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JenOni

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Financial Health : The How to Save in Every Decade Infographic

Financial Health: How Much Should You Save?

Financial health is an important topic for women specifically single moms.   What happens when life throws you a curveball? Some major life changes can drastically impact your financial health such as illness, marriage, new baby, unemployment or divorce.   How do you prepare for the unexpected? As I have learned as a single mom with one income, the best way to prepare is to start early building your financial health.   The key is to save, invest, eliminate debt and set a budget so you are living within your means.

After separating and filing for divorce over 40,  I was forced to start rebuilding my finances.  Two years of unemployment with no additional streams of income made it an excruciating challenge.   In spite of these circumstances, my debt continued to accrue without a safety net.

Earnest, a lender that offers personal loan and student loan refinancing.   Below is a very informative infographic from Earnest on how to prepare financially for every decade.   It is never too late to get yourself on the right track.   The advantage is the earlier you start the better.    If you are interested in learning more on refinancing student loans, click refinance student loans.

 

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Banking App Qapital to Save with Automated Savings

 

savingwithqapital

 

Banking app QAPITAL?

Banking app Qapital is an easy way to save small toward a large goal.  This is my new way to save a little at a time toward a financial goal.  It’s really easy to set up to an account at QAPITAL.

  1. Link a bank card for purchases to save on
  2. Set a goal
  3. Rule set for account, how much saved and frequency

I established my account 4 weeks ago and have saved $49.16.   Every time I make a purchase with the card linked to my account, the rule rounds up the purchase to the nearest $2.00 and save the difference.

Here’s an example, if my purchases are $76.08 and round up to nearest $2.00 equal to $78.00.  The amount saved to my account $1.92.   It’s that easy!  You can also add the Qapital app to your smartphone(IOS or Android).

  1. I set my goal toward savings
  2. My rule sets
  3. My account receives deposits four days a week Monday-Thursday.
  4. The site is encrypted so transactions are secure.
  5. There are no fees for minimum balances, set-up, or monthly fees.  Deposits are stopped if the account will be left with less than $100 and will resume once the amount is available.
  6. You can link Qapital to IFTTT and save doing everyday activities.   For example, each time I post to Instagram You can set an amount to deposit into my Qapital account. There are about 200 options on IFTTT.

This is the best way to put a small amount for a big goal.   Here’s how to start your account, Qapital.  For a smartphone, go to Apple Store or Google Play.

The Reality of Finances when Raising Children with One Salary

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Finances and the Reality of Raising Children with One Salary

Finances and raising children needs a serious reality check for some individuals.  In January 2017, a published reported stated a cost of raising a child as a married couple with two incomes is $233, 610 from birth to the age of 17. Although, I do not have a newborn being a divorced parent with two school-age children and one income is a major financial challenge.

For some reason,  it seems as if true expenses associated with raising children or trying to raise children effectively are overlooked.   The cost of living increases year over year and it entails more than housing, food, and clothing for children.    The additional expenses change each year as children get older.   For example, working full-time requires before and after care services.  There is no way around this expense if children are too young to come on their own.  Childcare is a yearly expense of $6,000 each year with an incremental increase each year.   It is a necessary expense and unavoidable.   During summer break, a camp is another expense which can range from $2,000 to $4,000 per child depending on the program.   Both of these expenses are critical for providing a safe and nurturing before and after school as well as during the summer months.

If children have an interest in playing sports there are expenses incurred.  Most townships offer sports programs for a fee each season.  In addition to the fee,  sports require some element of the uniform at my expense such as footwear, safety equipment, special clothing, etc.

Another expense is related to healthcare.   One of my children has a pre-existing condition which requires a monthly prescription with an out of pocket expense over $150.  This year my pediatrician changed the concentration of the medication and this increased the medication to over $200.  Yes, I do utilize my HSA to conver some of my healthcare expenses.   However, there the unfortunate times which require an emergency room visit.   In light of plans with deductibles,  there are costs for ER visits and overnight stays in a hospital.    There are hospitals that offer financial assistance to reduce medical bills.   I would suggest taking the effort to fill out the necessary paperwork.

Both children are in public schools.   September brings a new round of school supplies at my expense.  If after school clubs are offered, a fee is charged.   School trips have fees.   There are classroom events planned where parents are expected to contribute monetarily.   I am a firm believer of being a parent who is engaged on all levels of my children’s education.   This year my daughter wanted to play an instrument, there is a fee to rent the instrument for the school year.

Extracurricular activities such as vacations, day trips or cultural experience, sporting events are another expense.  Yes, some may these are not necessary.  My goal is to expose my children to as much as possible to nurture a well-rounded productive individual who can navigate in this world.

It is obvious some individuals are clueless when it comes to raising children beyond the necessities.   I think it is a waste of time to educate anyone on the how and why of parenting in the 21st century.    It is very despicable to me for individuals to provide the bare minimum and not be held accountable.   If it is a hard concept to grasp as far as what is required for financially supporting the well-being of children,  Google it!

Goals in the New Year, No Resolutions in the New Year

Goals for New Year

 

Goals for New Year

I never believed in creating resolutions, however, a new year is an opportunity to set new goals for myself.   In the last twelve months, I realize there are still areas of improvement for me to get closer to my financial goals.  Health & Fitness are important for me to

Health & Fitness – Taking Care of My Temple December was eye-opening for me in terms of taking care of my internal temple.  My lean physique is misleading in terms of being healthy.  I  learned after my preventative office visit and blood work that my internal health is driven not only by exercise but also my diet.   For so many years, I believed reducing certain foods was enough.   This is only half of the challenge.   My diet was missing foods with the right nutrients.  I will admit the week of Christmas is a week of overindulging.   Christmas brings baking cookies with lots of butter, sugar and all the other foods I normally avoid during the year like homemade buttermilk pancakes.   Regardless, it was a wake-up call to increase my fruits and vegetables, reduce sugary foods and saturated fats.  Now I am taking Vitamin D and B12 vitamins for the 4-6 weeks.  Also adding fish oil at meal time once a day.   I’m excited to be on track for healthier living.  In addition to my annual OB/GYN and mammogram, I realize how important it is to have a yearly physical.

Finances/Building Credit/Investing –  Managing finances has been a challenge for the past 7 years.   Unemployment and divorce are hurdles that take years to overcome.   I wish there was a quick switch but it takes to time to rebuild. One mistake was paying a company to assist with credit building.  After a year and a half of wasting money, I decided to take matters into my own hands.   The first step was reviewing copies of my credit report and devising a plan to try and pay off creditors.  For new debt, being very consistent with paying on time.   The benefit of before-tax payroll deductions is another way to invest and save money as a way to reach financial goals.   A plan to create additional streams of income is a work in progress.

Self-Care –  In 2016,  I spent a few days enjoying time for myself.   I tried classes at a new yoga studio and finally a chance to try a Soul Cycle class.   One thing I missed doing is scheduling the time to really relax.  I found my time off from work being filled with running errands or school commitments.   A spa day or half-day is long overdue.   This is the year when I have to be adamant about not accommodating the schedules of others.

Travel – Scheduling economic ways to enjoy travel.   Finding a travel agent to book an end of the year trip.  Stay tuned.

The Financial Impact of My Divorce

 

Financial Impact

One thing I know for sure is my divorce took a toll on my finances!!!!  This feels like an understatement as I look over the course of events from separation to divorce.    I decided to move out of my marital property and I knew there was the risk of not reaching a mutual agreement to sell the property.      In 2008, a year before I lost my job in addition to marital issues I could see the finances spiraling out of control.      Shame on us for not having a financial cushion to cover any unexpected events.    In 2009 while I was still living in my marital home I was laid off from my job.    Although I qualified for unemployment  I made the mistake of using my 401k to keep the household afloat.   Wow if only I could kick myself for this act of foolishness!

After I moved out of my marital property the house slowly crept into default status.   I remember at the closing of my 1st house someone saying YOU PAY, YOU STAY!!!   Despite my efforts in putting the house on the market, it went to the LEFT!     The options for the property were to sell, refinance the property or apply for assistance to save the property.   I desperately wanted to make this a win-win situation, however, I believed selling the property and breaking even was the most logical.      When the bank learned the house was no longer occupied they moved in to foreclose on the property.   It took almost 3 years for the bank to foreclose which is a clear LESSON there were OPTIONS available.   As the saying goes at this point, NO SENSE IN CRYING OVER SPILLED MILK!

What I learned from this lesson is real world decisions are extremely challenging when there is a constant tug of war!  Logic and being rational go out the window!!!!    Here I am with two kids moving into my mother’s home and still unemployed.   I was unemployed for 2 years and 2 months before I secured a new position.   Cartwheels in my head!!!and shouting from the rooftop!!!! I felt like a weight had been lifted.    As you can imagine two years of no income, separated, marital property in default, bills piling up and I felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel.   The plus side – I did not have rent or a mortgage although I had my car payment.   I used my new job’s 401k to build my nest egg back up.    For anyone who has used an attorney for their divorce the legal fees(I will cover in another post) add up significantly.

My divorce became final 2 years and 7 months after I moved out of my marital property.  This was yet another weight lifted as I had closed another chapter.     Now it was time to deal with the financial aftermath!!!   It felt overwhelming just to open my mail because of the letters and phone calls from creditors.   I literally chose to ignore the creditors and focus on providing my children with what they needed specifically their education.   After consulting with a financial advisor I contemplated filing for bankruptcy.  Can I tell you how happy I am with not proceeding with this decision?

Now I fast forward two years and I am in a new job making more money and able to secure an apartment for us.   Despite my credit issues, I was able to get approved for the apartment, this taught me that in a lot of cases people are really willing to help your drive and ambition.   In some cases, landlords will take a higher down payment or allow a cosigner for the lease.    Just remember do not lose hope if we do not ask you  shall never receive.   When I came to look at my apartment the property manager told me I will do whatever I can to make this work you.    I had never met this gentleman(property manager) our only modes of communication were via email or by phone.    This was clear sign that we have to believe in ourselves each and every day.  We are capable and worthy of living a life that is fulfilling!

Two months ago my job was eliminated so back to the drawing board of finding full-time employment.    My rent was paid in full for the month of June.     In order to say ahead, I pulled money out of my 403K to pay the next two months of rent.   I call this an interim break for me to get my FINANCIAL AND PERSONAL HOUSE in order.    My financial house in terms of debt elimination, credit restoration, savings, and retirement.   Once I secure a position I will be ready to funnel my money into the right channels.  You have to be extremely PROACTIVE in getting your financial house in order.   I started with sending my creditors certified letters to cease and desist any form of communication.    Granted I know this does not relieve me of owing the debt but I feel it does  eliminate the stress of my phone ringing with random numbers.

As a single mom, it is vital that we have a plan b, c, d, e and on and on.   When one door is SLAMMED open the next door and see what lies ahead.   There are a lot of factors associated with why we have to make certain decisions. For example, I moved into an apartment because I wanted to move to a better school district for my kids.    Fortunately, for me, I was able to find a 3 bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood and excellent school district.   The apartment building only has one utility bill, water and heat are included.   For this area, this was like hitting a jackpot of rental properties.   While I understand that home ownership is the best investment.    I know for me now is not the best time especially with a foreclosure on my credit report.    I am not opposed to owning real estate at a later date because it is a great investment.   Owning a home is hands down a great experience however it comes with a lot of financial responsibility and not just the mortgage payment.   There are additional expenses associated such as homeowners insurance, real estate taxes, utilities, and maintenance/repairs.    Also having job security or job stability is a necessity but not a guarantee.    As a single mom, I will always be the primary breadwinner for me and my kids.     I firmly believe that you must have a financial cushion before you even elect to purchase a home, especially as a single mom.   My long-term plan is to establish other viable streams of income beyond my day job.

Another mistake I made was securing a company to help with improving my credit score.   Initially, I thought this was a great way to help me but after losing my last job I canceled the membership.    In 2011, I paid $99 per month to have the company “clean up my credit”.  Well, it was not a great decision.    Just imagine how many creditors I could have paid with $1,200.   When I contacted the company to cancel my account, of course, I was sold on maintaining an account for half of the price.  Duped again,  I paid $49/month for 12 months.  Let’s do the math that was another $600 to pay off some debt.      The bottom line is these companies have verification of debt form letters they send out in postage paid envelopes to creditors.   Guess what? You can do this for yourself-FREE!!!    There is no way this company can assist in increasing  without me paying down some of my debt.    They were able to have two aged items.  Guess what? You can do the same thing upon request and did I mention for FREE!!!   The overall lesson is education yourself on your credit report by checking it periodically if you have concerns, know your rights,  dispute any inaccuracies and update incorrect information.

My biggest challenge is using my salary to my advantage in terms of establishing a budget, saving at least 6-8 months of salary, and saving for retirement.   One thing I have instituted with my kids is the want vs. need factor.    If you need it then we purchase if not it stays in the store!!!  It is difficult to say NO but my kids need a gauge.   I have been a bit too liberal with my kids in the past year, unfortunately, the buck stops here.   Our rent, food, utilities and necessities are  PRIORITIES.

Here are some of the steps I’m taking to start the process of CLEANING MY FINANCIAL HOUSE:

  1. reviewing my credit report to determine accuracy via a free secured site (used ScoreSense.com).   The site offers a 10-day free trial and then a monthly subscription for $39.95 per month.  You are free to cancel.    From the site’s dispute center I was able to include a  consumer statement on each report to explain delinquency.    I also uploaded the documents to update some inaccurate personal information.
  2. total the amount that is actually owed, the age of debt, determine what can be paid (some amounts  on there are extremely small amounts) ~>$50,000 (which includes my last student loan).  Also have to include my lawyer fees of $13,000
  3. to alleviate the stress of creditors communicating with me~ I sent cease and desist letters. NOTE this does not relieve the debt.
  4. Working with Kara at TheFrugalFeminista  to assist with a plan for how to budget, debt elimination, and establishing additional revenue streams, savings, and retirement.  Also, determine what happens with the foreclosure listed on credit report after 7 years.  (my mortgage went into default status in 2010)

My teen will be in college in 4 years and my eight-year-old  in 10 years.    I am planning and praying for financial aid,  scholarships and possibly student loans(worst case scenario) we can fund their educations.   If I money is available after debt elimination opening up 529 accounts is another funding source.

I have learned first hand it is not logical to rely on one revenue stream.  It is extremely critical to establish additional revenue streams to get closer to my financial goals.