Financial Freedom February!

Wow! I actually did it.  I managed to create a blog.  I wouldn't say I am the most technologically savvy person, so this blog may take some time to look "spiffy."

I woke up this morning and decided to create a blog about my life.  I am 27 years old, not married, childless, and my career choices have been comparable to how, I would imagine, a schizophrenic feels at a circus....use your imagination.

So with that being said, I have A LOT to get off my chest.  I mean...blog about.  I mean...give advice about.

The idea behind my blog is that change and growing up in your mid to late twenties can't be tackled all at once.  I cannot decide on January 1st that I am going to get my finances together, lose weight, live healthier, fall in love, and devote more time to family all at once.  Let me tell you what is going to happen (speaking from experience).  You try everything at once, you feel great for a week and then BAM! One of your goals starts to dissipate and the rest scatter with it.  

12 Months, 12 Cracks at Change.  I have decided that instead of tackling "life" all at once, I am going to take the various sectors of life and approach them by month.  So let's begin...

February: Financial Freedom February!

I choose "Financial Freedom February" to be my first month-long blog topic because I am a hot mess with my finances.  That being said, I will wait a few weeks to share this blog with both my parents and boyfriend.  I am hopeful that by then they won't take the time to refer to my first ever blog. And although I am mature enough to admit this financial irresponsibility, it is fitting for a 27 year old like myself to blame others for this mess.

Culprit #1: Apollo.  Apollo is the wonderful landlord of mine that had myself and three roommates sign a lease in June, move in July 10th, and then foreclosed on his (our) home August 31st.  Although I would like to be furious about his irresponsible actions (uhhem who am I to talk), I have been living rent free since September 1st.  If I did my math correctly, I should have saved $3,750.  My current savings account has $400.65.  Apollo is to blame because I was unexpectedly given an extra $725/month.  Naturally, with such little notice, I spent it all.  On what? No clue.

Culprit #2: My Job.  I travel on a daily basis to different salons along the east coast.  Salons are typically in shopping centers.  I go to salons, I work. I go next door, I spend.  It is a nasty habit I am having trouble breaking.  If the stores are in front of me, I go in.  Once I am in, coming out empty handed is almost impossible.

Culprit #3: Canton Square. The Canton Square Association should pay a psychiatrist to sit on one of the park benches and counsel the countless amount of people that sacrifice their diets, wallets, livers, pride, and dignity to their venues on a nightly basis.  This topic could have an entire month devoted to it (stayed tuned for "Square Sucks the life out of you September).  But for now, I am simply saying I throw away money on The Square entirely too often.

As you can see, my financial instability is due to the outside influences that I encounter on a daily basis  This couldn't possibly be my fault could it?  If a stranger in the park ever offered candy to me as a child, I wouldn't be here today.  I want instant gratification, regardless of consequences.

Thank goodness for "Financial Freedom February!" I ask you to follow me this month as I tackle the financial challenges that come my way.

My first goal is to spend $100/week.  This includes food, drink, and shopping.  Here we go......