There was a story about me in the paper today!
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31633)
United States
January 28, 2009 7:19pm CST
I emailed a columnist who write about how to save money and she used my tip. Not only that, she interviewed me by phone and I got quite a nice write-up! She thought my idea was great and she and her office staff are using it now.
My idea was to treat credit purchases as you would a debit or writing a check. You enter it in your checkbook in red ink and subtract each purchase from your balance. When the bill comes, you take all those red entries and add them to your balance then write the check to pay off the entire balance. No surprises at the end of the month! You pay off your balance every month and are charged no interest. If you're like me, you have a card that gives you cash back so you're actually making money.
I'm kind of proud of myself! 
5 people like this
10 responses
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
29 Jan 09
Thank you! I didn't really want to have a card but if you don't have one you can't rent a car or buy plane tickets over the net, so many things you can't do. Now that I know I can handle one responsibly I don't mind having one. And I do make money with the cash back.
3 people like this
@mommamusic (882)
• United States
29 Jan 09
Hey that is a really great idea and smart way to say money.Good for you.@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
29 Jan 09
Thanks! I was in credit card debt long, long ago and swore I never would be again. This method works very well for me.
3 people like this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
30 Jan 09
That was my motivation, to help others. Too many people treat credit cards as if they are sources of free money and that's why they get into debt.
1 person likes this
@theweerouss (982)
• United States
29 Jan 09
that's very similar to how i manage my credit cards/spending as well! i use a spreadsheet on the computer, and make sure to update each day. good for you! congrats on being recognized for your smart financials!
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
29 Jan 09
That's a good way to do it, too! It's so important to control spending and know exactly how much money you have at any given time.
1 person likes this
@puddytat101 (657)
• United States
29 Jan 09
Dear Lord,
So far today, I'm doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, selfish, grumpy, nasty or self-indulgent. I have not whined, complained, cursed or eaten any chocolate. I have charged nothing on my credit card.
But I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I will probably need your help then!
meow & ciao!
^..^
@umcane86 (65)
• United States
29 Jan 09
I work at a TV station in Norfolk, VA and we did a full 2 minute package on a woman who after having her second kid became a stay at home mother, went coupon clipping and wound up saving more money in that way than she was making at her part time job. It's amazing what some people can do with some time and determination to solve things as easy as possible. Bravo and well done!
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
29 Jan 09
Wow, 2 minutes is a LOT in TV!! She must've been very creative, she's a good mom and wife. I would like to see every mom able to stay at home with her kids.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51838)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
30 Jan 09
Congrats on the interview.
Right now I'm still paying off my credit card debt, so I'm not making any new purchases. It should be fully paid off in about 4-5 months. If I'm lucky, I'll have a month with no payments before I have to have my roof redone, then I'll be in debt again. Sigh.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51838)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
30 Jan 09
Oh, yes, mmost of my monthly payment is going toward the principle... I'm only paying a little less than $3 a month interest now.
As for saving up, no can do... I'm on assistance. I haven't researched any grant possibilities yet, but I don't think they'd cover it. It's not just putting up new shingles, but disposing of the 3-4 layers already up there, then repairing the holes in the eaves where the critters are getting in.
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
30 Jan 09
Are you designating funds towards the principal? That will pay it off more quickly and save you paying interest. Can't you save up to get your roof done or is it in such bad shape you'll have to do it immediately? It's awful to be in debt. You should look into getting a government grant--I've been doing a few articles on that subject and people get grants for home repairs. Look it up on the internet but don't pay for any information! I plan to do some research on it, too.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
29 Jan 09
I am a little proud but what makes me happy is that I finally managed to get my idea out to the general public. I'd tried before but no luck and I really believe this could save people a lot of heartache, stress and money.
1 person likes this
