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Birthday Reflections: How Last Year Changed the Way I Look at Life

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<p>January 29 is my birthday. Every year, I take a moment to reflect on the previous year, how I grew, changes that happened, and so on. This year’s birthday reflections left me feeling thankful and glad for the life I have.</p>::Pexels

January 29 is my birthday. Every year, I take a moment to reflect on the previous year, how I grew, changes that happened, and so on. This year’s birthday reflections left me feeling thankful and glad for the life I have.

Why I Reflect Every Year

Many people take the time to reflect at the end of the year and the beginning of the next. While I do love to reflect around January 1 like everyone else, reflecting around my birthday has always been important to me. Every year, the number associated with how long I’ve been on this planet goes up. People often associate your age with certain milestones. Next year, the year I turn 30, is a big one for many people. You’re “supposed” to have met so many milestones by the age of 30. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind peers your age.

That is one of the biggest reasons I sit down and reflect every year: not to compare myself to others but to compare myself to who I was last year. It gives me a version of myself to say, “Wow, I’ve come a long way.” My 28th year of life was kind of crazy, but in the most special way. I grew closer to my husband, we grew in our careers, and we welcomed our daughter into the world. It was truly an amazing year, but how have I personally changed?

My Birthday Reflections: Year 28

This year was definitely one to remember. Now granted, I spent most of the year pregnant and preparing for the birth of my child. However, that experience and other things I went through last year have completely changed who I am fundamentally as a person. I grew in more ways than one. Last year, I started practicing yoga, which has become an important part of my life. I did a lot of things that made me uncomfortable to improve myself as a person (including taking new classes, meeting new people, and going to the doctor more).

Financially, I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be, but our finances grew in 2021. We were able to save, set up everything for the arrival of our baby, and spend a solid eight weeks with her after she was born without having to work. That was fantastic. Honestly, money has become less important to us as a whole. Spending time together is where we’ve been focusing our efforts.

The biggest change for me this year was the idea of family was altered in a huge way. I’ve always had a large family (my dad is one of nine children). There have always been aunts, uncles, cousins, out there somewhere. The family I’m talking about is a bit different though. Leading up to my 29th birthday, I learned a new sense of family. My husband, daughter, and I have such an amazing, close-knit support system. Seeing how these individuals rallied around me, around us, last year was amazing. Twenty-nine is starting out to be an interesting year already. Change is in the air and I’m excited to see what the next year brings.

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How to Cover Dental Emergencies

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<p>It never fails. Things seems to be going great and then you are hit with something that costs an arm and a leg. For me, last month, the unexpected costs were related to dental emergencies. If you don’t already know, dental insurance is a racket. So, when it comes to covering the cost of an emergency, it usually falls on you. How do you cover it if you don’t have the cash upfront?</p>::Pexels

It never fails. Things seems to be going great and then you are hit with something that costs an arm and a leg. For me, last month, the unexpected costs were related to dental emergencies. If you don’t already know, dental insurance is a racket. So, when it comes to covering the cost of an emergency, it usually falls on you. How do you cover it if you don’t have the cash upfront?

Types of Dental Emergencies

Believe it or not, just because it seems urgent to you doesn’t mean your situation is a dental emergency. There is a set of criteria the dentist uses in order to decide whether or not your problem is an emergency or not. Some common dental emergencies include:

  • Unexplainable toothache – this is your body’s way of telling you there is something wrong in your mouth
  • Swollen jaw or mouth – swelling in the jaw or mouth may indicate infection
  • Exposed nerves – when this happens it can be extremely painful and needs attention immediately
  • Missing tooth – if they are contacted quickly the dentist may be able to preserve the tooth
  • Missing filling – without the filling your tooth can easily break or chip
  • Broken crown – any broken dental work in your mouth needs fixed as soon as possible
  • Abscessed tooth – a tooth abscess is an infection and needs medical attention
  • Food stuck – being unable to remove food from your teeth is annoying but it can cause infection and even shift your teeth if stuck too long

At the end of the day, your dentist will be able to tell you whether or not the situation is an emergency. They will usually be able to get you in within 24 hours for issues that need immediate attention. That being said, dental work is crazy expensive. How do people pay for this stuff?

How to Cover the Cost of Unexpected Dental Work

When it comes to covering the cost of dental emergencies, the numbers can be steep. For instance, I don’t have dental insurance. Because of this, I have to pay out of pocket for dental services. I pay $234 for “in-house insurance” with my dentist. This covers two cleanings a year, all x-rays, and discounts off any other services. However, it didn’t cover my deep cleaning gum therapy last Friday. The discounted bill that I paid out of pocket was $785. They drew up a plan for me to have all four wisdom teeth extracted as well (another $1,700 at some point down the road). Thankfully, I was able to get this paid, but if you are looking for ways to cover these astronomical prices, take note of these options.

  • Inquire about making payments: Smaller privately-owned practices may allow you to make payments on the services you receive. Ask about any payment options the office provides.
  • CARE Credit: CARE Credit is a credit card that you can use for medical services. If you get a CARE Credit card it can help you pay for anything medical, not just dental services. Be wary though, this is another line of credit that you’ll need to pay off.
  • Dental schools: One hygienist talked to me about going to a dental school for some of the work I needed done. If that is something you are comfortable with doing, check for dental schools in your area. They will give you huge discounts on services so their students can get the practice they need.

As a last resort option, you can always borrow money or get a small loan for dental emergencies. After all, anything that impacts your health is important enough to invest in.

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How We Paid Off $65,000 of Debt In 11 Months on a Single, Middle Class Income

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Part 2 of a 3-Part Series

At the end of July 2013, my husband Mike and I decided to pay off all of our debt, including our mortgage, as quickly as possible.

We understood it was a huge endeavor and estimated that it would take us about eight years to do, but we knew the feelings of freedom and achievement once we met our goal would be well worth the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work in the end.

As the saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

We still have a long way to go before we are completely debt free, but in this three-part series, I am taking you through exactly what we did to pay off over $65,000 from August 2013 through June 2014.

If you missed Part 1, you can check it out by clicking here.

If you want to skip ahead to part 3, go here.

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What is a Debt Validation Letter?

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<p>Have you ever been harassed by a debt collector? At some point, most of us have but what about if the debt you were being harassed about should be gone from your report all together? Though it doesn’t happen often, there are occurrences where an item a debt collector is asking you to pay is past its statue of limitations. If you feel like the debt you’re being asked to pay isn’t valid you can choose to send a debt validation letter to the collector.</p>::Pexels
Have you ever been harassed by a debt collector? At some point, most of us have but what about if the debt you were being harassed about should be gone from your report all together?

Though it doesn’t happen often, there are occurrences where an item a debt collector is asking you to pay is past its statue of limitations. If you feel like the debt you’re being asked to pay isn’t valid you can choose to send a debt validation letter to the collector.

What is a Debt Validation Letter?

If you’ve never heard of a debt validation letter before, don’t worry. It isn’t an extremely common thing. Debt validation letters, as previously stated, can be used to asked a debt collector to verify your debts.

These items usually won’t appear on your credit report because they’ve already fallen off due to the statue of limitations. Sending a debt validation letter requires the collector to either verify whether the debt is within or past the statue of limitations.

How Do You Know If You Need a Debt Validation Letter?

First, check your credit report. If the item you’re being asked to pay isn’t showing up there it is likely past the statue of limitations for that specific kind of debt. Whether or not you’ll need to send a debt validation letter depends on the statue of limitations on the debt you are carrying. Medical debts, for instance, have a different statue of limitations (oftentimes longer) than, say, credit card debt (seven years). The statue of limitations on debt collection is determined by the Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act or the law in your individual state.

If there is an item that appears on your credit report that does not belong there you do not need a debt validation letter. What you’ll want to do is dispute the information on your report with the credit bureau.

If you’re interested in more information about paying off debt, check out these great articles:

How to Use a Debt Validation Letter

If it turns out that you do need a debt validation letter you’ll need to know how to go about sending one. In the letter you’ll want to include important information up front, such as your name, address (city, state and zip) as well as the collection agency’s name and address.

Once you’ve provided the important information at the top of the letter, provide a subject line. For example, most people write “Re: Account Number.” Within the letter you will want to be sure that you are clear that you are not refusing to pay the debt you simply want validation. A great example of a debt validation letter can be found here.

Having to deal with debt collection agencies and debt validation letters is nerve wrecking but if it helps you to better your credit (or get those collectors off your back) it is totally worth it.

Have you ever had to use a debt validation letter? What was the outcome?

Photo: Graham Legal PLLC

Gifts for Debt-Free or Money Conscious Couples

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<p>Valentine’s Day is here once again. Many Americans plan to drop some serious money on the holiday. If you and your partner are money conscious or working towards being debt-free like we are, there are some gifts that can show your love and support. Here are five gifts I love for debt-free or money conscious couples.</p>::Pexels

Valentine’s Day is here once again. Many Americans plan to drop some serious money on the holiday. If you and your partner are money conscious or working towards being debt-free like we are, there are some gifts that can show your love and support. Here are five gifts I love for debt-free or money conscious couples.

Give the Gift of a Money Tree

I’m a certified plant lady – I accrued more than 20 while I was pregnant. One of my favorites is the money tree. The money tree represents wealth and is thought to bring you luck in your finances and/or profession. In some cases, it is believed that the money tree brings about a great sense of well-being and even luxury. Ours hangs out in between our desks in the office. It has brought us a fair amount of luck. Plants like the money tree can be a great gift because they will continue to sprout new growth throughout the year. Not to mention, having plants has been proven to benefit people’s moods and increase happiness. So, it makes a great gift.

Pay for Special Budgeting Tools

There are a lot of paid fintech tools on the market. See if the person you are buying for is currently using the free version of any paid app and pay for a few months or even a year. Typically, paid versions of the app unlock new financial tools and additional help. If they use the app on a regular basis, the change can truly make a difference in their finances to have the paid tools available.

Buy a Financial Planner or Journal

If the person you’re shopping for isn’t necessarily tech-savvy or prefers to write things down, a financial planner or journal may be a good gift option. Personally, I write everything from our budget to financial goals down in a planner. So, each year, I spring for a nice one and use it for the next 365 days. Journaling is also something that can help people on a debt-free journey and, honestly, journaling can be therapeutic. Buying a nice planner or journal can be the perfect gift for someone on a journey of their own.

Purchase Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University

This one is a little more expensive than the other gifts listed above, but it is a great gift for money conscious couples. You and your partner can go in on the purchase of the online program together and take the courses. Over the span of the Financial Peace University program, you will both learn more about finance and get on the same page about your money. Giving this kind of gift can draw you two closer together and improve parts of your relationship.  It’s another gift that keeps on giving.

Make a Cash Rose

If money is your love language, make your own cash rose. For this, you decide how much you want to spend. Get the cash together (using small bills is a good idea). Then, watch this YouTube video instruction on making your own cash rose. Your honey will surely appreciate the gesture.

Readers, what do you think of these gift ideas? Do you have any to add?

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How We Paid Off $65,000 of Debt In 11 Months on a Single, Middle Class Income

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Part 3 of a 3-Part Series

My husband and I decided to pay off all of our debt, including our mortgage, as quickly as possible.

We understood it was a huge endeavor and estimated that it would take us about eight years to do, but we knew the feelings of freedom and achievement once we met our goal would be well worth the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work in the end.

As the saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

We still have a long way to go before we are completely debt free, but in this three-part series, I am taking you through exactly what we did to pay off over $65,000 from August 2013 through June 2014.

Click here for Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them.

[Read more…]

How to Write a Debt Validation Letter

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<p>Hearing a debt collector on the other end of the line when you pick up can be one of the worst things in the world. There is one thing that tops it though and that is when you don’t recognize the debt you’re being called about. Many people think that they may have forgotten to pay something off and panic, however, the debt may not be valid if it isn’t appearing on your credit report. If that is the case you may need to draft and send a debt validation letter to the collection agency.</p>::Pexels
Hearing a debt collector on the other end of the line when you pick up can be one of the worst things in the world. There is one thing that tops it though and that is when you don’t recognize the debt you’re being called about.

Many people think that they may have forgotten to pay something off and panic, however, the debt may not be valid if it isn’t appearing on your credit report. If that is the case you may need to draft and send a debt validation letter to the collection agency.

What is a Debt Validation Letter?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires debt collectors to provide you validation of debt within five days of contacting you. It is your right to receive this information. If you do not receive it you can send a debt validation letter to the collection agency. You must send a debt validation letter within 30 days of the initial contact with the collectors though so it is a time-sensitive action.

Who Needs a Debt Validation Letter?

If you’re wondering if you need to send a debt validation letter, ask yourself the following:

Is the debt yours? If the debt isn’t yours you may have had your identity stolen or the debt collectors could have incorrect contact information. Debts that aren’t yours should be reported to the credit bureau directly. A debt validation letter won’t be necessary.

How old is the debt? If the debt is yours, how old is it? It may be past the statue of limitations which will make it no longer appear on your credit report. Collection agencies are also prohibited from asking for payment on any account past its statue of limitations. You will need to write a debt validation letter if that is the case.

A Debt Validation Letter Sample Text

Those who feel they need a debt validation letter will be pleased to know it is a relatively simple task. Every debt validation letter needs to be direct and straight to the point. Below you will find a sample text.

Date



Your Name


Address


City, State Zip



Debt Collector’s Name


Address


City, State Zip


Re: Account Number

To whom it may concern,



I am writing to you in response to (phone call/letter) received by you on (date). Though I am not refusing payment, I am requesting that you provide validation of this debt.



If you do not meet this request, I will file complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the [your state here] Attorney General’s office and both civil and criminal claims will be pursued.



Sincerely,



Your Name

If you’re interested in paying off debt, check out these great articles: 

How Collectors Should Respond to a Debt Validation Letter

Once you’ve drafted and sent your debt validation letter you’ll wait to hear from the debt collector. All debt collectors must cease attempts to collect debts until your debts have been verified.

Collection agencies are also required to provide specific information to those who ask for validation of their debts. If you are waiting for a response to your debt validation letter, be sure you receive all of the following information:

  • How much you owe
  • The company/name of who you owe
  • A statement giving you 30 days to respond to said debt collection attempt
  • A statement saying that you can dispute the debt for 30 days
  • Information (address, etc) of the original creditor

If you do not receive any more information from the debt collector and continue to receive calls you can pursue criminal and civil claims, as outlined in the sample text. Most of the time if a debt validation letter is sent and there is no response the collector could not verify your debt and dropped the account.

Whatever you do don’t ignore the problem. Ignoring debt collectors and debt in general can hurt your credit score and your overall finances in the long run.

Have you written a debt validation letter? What was the outcome?

Photo: US News

How to Begin Your Binary Options Journey for Those from the UK

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<p>Are you a risk-taker from the United Kingdom? Or do you participate in binary options trading and are interested in trading internationally? There are only a few countries in the world that encourage investing and betting with your finances. Binary options trading is extremely popular in the United Kingdom. This exposure could be associated with the popularity of gaming in the country. Although binary options trading is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom, many traders face the fear of scams.</p>::Pexels

Are you a risk-taker from the United Kingdom? Or do you participate in binary options trading and are interested in trading internationally? There are only a few countries in the world that encourage investing and betting with your finances. Binary options trading is extremely popular in the United Kingdom. This exposure could be associated with the popularity of gaming in the country. Although binary options trading is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom, many traders face the fear of scams.

The key to finding the best platform to begin trading is searching for one with reputable customer service, regulated trading, and a variety of assets. Before trading in the United Kingdom, you can choose to open a trading account. This should be incorporated in the country. Or you can open an account with a broker that is found in Cyprus. It is important to begin your journey with scams, regulations, and methods for depositing on your mind.

Avoiding Fraud

Brokers regulated by the FCA are more closely monitored, so it is recommended to research brokers associated with the FCA to avoid scams. Scams in the UK are reduced because brokerage firms typically have to regularly inform authorities of their activities. This reduces the chances that a scam can occur or that a fraudulent group can become successful.

If you are interested in beginning a journey with binary options trading, then this website is a good place to start.

Regulation

Since gaming is so popular in the United Kingdom, trading is regulated by the gaming commission of the country. Since gaming contracts cannot be enforced in the courts of the United Kingdom, they are monitored by the gaming commission. This commission lacks resources to effectively regulate binary operators. Though there have been movements to change the regulation from being under gaming to being regulated financially instead.

The absence of legal regulations preventing you from working with brokers from other countries allows many UK traders to find success. Firms in Cyprus are regulated, and traders in the UK can work with them because the UK is technically a portion of the European Union. In fact, brokers in Cyprus can use their licenses as a type of passport to serve for traders in the UK. It may be beneficial to begin your binary options trading journey with a broker in Cyprus because you can feel safer with your finances knowing that brokers here are held to higher standards.

Depositing

There are a variety of payment methods that UK residents can use to deposit their trading wins. Credit and debit cards are popular tools to use when depositing money because the funds are deposited right away. Another UK method that is becoming more popular is handling finance funds through eWallets. Because banking in the United Kingdom is reliable and established, traders are also encouraged to handle funds through bank wire transfer. It should be taken into consideration the cost of this though. It is more expensive than using a credit or debit card instead. Depending on your credit rating, your deposit should go through smoothly, but if you do have bad credit, many brokers wont authorize the payment.

Conclusion

While binary options trading is popular in the United Kingdom and expected to continue to make advancements, hopefully increasing safety, it is important to take into consideration scams, regulations, and depositing methods before getting started. You can research the best brokers or resort to Cyprus brokers if you are worried about trading for the first time.

How Changing Your Diet Can Change Your Life

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<p>If you’re a regular visitor of Our Debt Free Family, you know that I am no stranger to trying new, crazy things to save money and lose weight. What if you could do both at the same time? Like me, millions of Americans spend quite a bit of money each year maintaining their mental health. More specifically, warding off depressive episodes. A recent study found changing your diet could help decrease your risk of depression. That’s right, not only does what you eat have a direct impact on your physical health but it can affect you mentally as well. Researchers found that people adhering to the DASH diet are less likely to develop depression. The DASH diet is heavy in fruit, veggies, and whole grains. Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. In fact, the health costs associated with depression cost Americans millions of dollars a year.</p>::Pexels

If you’re a regular visitor of Our Debt Free Family, you know that I am no stranger to trying new, crazy things to save money and lose weight. What if you could do both at the same time?

Like me, millions of Americans spend quite a bit of money each year maintaining their mental health. More specifically, warding off depressive episodes. A recent study found changing your diet could help decrease your risk of depression.

That’s right, not only does what you eat have a direct impact on your physical health but it can affect you mentally as well. Researchers found that people adhering to the DASH diet are less likely to develop depression. The DASH diet is heavy in fruit, veggies, and whole grains.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. In fact, the health costs associated with depression cost Americans millions of dollars a year.

Save Your Life By Changing Your Diet

For many people, controlling their diet may be the secret to saving their life, especially if they are prone to depression. Depression can oftentimes lead to thoughts of suicide and feelings of complete loneliness. Not to mention, adhering to what would be considered an unhealthy diet can cause a number of other health problems too (including heart disease).

You’ll save yourself a ton of stress by eating healthier, and you’ll feel it in your health and your wallet.

Thing to Eat to Maintain Your Health and Finances

So, what should you be eating to maintain your mental, physical, and financial health? Here are a few of my favorite foods that are DASH Diet friendly and super cheap…

Carrots & Celery 

Carrots and celery are two of my favorite snacks. It may sound crazy but both are great dipped in peanut butter and are super cheap. Usually, you can get a bag of baby carrots for $0.99 and celery for a little over $1. So, for less than $3 I’ll have healthy snacks throughout the week. It will help stabilize my mood as well as keep plaque from building up on my teeth, which helps control my dental costs.

Apples

Everyone knows the saying, “An apple a day will keep the doctor away.” Working fruits into your diet will help elevate your mood. Apples are also fairly inexpensive. The national average price of apples is $1.31 per pound.

Bananas

Another great and inexpensive food to work into your diet for mental, physical, and financial health are bananas. Cost wise, they are great (about $0.44 per bunch). Bananas are also rich in potassium and can help you maintain your health.

Unsweetened Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce is a staple in my kitchen. It is super cheap, contains only natural sugars, and is delicious! You can get a 48-ounce jar of applesauce for less than $2.

Almonds

Almonds are one of the more expensive items on this list but they won’t break the bank. The Dash Diet-approved food is rich in protein and healthy fats. Compared to other types of nuts, they are also cheaper. The average national price of almonds sits around $3 per pound.

 

Sliced Deli Meat

Sliced deli meat is great for snacking and for meals. Places like Aldi sell pre-packaged deli meat for less than $3. Be sure to buy products lower in sodium and fat for health purposes.

Incorporating these inexpensive foods into your diet can help you in three major ways. The first is eating healthy will help you be healthy. This is a simple fact. It will also help you financially. Many people believe dieting means an expensive grocery bill, but it doesn’t have to! Lastly, altering your diet can save you mental stress and potentially reduce your risk of depression.

So, why not start changing your diet today? Introduce some healthy foods into your diet and let us know how it impacts you!