The Problem and The End Goal
That’s me…the yellow lone duck… Second step…after this, it’ll all be easier.
Well, I told you why I’m here – so I don’t get fined *pause*… No, but really. I’m here so I don’t get fined… I have to pay attention to my spending habits and this was the best way to keep me on track and to maybe help others along the way.
So, I want to start by first identifying my problems. In my opinion, you can’t do anything about your dilemma until you’ve identified the problems. Essentially, you need to know whats going on so you can build a plan. Okay, got it? Good! Moving on.
So let’s begin with all of the problems I think I have when it comes to my finances:
Problem #1. I am living above my means. When I first moved the D.C. area, I was super excited to get out on my own and not have a roommate. I was done with them, they’re cool but not reallyyy for me. However, I am realizing that living in a $1400 a month apartment is a. ridiculous and b. a feat that you should only attempt when you have a well thought out plan of attack. I also have expensive taste; when I see something I like I want it and that’s it. I don’t care about the tag UNLESS I know for a fact I can get it cheaper or at a later time. There are other things too but, we’d be here all day.
Problem #2. I don’t have a budget. For me to have been a business major and not have a budget is just crazy but you know what, the bottom line is: I don’t have one. Not creating and following a solid budget was one of the dumbest mistakes I’ve ever made, to be honest. It’s not that I don’t know how to make one, because I really do, I am just really lazy and I put things off. *shakes head*
Problem #3. I never use a list. I would walk into a store (target because its slowly become my favorite place along with Trader Joes) and NOT be prepared at all. It’s kind of sad because I wander around for about an hour, pick up things I like and before you know it I walk out with about $100 worth of stuff that I may or may not use.
Problem #4. I am in debt. (It’s okay admitting it is the first step, you’re telling the world right now so you’re doing okay.) Student loans are the devil. Period. That’s all I’m saying about that for now. Credit cards can also be the devil if you don’t use them correctly and I haven’t really been using mine the right way at all *puts head down in shame*. I also did not do my research before applying for a card sooo ya girl might just be in some trouble. I know what you’re thinking…it’s okay. Don’t say it. Really. Just don’t say it.
Now, that I’ve told you all my problems, lets move to where I want to be:
Debt free by 2025. Student loans<<<<<< need to go. Its the only thing stopping me from being great.. #thatisall
Solid budget in 2016. By this time next year, I want to have a concrete budget that I wholeheartedly follow.
Have an emergency fund with 2-3 months rent by 2016.
Stop impulse buying!
Improve my credit score. It’s not terrible but it could be better. So let’s get poppin’! *Cardi B voice*
More money at the end of the month. I need to manage my money to have more money to spend/play with at the end of the month.
Have a travel fund. It’s a weird goal to have I know, but I want to be able to buy a plane ticket and just go. No hesitation.
So here it is… all my problems and goals to help get me started. In the next post, we’ll set parameters needed to accomplish these goals and maybe discover a few other mishaps along the way. See you next time!
Do you know your problems and goals? If so, tell me a couple in the comments! Have you written them down so you can see them? If not, what’re you waiting for? Do this with me!