For the first time in about eight years, I feel like I’ve turned a corner in a good way. I’m performing well in a job situated in a relatively good market niche (no talk of layoffs or market loss at our company so far). My job pays a reasonable wage, gives regular raises and has good benefits – and I really like what I do and the people I work with, so the overall working situation is comfortable and positive.
My general health is fairly good – I had a mammogram, colonoscopy and heart scan recently, with good results. However, my cholesterol and blood sugar levels are a bit precarious, which gives me cause for concern. Mobility issues have been helped by the use of foot/ankle braces and a handicap parking permit. The company I work for even created a new handicap parking place right outside my office door, especially for my use.
Weight continues to be an issue – if I lost a considerable amount, it would help all the issues mentioned above. I’m almost at the point where I’m motivated to try (again) to drop some weight. It’s very difficult for me to find the discipline to do it, since I don’t really answer to anyone but myself. However, it’s quickly rising toward the top of the to-do list.
The best news of late is on the financial front. I’ve cut costs and pinched pennies (most of the time) for years, and I think the current economic crunch has actually improved my situation – at least, relative to many other people who have suffered big losses lately. I had no money at all in the stock market, so I dodged that plummeting catastrophe altogether.
Due to a special housing program related to the current economic crunch, I refinanced my house a few months ago, dropping my interest rate almost two percent and saving over $100/month. I’ve also been obsessively paying my bills on time for a long time, which (along with making more money the last couple of years) has improved my credit score to the point where I was able to get a low-interest loan to refinance my car and pay off a loan, reducing my payments another $200/month.
Those changes, along with a recent raise, will allow me to FINALLY start making a significant dent in my credit card debt. I’ve mapped out a plan of attack, prioritizing the cards I want to pay off first. I’m also putting more money aside for an emergency fund (which I’ve never had, really) that will cover deductibles or other emergencies, if necessary.
Even though it’s only been a week or two since some of those changes have been made, I’m already breathing a little easier and am more hopeful about my future – especially my financial future. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s a nice feeling.
