She finally got a bite
My wife got a call from a school last week from a school that had a long term substitute teaching position available. They set up the interview for last Friday and she told me things went well and they would let her know either way this week. She finally got called back yesterday evening by the principle and they want to talk to her about the position. After many months of applying to just about everything, she will finally get to teach this year. I have no idea about specific details on pay and all that, but it will be much better than what she’s currently doing or even doing nothing for that matter.
I have done some basic calculations and she will essentially double her income with this new position. The key of course is to effectively use this increased cash flow to reduce debt. She also has some student loans that require payments going forward. Most of these are being held off right now so if we can reduce the credit card debt quickly first, it’ll be easier to make the payments on the student loans. My stress level is reduced to say the least, but until it’s in the bank we can’t be for certain.
As I said earlier this week I have been showing her the bills this week. She really wasn’t aware of what we were paying each month because I usually just take care of the bills. The next step is for us to sit down and actually pay the bills online together. I think we’re making progress but it takes time to get on the same page. While the income levels for September from her just starting her current job will get us through, when she transitions to the new job, October will see a big impact.
I’ve said in the past if we used the bulk of what she makes her student loan debt will be wiped out much quicker than making the regular payment. The credit cards have been reduced from what they used to be and we’re getting them paid down. Some new debt has wiped out past progress, but even in the year our debt is still down. I want to keep the debt levels going down instead of being increased. Looking back at the juggling act I was doing last year while she was student teaching, it was very stressful. This news is a big step forward for the both of us.
Yay! Good for you guys! I knew it was just a matter of time. Congrats!
that’s awesome, Jim! Good to hear that things are beginning to really look up for you!
This is good news - just found your blog by clicking through GoliathDebt’s page. I hope you can get through to your wife on getting with the financial program. Does she like to read? Maybe buy some financial books (Dave Ramsey? Suze Orman? Your Money or Your Life? How to Get Out of Debt and Stay Out of Debt?) and leave them in the reading room. Do you ever read books together as a couple? Maybe read a few paragraphs to each other every evening before you retire. I am really amazed at how many “frugal” and “get out of debt” articles in the women’s magazines lately, even in Reader’s Digest. I found a deal where I could sign up for up to 4 magazines for only $2 per year, and my MIL pays for a gift subscription for Reader’s Digest. I’ve subscribed to your feed.
Just found your blog through “Sallie’s Niece”. Good luck to you both with the new job and more money to pay down the debt!
Jim,
This is a great news!!!I am so happy for you. You will finally have a peace of mind.
Congrats!
Great news Jim! It’s about darn time!
Great News! Wishing for nothing but good things.
Ian
You said the principal wanted to talk to her about the position. Did she actually get the job — or just the bite? Hope it was the former, and if so, congrats to her.
Great news! I hope it all works out great for both of you! My wife and I too are working on our debt and when she got her teaching job last year, it was a huge blessing!
As I said earlier this week I have been showing her the bills this week. She really wasn’t aware of what we were paying each month because I usually just take care of the bills. The next step is for us to sit down and actually pay the bills online together.
I’m so glad you did this. I think it will help her be more cognizant of what she is spending and help her to understand what you are trying to do for the two of you. {{Hugs}} to you for being patient with her and understanding of how disheartening it is to be so well qualified and have such difficulty getting a position.