I'm on my way to California for the Christmas and Kristi and I have been listening to a lot of people call in to the Dave Ramsey show with huge problems. Problems with their husband/wife/significant other/family. Problems with their management of money. Debt problems, health problems, car problems. It really makes me appreciate all that I have, and all the plans I have to continue the success we've achieved in 2011.
First of all, let's begin with my lovely wife Kristi. We've been together for 7 and a half years, but we've only been married since May 2011 and I couldn't be happier. Statistically the number 1 reason for divorce is money issues. As the saying goes, "It's not 'till death do you part,' but rather "till debt due you part." I am so incredibly fortunate that Kristi and I are on the same trail together. She has been working on me for awhile, but I had to come around on my own. And I'm so happy that I did. Kristi and I have struggled with finances in the past, but we're both on board, we've circled the wagons, and we're on our way. I don't think I could do it without her, and I'm so glad I'll never have to.
Secondly, I want to reflect a bit on how much 2011 has changed my life. I think this will always be a year I look back on and marvel at just how fortunate I've been. The year started off with landing a job at Optimize Technologies and I love my job. Every day I go to work for a locally-owned company that cares about me and that wants me to succeed. I enjoy everyone I work with, the atmosphere fits my personality perfectly, and the only direction I've gone in the almost year I've been there is up. I've heard some whispers on the next step at Optimize, and I'm catiously optimistic about my review next month. Stay tuned for an update on that front.
The year continued with my wedding and subsequent honeymoon. I'll always remember my wedding as one of the happiest moments in my life. I was surrounded by my closest friends and family as I made the committment to Kristi and I will be eternally grateful for all the help and memories everyone there shared in. And then there was the honeymoon! Words can't explain how great that was, and I'll always remember it.
As the year continued I made new friends and deepened other friendships on and off the softball field. I couldn't ask for a better group of guys to spend a few nights a week with. I'm looking forward to the 2012 season that starts in a few weeks (cold!!).
In September Kristi resumed school and thus far has had a much better year than last year. She's comfortable in her role and the kids are much better behaved for her because she has the confidence that comes from someone who knows their position and how to get the most out of the kids she has. It's really been helpful for our relationship as she's not bringing home bad experiences every day. To me she is happier than sh's been in a long time with being a teacher.
In October we had the priviledge to stand witness at our best friends' wedding. The lead up, the ceremony, and the reception were great and I really enjoyed meeting Tamara's friends and family, many for the first time. I am so happy for them and I know now that the clock is ticking before our lives are full of baby joy.
And finally I want to look back on the debts we paid off this year, and the debts we're on track to paying off next year. This year we paid off a small student loan that my mother had to co-sign for when I was in college. This was very important to me because I didn't want my mom to have to assume any risk on behalf. She was gracious to do so when I was in college, but I no longer wanted to have her in that position nor do I ever intend to put ANYONE in that position again. After that we took care of some other small loans/credit card debts. We (or rather, I) wasn't as committed as I am now, otherwise we would have done much more. We had a balance on a Home Depot card for our carpets (at 0% interest for 12 months) and I had a balance on a ShaneCo card for the wedding gift I gave Kristi (also at 0% interest). Even though they were 0% interest, the priciniple of being beholden to a credit card company frustrated us to no end. Part of the plan is to cash roll everything, so we knocked out those debts quickly. We also took care of the truck and the first of 4 Gate Loans through American Education Services, the recent one happening last week!
For 2012 we're on track to pay off the following loans:
January 2012: Gate 2 ($2500ish)
March 2012: Gate 3 ($2800ish)
May 2012: Gate 4 ($5000ish)
July 2012: ECSI ($5300ish)
September 2012: K Loan 1 ($4800ish)
December 2012: K Loan 2 ($5500ish)
Wow... Just looking at that makes me smile. We're on track to knock out 6 (SIX!!) loans this year based on our currect incomes and payment plan. That's awesome and I can't wait for 2012 so we can meet this challenge head on.
Merry Christmas everyone and may the New Year bring you new joys and adventures!
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