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From Education to Homeownership: My Goal Achievement Story

I think that I have achieved a lot of personal goals in my lifetime. Some were easy goals and some were hard goals. But with determination and a little support from family I achieved the goals I set.

I first completed my goals of going back to school while raising my children. The boys were older but still in school. They often times did not get along or got in trouble when left on their own. With my sister’s help I managed to complete a computer programming course. I still couldn’t program but I graduated. Never got a job in computer programming and programming has completely changed now.

After I moved to Florida, I also went back to school for something different. I got an associate degree in accounting. Education is never lost even if you don’t go into the field you studied. Today everyone is expected to know how to use a computer. Accounting is used everyday as we manage our finances.

Beautiful Colonial Home Similar To Mine WhisperToMe

My biggest goal, perhaps not the hardest goal, has been buying my own house as a single woman. The hardest part of buying the house was getting through the mortgage process. Banks and government regulation can make things harder. I bought my house ten years ago and I love being a homeowner on my own. I don’t like renting although I have done that. When you rent the owner gets to keep all the equity in the house. Meanwhile, all you get is a stack of receipts. Owning my own house, the equity if I ever have to sale the house, the equity will allow me a good retirement. Owning a house is a smart investment.

So I have met several of the goals I set for myself over the years. Now my goal is to continue making improvements to my house. My final goal is to have something to pass on to my children. I guess I will never achieve my goal of becoming filthy rich.

Daily writing prompt
What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself?

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Mastering Your Budget: Essential Tips for Financial Health

I called and interviewed my friend over the phone.

My friend is a very busy person, involved with her church and various other organizations. She has been the treasurer of one or more of those organizations. She also volunteers to teach others responsible money management.

Q: What do you think is the most important part of people handling their finances?

A: Starting with a good budget. People should start by having a budget that covers their basic needs. Housing, food, utilities are basic needs.

Q: Where do you start with a budget?

A: Start with basic needs. Then, create an emergency fund. Put in enough money to cover living expenses for three months.

Q: What about money for fun and entertainment?

A: After the emergency fund has been fully funded, then you can put money aside for other purposes. Vacations, eating out, movies, whatever it is that you want to do for fun.

Q: What are some things that should be cut out of anyone’s budget or at least reduced.

A: Well most people don’t like to hear this but there are many expenses that can be reduced. Things like cigarettes, tattoos, alcohol are a few things that are not necessary for survival.

Q: What success have people had after listening to your advice.

A: Quite a few people have come back to me. They thanked me for helping them get their finances in order. One couple finally managed to buy an older home of their own which was their main goal.

Q: Any final words of advice for those having financial difficulties.

A: Get started as soon as possible to take control of your finances and life will be much better. Pay yourself first by saving even a little bit every week. Trust in God and faith are also important.

Daily writing prompt
Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman — and write a post based on their responses.