The New Job
Next week, I walk into the unknown. Things feel a little scary already. I really, really hope things go well, or at least well enough to get me through the next several months. In any event, my days of freedom are nearing their end, one by one.
The Debt
I got my vacation payout check and quickly threw it at the debt. It was the first thing I did the morning the check hit my account. As in I opened my eyes, checked the time and my bank balance on my phone, opened my computer and made the payment. Omg. I can’t pay this debt off fast enough.
Last month, I refinanced my then $24,200 student loan balance again in order to lower my minimum monthly payment given the job uncertainty I was facing at the time. I refinanced my one loan and got two loans instead.
- 18k @ 3.3% (min $327/mo) Lender 1
- 6.2k @ 4.6% (min $116/mo) Lender 2 (Now paid off!) Woot! 😀
As of today, the smaller loan is paid off! Gone! I paid it off before the first payment was even due!
This leaves only the larger loan to pay. After making a small payment to eliminate accrued interest, my total debt balance now stands at an even $18,000.
In celebration of reaching $18k, I decided to look up my 18th post on this blog, which turned out to be My Unemployment Budget [posted April 27, 2013]. Wow. I’d just been fired from my job, was under enormous stress, and was sorting out my finances until I started working again. Sound familiar? Sigh. Well even so, I’ve come a long way since then.
In fact, I couldn’t help myself and did a payoff estimate calculation to see how much longer I have to deal with this infernal debt.
According to this calculation, if I can pull together a monthly payment of at least $3,050 per month, I could have this debt paid off by sometime this December! I could have it paid off, in theory, anyway. Life, however, rarely ever seems to stay stable for me for very long. Regardless…
Let the countdown begin!
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“Debtor’s prison is real, and opportunity cost is a bitch.” (DDSW Archives)
Double Debt Single Woman 
Oh yeah! Keep at it, you’re almost done 🙂
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Thanks! 😀
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WooHoo! Look at those numbers drop! Sending you all the positive vibes for a speedy debt paydown and the new job.
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Thanks for the vibes! 😀
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Wow! December! You got this!
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Hey TT,
Yeah, if all goes well. I hope so! 😀
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So very inspiring!
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Thanks, Candice. 🙂
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Wow, 18000! 😀
Yes, get that loan paid off this year, that would be awesome!
Will you still get the career coaching you were thinking about now that you’ve paid off the one loan (or is it perhaps no longer relevant)?
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…and so much good luck on your new job. It only has to be good enough for the next several months to a year, I think the odds are in your favour for that to happen!
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Thanks, Maria. 🙂
I don’t know. I paid off the loan so fast, I might not be eligible now. I’m still figuring things out in terms of what kind of coaching I need.
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YES!!!!! Congratulations! You are soooo close; almost there! Keep going! Totally inspired by you right now! Can’t wait until Monday when I get to make a payment! 😀
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I know! Seeing that balance drop is a good feeling! Keep it up, Eri. 😀
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I’ve been keeping up with your blog the last few months – so much fun to read and so awesome that you’ve been able to knock down your debt despite everything, and all by yourself. Thanks for the inspiration! Will continue to check in til you cross the finish line!
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Thanks! And thank you for reading. 🙂
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dancing! on! my! couch!
I find it hilarious/awesome/mostly awesome that you paid the little loan off BEFORE THE FIRST PAYMENT. What a rockstar.
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Ha Ha! Thanks, C! 😀
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So close! Your progress is awesome.
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Yes. It’s starting to feel close, finally. 🙂
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Wow!! Congrats on getting to the 10’s! Is it weird that I’m actually more excited about your debt progress than my own?
Good luck on the new job. You’ll rock it 🙂
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Awww. Thanks, Avery! 🙂
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It sounds like you may be able to enjoy the most liberated, satisfying Christmas imaginable. Very best of luck with this final push to the line. I am in London, but inspired by your story.
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Yeah. I hope it will be the a great holiday season.
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We are all rooting for you, especially in this final stretch! You’ve got it! And the very best of luck as you embark on this next phase of your career. Anyone who has been through what you’ve been through has all the strength, courage and ability to take on whatever lies ahead.
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Thank you, Lan. 🙂
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You totally rock!
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Thanks, Isabella. 🙂
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I cannot tell you what a jolt it gave me to see that $18,000 number at the beginning of your post. A really good one, I mean!! The progress you have made is nothing short of phenomenal!! So tomorrow is the first day at the new job?? I know you are nervous, but you will do great. And by December, the debt will be gone, and you will have the freedom to go for any job you want!!!
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Thanks, Terri! Yeah, I just need things to stay stable in my life for the next 6-12 months and a job that doesn’t burn me out.
I’m so looking forward to that day when it’s done!
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Hope the new job is treating you well. Looking forward to the next update.
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Thanks for checking in! Updated has been posted.
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December is not that far away. You can make it until December! You have $10,000+ emergency fund. Keep going!!!
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Thanks for the encouragement. I need to take things one week at a time, at this point. It’s hard enough to make it through a week. Every one is a little victory.
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