Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Update…

There hasn’t been much to report as of late. I just got good news that a friend from law school landed a job at a mid-size firm in Chicago and I am so happy for him. I’m a little jealous too because he is in the Firm’s Restructuring Group which is the type of law that I want to practice. I am hoping to make the transition to a Firm by year end.

I am working on a plan to pay down debt over the next few months. My goal is to pay down $5k in loans this year and this is a lofty goal considering my lower income level. Despite accepting a job here at the Bank, I decided to send out my info anyway and apply for jobs in hopes of landing a higher salary sooner rather than later. I also want to keep my interviewing skills fresh.

That’s about it. I should be posting my new budget soon and my monthly report for March. My first day in the new position is April 16th but I’m not sure when my new salary will go into effect since I am paid just once at the end of the month.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Job Offer…

I received and accepted a job offer from the Bank. I will be moving into the position within the next 30 days. I am excited and a little nervous. The job definitely did not come with the salary I was hoping for but I did receive a $12k increase which is going to help out a lot. Additionally, sometimes you need to force change in order to get your career moving in the right direction. I have been working in the same position since graduating from undergrad 8 years ago so I need something else on my resume. I got too comfortable so I am taking this position to force change on myself, to learn new skills and get more experience. I am still looking to move into a Firm position within the next 12 months so this is hopefully just a stepping stone on my way to practicing law.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

February 2008 Financial Review…

In February, my private loans capitalized so there was a huge increase in my student loan balance. All the principal and accumulated interest got rolled into a new loan balance on 8 different loans. My car if finally depreciating a little quicker and my 401k balance held relatively stable despite huge fluctuations during the month. Liquidity continues to be an issue as I don’t have any huge reserves.

Credit Scores for February

Transunion: 750
Equifax: 730
Experian: 777


Thursday, March 06, 2008

March 2008 Goals…

  • Pay off Revolving Credit Card Balance with Tax Return: $2,800


  • Pay Parents Back with Tax Return: $600


  • Land a New Job and Higher Salary: Min $90k

Monday, March 03, 2008

February 2008 Review…

Move to an all cash/debit system…

Not yet. I don’t foresee this happening until I land a new law position and until I pay off my credit card balance in full which should be this month.

Apply for law jobs…

I have all of my cover letters completed and my resume, writing sample and transcript copied but I haven’t sent them out. My first preference is the position I interviewed for last week. When/If I get that position, I can save the copies for later or send them out in the month of March is necessary.

File Tax Return…

Done. I filed my tax return over the weekend and should receive a refund in about 10-12 days electronically. The total for fed and state is about $3,300. The refund will go to pay off my accumulating credit card balance in full and repay my parents back for the help they gave me with my car/home repairs.