working a personal budget is always good. If the medical bills are old enough, you may be able to settle them. Hopefully 2023 is going to be an excellent year.

[scfr]

Welcome back!

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Welcome back and so sorry for your losses.