First, I reduced my Netflix package. I used to do the two disc at a time and unlimited streaming and now I will get one disc at a time with unlimited streaming. It's not much difference in price, but it's not like I've had time to watch two discs when I have them anyway! And any little bit will help.
Second, I have called and cancelled an unneeded benefit on one of my cards. It was simply racking up fees which was kind of counteractive to paying off the balance... This won't affect my monthly budget but it will help me pay off the card faster and each payment will go further.
Of course I've also made a change that isn't combating my debt but has already brought me much joy. Through the Fishers of Men ministries (http://www.fomministry.com/) and with the help of my fabulous friends Caysea and Artie, I am sponsoring a child for $30 a month.
This is Agnes and with my $30 a month, she will receive food, clean water, shelter, education, medical care, and clothing.
Here's the story: Last week, Artie texted me about a benefit dinner being hosted at our church in Boonville. I told him I wasn't going because it wasn't in the budget and I just couldn't. He talked me into going because he couldn't go and so he guilted me with, "Don't make my wife go by herself." and "We're purchasing two tickets anyway." So, last Saturday after our Special Olympic bowling, I found myself getting ready for our benefit dinner for the Fishers of Men Ministries. The CEO of the organization was our special guest. He grew up in Kenya and talked about his own past and I don't think there really was a dry eye in the place. His story was so moving... There was a video from the last mission trip to Kenya that a church member had been on. I wanted to do something. I wanted to sponsor a kid. But I knew I couldn't.
Caysea and Artie already sponsored a child, Stella, but they had talked about adding another. So that night, Caysea picked out Brian to also sponsor. My heart felt heavy wanting to do more but knowing I couldn't... The next day at church, Joshua (the CEO) was back as were the child sponsorship packets. Again he talked of his own youth and we saw more pictures. I had decided the night before that I would sponsor a child starting in January when things were more in control. I figured that was an attainable and realistic goal. I was very excited about it. But after church services were over, Caysea turned to me and asked if she helped, would I sponsor a child that day. Through tears, I told her I couldn't possibly but yes, I would. And there it was. My chance to do something. So Caysea and Artie have gotten me started and I've worked it in my budget to not only pay them back but to take over the sponsorship fee by January. This might mean I cut back in other areas, but how can I justify buying a pair of shoes for instance when I already have so many and this child doesn't? This decision is what brought about my resolution to REALLY change. To reduce the netflix and cancel the unneeded benefit. To take action and make a change in my life.
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