My Parable of Debt Management

Throughout my entire adulthood, the draw of credit cards gradually dragged me into a deep, dark ocean trench.

It was subtle at first, as I wandered from the sandy beach's edge and made a few purchases on a credit card that was far too easy to obtain. I got my feet wet, and it seemed harmless -- even a little thrilling. I knew intuitively that a gigantic, swirling ocean was out there; however, as long as I could see the beach, I would be okay. I ventured further out, accumulating debt but assuming that as long as I could see the houses dotted behind the shifting dunes, someone could still see me, wade into the water, and pull me back to safety. I made larger purchases, visiting England a couple of times and paid for a cross-country trip to Idaho (for a new job) entirely on credit cards. In fact, my parents even threw a life line out to me, providing me an interest-free loan to pay off one of the cards. I did that but my spending habits did not change, and I still tacked on debt to other credit cards.

Then a ferocious wave crashed over me, and I felt a rapid tug pulling me out to sea, much like a rip current. At first, I tried to swim back to land. It was exhausting because I'd stop putting new charges on the credit cards, but high interest rates were an issue; plus I still made unnecessary purchases on my debit card. It reached the point that all I could see were some distant mountains far behind the beach homes -- were they mountains? Or storm clouds?

I was pulled under. I could still make out the light shimmering upon the water's surface. As long as I could see that light, perhaps I'd be alright. It meant I could still rush up and get some air. So I did that, exploring further down into a cavernous trench, then I'd swim back up and take a few breaths. This continued until I ventured so far down into that trench that I couldn't see the light above. What was up, and which way was down? This was right around the time that my car broke down. My father helped pay for the cost to repair it, but I couldn't trust the car any longer. I couldn't afford to buy a new car or even a used car. The situation seemed hopeless.  

At that time, I heard a voice coming from somewhere (actually a co-worker) call out some words offering me a realistic method of escape. It wouldn't be easy, but if I entered into a Debt Management Plan (DMP), I had a good shot of getting back to the surface and ultimately to land again. Through Money Management International, I spoke with a financial counselor. We reviewed all of my assets, debts, income, and monthly spending. She was able to outline a plan to manage the debt. She did the easy work, consulting with my credit card companies to greatly reduce interest rates and tweak minimum payments. It was up to me to take on the difficult, lengthy task of finding alternative sources of income and cutting costs. I switched to a cell phone company called Ting in which I paid only for what I used each month (and received credits by referring others, making it free for about two years); I'm still saving money this way. The biggest thing though was cutting all of my credit cards and closing all of those accounts except one to maintain some credit history.  

I stayed true to the Debt Management Plan, and I eventually buoyed to the ocean surface. I could breathe again! As time went on, I gained the strength to start swimming toward the beach again. Every arm stroke I took became easier. An increasing energy surged through me, and I even could add to my monthly payments. The journey to land seemed as though it was quickening -- it was, because the interest based upon the dropping principle balances was also getting reduced. That meant more of my payments was going to the principle balances. It wasn't fun, though, and sometimes it felt like I'd never reach land. The nights would test my patience. This was taking forever! But what other choice did I have than to continue swimming? A glimmer of light from a distant lighthouse gave me the drive to push forward. Each night, that light would become a hint larger. My patience would be rewarded.

Graphic of credit card debt since August 2000

It has been 18 years since I first obtained a credit card. And it has been 52 months since I entered into the Debt Management Plan with MMI. As I write this story, I can now tell you that I am standing upon my own two feet again. I can feel the sand between my toes -- it's a wonderful feeling. This month, I'm making my final payment toward the credit card debt. The. Final. Payment!  

And I realize there are people gathered on the beach that are delighted to know that I made it out of that deep, dark ocean trench. They supported me and cheered me on during this journey back. Thank you, friends. Thank you, colleagues. Thank you to my parents.

I should feel ecstatic. While I am relieved, I also know that a new journey awaits me. I know it's time to be a responsible adult and mark a personal path ahead. Having financial freedom means that I need to save up money for furniture that I've never been able to afford myself. Having financial freedom means outlining a plan for the future. Most importantly, having financial freedom means that I can finally pursue new career options. I have to do that -- NOW.

The journey never really ends. But at least I can make it on my own, upon stable ground. I will sometimes look back at that vast ocean. I will occasionally dip my feet in the water because you have to make a few purchases every now and then in order to maintain a good credit score and have credit history. Dipping your feet in the water is fine -- even healthy -- as long as you can dry them off quickly.

Gut Feelings: Adhesions Suck

In the past, I've written a series of blog posts about 'gut feelings' - specifically, topics relevant to intestinal issues, whether it's my own experience or books I've read that I felt would be good for others to read.  You can read any of my posts on this blog by searching through the gut feelings topic (or clicking on this link).

Typically, I stay upbeat in my posts.  But I'm feeling the need to write this post as a matter of personal therapy and document a new emotional struggle that has knocked me down hard.  Reality dictates that we can't be positive all the time.  I know I'm not alone in this process, so it's best to share.

Recently on Saturday, April 18, 2015, I woke up in the morning with some abdominal cramps that felt regrettably like the symptoms of a bowel obstruction.  I was supposed to head out that day for a long weekend vacation to Maine, but alas that was not to be.  As the day progressed, I became increasingly nauseated and vomited several times.  I drank some water in an attempt to stay hydrated but it wouldn't stay in my system and came back up within an hour.  I realized I was getting dehydrated.  

And I thought, "Screw this.  I don't want to go to the hospital."  I sat around in my apartment, tired from the pain, and tried to take a nap.  "Maybe it'll go away on its own."  It wasn't.  Through some convincing from my uncle and mother over the phone, I finally got in my car and drove to the hospital about twenty minutes away.

I was grateful that I had a short wait in the emergency room, and within two hours I already had seen a doctor and received painkillers and anti-nausea medication.  I've learned from past experience to immediately explain to the ER staff that I have a history of bowel obstructions because it's better to rule it out promptly (or more likely, rule it as the problem) instead of wasting time considering other causes.

The doctor ordered a CT scan, and the scan revealed some back-up and considerable distension in my intestines.  The likely suspect this time: small bowel obstruction caused by adhesions (to be defined momentarily).  They admitted me into the hospital and I stayed for three nights.  I got the standard treatment: IV fluids, and no eating or drinking for at least a day.  An NG tube (nasogastric tube) that is inserted through the nose into the stomach was not required this time around, which was a small victory.  I've always needed it in the past but this time I didn't.  Throughout the hospital stay, I gradually upgraded to a clear liquids diet, then to a "low-residue diet," which is similar to a low fiber diet with some additional stipulations.  No surgery required.  On the morning of Tuesday, April 21, I was released from the hospital.  It will take me a few days to physically recover.

This was my third hospital stay since 2000 for bowel obstructions, not including two other stays for diverticulitis and pancreatitis in the past four years.  I thought I figured out the foods to avoid and the right diet to ward off obstructions.  This time around, I couldn't pinpoint a reason that I had control over that caused this obstruction.  

Though I knew it intellectually, I guess I never really grasped the concept that bowel obstructions caused by abdominal adhesions cannot be prevented with a certain diet or exercise.  Adhesions are essentially scars formed due to any number of reasons (past surgeries, inflammation, and other medical conditions).  According to a 1990 study, 93% of people who previously had abdominal surgery later developed adhesions.  Adhesions may generally be harmless, but they can also wrap around the intestines or adhere the intestines to other organs or the abdominal wall.  When this happens, it can result in an obstruction -- which almost always requires medical intervention (sometimes surgery, sometimes not).  While treatments have been under development to deter adhesions from forming after surgery (such as chemical sprays), there's no way to definitively stop them from occurring for the time being (hopefully one day, there will be).

This all leads to my main point of this blog post: Adhesions suck.  Royally.  Because you can't do a damn thing about them.  Doctors can surgically remove them, but then that surgery will leave more adhesions in its wake.  It's a never-ending cycle.   

After the last few days in the hospital, I have to admit that I'm physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained.  I'm resigned to the fact that I will inevitably be hospitalized again in the future for bowel obstructions -- they may even increase in occurrence over time.  Pun intended, this scares the shit out of me.  To have knowledge that you will face specific sufferings in the future and you can't do a thing about it is a heavy burden.  I feel helpless with this knowledge now, and it's going to weigh on me for a while.  It's a matter of wondering what the hell I do now.  I have to move on, face the fact that this struggle will never end, and focus on the people, activities, and things that I love.  But that's hard to do at the moment.  I'd really like to just avoid all of my responsibilities right now and just have fun -- that's not realistic, of course.

Life has punched me in the gut, knocked me to the floor, and I'm currently down.  The referee is counting to ten, and I just want to stay where I am.  I don't want to get up and face more of the punches.

Adhesions suck.  

I'm better than this, and I will rise above these feelings.  I've got to ensure that the aspects of my life that I do have control over are happy, thriving ones.  That means some major life changes to better my situation.  But this is an emotional and existential challenge that I'm going to need to deal with first.  For now, I can only send out my thoughts and feelings in this blog.

Financial Debt and Wellbeing

Financial debt, particularly in the form of credit card debt, can deeply affect your personal self-worth.  That has been my experience, at least.  But this is ultimately a positive story to tell.

When I turned 18 years old and entered college in 1997, at a time when credit card companies were permitted to set up tables across college campuses and offer their plastic cards at low interest rates AND a free t-shirt (!) when you open an account, I fell victim to that scene.  Except that's not quite true.  I was not a victim.  I could logically work it out in my head that every penny and dollar that I spent using a credit card was not free money spent.  I knew I would owe it all back eventually plus interest.  However, each credit card transaction felt like a minor event.  I'd think, "When I graduate and make lots of money, I'll easily pay this back."  Hundreds (probably thousands) of credit card transactions added up and gradually weighed me down.

I carried out this poor financial plan of instant gratification and delayed punishment for fourteen years.  During graduate school I took it to a new level when I took out $16,000 in student loans, mistakenly believing it was a necessary action to stay afloat as a poor graduate student.  It wasn't necessary.  I simply didn't want to face the truth that I needed to live within my means.  I wanted to spend money on material possessions (many of which I eventually threw away but still had the debt associated with them) and fun vacations.  Even when I got a "real job" after graduate school, I maintained my bad habits.  I'd try to validate my spending routine with excuses: "Maybe I'll inherit lots of money one day" or "I can stop spending so much whenever I want" or "I always make the minimum payments, so what's the harm?"

By September 2011, I had accumulated over $38,000 in credit card debt.  Major car trouble that year finally triggered a financial existential crisis.  I am incredibly lucky to have parents who could help me out, and I was able to get a used car from my father.  I am thankful for this advantage I had.  I know that most don't have that safety net.  That crisis opened my eyes to my real situation: I was weighed down by debt - financially and emotionally.  I felt ashamed.  When I dated other people, I knew I'd eventually have to mention my debt.  I'd see people my age get married or buy a new car or make a down payment on a home with their savings, with few if any worries.  I'd wish I could be like them.

It was a depressing experience, literally.  Feeling that shame for years, even when it was below the surface, made me feel like I had little worth.  It inhibited my career plans.  It inhibited my relationships.  It inhibited my sense of pride.

But then I was given sound advice when I sat down with my friend and coworker Amanda.  She suggested a debt management plan through Money Management International (MMI).  She knew someone else that did it, and it worked for them.  It was the first advice I had heard from anyone that seemed to make any sense.  I talked it over with my mother, and she reminded me that it wouldn't be easy.  I'd actually have to budget my money and use only what I had in my bank account.  I'd have to throw away all of my credit cards.  ALL of them.  No "emergency" credit card on the side.  "Emergencies" are slippery things you can easily create out of thin air.  When I called the financial counselor with MMI, she helped me come up with a plan. It'd take about four and a half years at most to pay off all of the credit card debt.  MMI works with the credit card companies to reduce your interest rates and modify your minimum monthly payments.

Here's what my situation looked like - I have no shame in explaining it now, and perhaps if you're reading this, it might help you by seeing what MMI was able to do for me.

Credit Card     Balance     APR       APR Reduced     Monthly Minimum Payment
                                                                                    Old                      New
#1                    $3,459      10.24%   (no reduction)     $65                      $82
#2                    $2,666      13.24%   6%                      $57                      $65
#3                    $17,992    22.99%   9.9%                   $550                    $419
#4                    $4,370      19.99%   6.99%                 $91                      $92
#5                    $9,716      9.9%       3%                      $177                    $202

As you can see, MMI was able to significantly reduce the annual interest rates for four of the five credit cards.  Some monthly minimum payments went up; some went down.  The total monthly payments were lower with the new plan.  It was a plan customized to meet my budgetary needs. MMI charged me a $30 monthly administrative fee, but that has been a small price to pay.  My financial counselor suggested requesting an income-sensitive based payment plan for my student loan; since that interest rate was so low (just 3%), it made sense to make lower payments to that so that I could make higher payments to the higher interest credit cards.  MMI closed four of my five credit card accounts, but left one open so I could maintain a credit history.  But I wasn't permitted to use that card.  The MMI plan was financially smart, and it forced me to stick to it by signing an agreement.  I could back out of the agreement at any time, but all of the interest rates would go back up if I did that.  Once I signed my name, I felt like I made a commitment to MMI, to the credit companies, but most importantly to myself.  Once I signed the agreement, I instantly felt relieved -- I felt GOOD.  Some weight felt lifted from my chest because this was a plan for a positive future.

I've never backed out of the plan.  I've stuck with it.  You can read my prior blog posts and see that I made sacrifices to have a budget designed to be within my means of living.  I also got creative and came up with ways to save money.  Sometimes I made additional payments when I had extra cash.  I'd occasionally work a side job to make additional money.  As my salary increased a bit, I'd distribute the salary increase directly to my credit card payments through MMI.  With my tax refunds, I'd designate a portion of it for payments.  I'd also put aside money in a savings account for those true emergencies.  My credit score has risen dramatically throughout this time.

It actually hasn't been too difficult to stick to this plan.  At times, I'd feel down, wishing I had more money to spend.  But I never considered backing out because I knew I'd be hurting myself.

In January 2015, I paid off my first credit card.  Now this month (February 2015), I paid off the second credit card.  Presently, my credit card debt is under $9,000 (which is $29,000 less than what it was in September 2011).  By November 2015 (probably sooner), the remaining three credit card accounts will be whittled down to zero.  At that time I'll be able to focus on paying off my student loan.  Most importantly, I'll be able to start building a financial future.

This is the year when I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  It is invigorating.  I can visualize a near-future where I can control my destiny through my career, relationships, and overall well-being.  And perhaps this can serve as an opportunity to help someone else who is in financial distress and needs that push, motivation, or advice to make a plan for a positive future.

The Glass is Half Empty (And That's a Good Thing)

In September 2011, I was sinking in credit card debt of just over $38,000.  Over the years, I had placed in my figurative glass IOU after IOU for the credit card companies.  A trip to England?  No problem: I'll owe you.  A new computer?  Easy: I'll owe you.  Emergency car repair?  That's no fun, but sure: I'll owe you.

When my 13 year old vehicle was giving me major issues and I realized that I wouldn't be able to afford the cost of repairs or a new-to-me car, that's when I realized how much trouble I had.  I was making minimum monthly payments on my credit cards; I never missed a payment, but I also kept on tacking on more debt.  So my debt-to-credit limit ratio was always worsening.

I was in a panic and feeling nearly hopeless.  The best advice I received was from a colleague who said I should consider a debt management plan.  I set up a phone appointment with a financial counselor at Money Management International (MMI).  We went over all of my income, debts, and other obligations.  She helped me create a manageable budget and agreed that a debt management plan would work well for me.  The plan reduced my credit card interest rates by a great deal, but all of the cards' accounts would be closed except for one.  And I wouldn't be permitted to use that card while I'm paying off debt; it was just to keep some credit history.  I would pay a $30 monthly fee to MMI, which was pocket change compared to the significant savings from the lowered interest rates.  The remaining $860 would be divvied out by MMI to the credit card companies.  And I'd be on this plan until January 2016.

I've stayed true to this plan, and I'm happy to say that this coming week, I'll make my 29th monthly payment of $890, and as a result, my glass of IOUs will officially be half empty.  50 percent of the credit card debt has been paid off, and I presently have about $19,000 in credit card debt.  It's still a large figure, but it feels important to celebrate this milestone.

Since September 2011, I made a number of changes to how I earn and spend my money:

• Increased my income a bit by taking on additional hours working occasional events
• Reduced my cell phone bill by switching to a no-contract company called Ting; my monthly bills went from about $75 to $30
• Automatically transferred $100 every month to a savings account for emergency purposes
• Stuck to a budget on dining out, entertainment, etc. (sometimes I do overspend in one of these areas, but I compensate by reducing my spending in another area that particular month)

I frequently look for good deals where I could save money.  Little things, like paying 10 cents less a gallon by signing up for a free plan with a gasoline company.  Buying generic name foods at the least expensive grocery store in town.  Buying in bulk at lower cost at places like Costco or on-line when it makes sense. 

I still participate in my daily pleasure of buying a mocha latte, and certainly I could have saved considerably more money by making my own coffee, but I decided I wanted to retain something I could enjoy on a regular basis.  It's worth it to me.

I have two years remaining until my figurative glass is empty.  Into that glass, I'll be able to put in what I want to.  More savings.  More investing.  More discretionary fun, but within my means.  Better positioning to make major life decisions.  What a relief that will be to have such financial control and flexibility.  And that will be the difference: I will control my finances; they won't control me.

Adventures in Nova Scotia!

It had been eight years since I last traveled out of the country, so the opportunity to visit Nova Scotia for four days during the month of October was a refreshing experience.  My uncle has a friend who lives in Port Maitland, just a few miles north of the city of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, who invited him, his partner, and me to stay at her home.  She and her husband were wonderful hosts, and I'm so grateful for their hospitality.  They provided us with great food, a comfortable and relaxing place to sleep, and a pleasing atmosphere. The weather was gorgeous the entire visit, too - warm and sunny throughout!

Our journey started at 6am on a Wednesday morning with a short two-hour drive north from my uncle's house in Maine to the Canadian border.  The border agent asked us lots of questions, but parted ways with us with a sense of humor: "Will you get into trouble if I let you boys in?"  Of course, we wouldn't.  And truly, we didn't!

After a brief detour by my mistaken GPS which brought us to the wrong ferry in Blacks Harbour, we ventured another hour to Saint John, New Brunswick and took a three-hour ferry ride on the Princess of Acadia from Saint John to Digby, Nova Scotia.  The ferry staff directed us to the lower level where I parked my Prius cozily in company with other vehicles.  We had free roam of the ship with plenty of amenities: a cafeteria, a couple lounges, a movie (The Great Gatsby was playing), free high-speed wireless internet, and beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy.  The ferry shows its age, but it met all of our needs.  It's nice to just relax, walk around, and take in the fresh sea air.  While I originally wanted to drive around the Bay of Fundy, the ferry ended up cutting a couple of hours of travel time.  It also saved three hours of driving.

When we deboarded at Digby, it was just a short one-hour drive to Port Maitland to meet up with my uncle's friend.  They gave us a tour of their home, a former bed-and-breakfast originally built in the 1860s.  It's a beautiful home which they clearly took care in renovating and making it their own (which means it's very classy).  They had a vegetable garden with a small barn in the back yard and colorful flowers in the front yard.  Their house was not even a mile from the beach, too! It was a short first day in Nova Scotia since we hadn't arrived until at 4pm, but we had a delicious home-cooked pasta dinner and great conversation.

On Thursday, we checked out the city of Yarmouth starting with breakfast at a cute little place called the Old World Bakery.  We also visited the Cape Forchu Lighthouse which was a fifteen-minute drive south of Yarmouth.  Cape Forchu features some really unique rock formations, the likes of which I've never seen before.  And it was a place I needed to visit again, as a half-hour wasn't enough time to really appreciate it.  From there, we had lunch with my uncle's friend as well as the owners of the impressive MacKinnon-Cann Inn.  The couple that own the inn and cafe there were entertaining (very outgoing and boisterous personalities), and we also got a quick tour of the inn as well as the house they live in down the street.  The inn featured rooms that each span a particular decade in time in North America.  Really cool!

We took a gander at the Yarmouth County Museum & Archives that had an eclectic historical collection native to the city and region.  I saw some walking sticks for sale there, so I had to purchase one since I make a habit of collecting them on my journeys.  Though the woman working at the front desk didn't know who made them at the time, she made some phone calls and ultimately took down a message for me (and I received a response from the assistant director of the museum the next day).  Sadly, the creator of the walking sticks, a Yarmouth local named George A. Nickerson, passed away, but his creations had been donated to the museum so I was glad all of the proceeds from the purchase went to the museum at least.  And I'm the proud owner of a unique new walking stick!

Through the day, we had learned a great deal about the history of Yarmouth.  It's a sea port that used to have a frequent ferry service from the States, but when the ferry stopped running, it hurt business.  Fortunately, there's a plan for a ferry to run again between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth starting in May 2014, so it should invigorate the city once again.  Every one in the area was talking excitedly about the prospects of the ferry returning.

We walked the beach in Port Maitland and collected some cool rocks smoothed out over time by the ocean waves and other elements.  The tidal changes are dramatic, and since it was low tide, we were able to walking along the sand bar.  For dinner, we had another home-cooked meal.  I learned about my uncle's friend's interest in family history, and I'm hoping to help her with her research in the near future. 

Friday started with breakfast at a little diner near Beaver River just a couple miles north of Port Maitland.  I don't remember the name of the diner but it was good food!  For the rest of the day, we put my Prius into action by taking a long drive on Route 3 along the coastline to Barrington Passage and back.  It was a chance to see a lot of the local rural communities including those on Cape Sable Island.  We got back in time for dinner at a local Port Maitland restaurant, Hidden Treasures Family Restaurant.  My uncle got to see another old friend there.  I enjoyed a cold lobster sandwich - so tasty. That night, I pulled out my brand new camera lens and tried it out on some night stars photography at the beach.  That form of photography is still a work-in-progress for me, but I think the lens showed promise for further practice!

Saturday began at 6am to see the sun rise near the Beaver River cemeteries.  It seems to be a popular place for local photographers interested in the views provided for a sun rise.  I took a nap, and after waking up and getting a warm shower, we visited a cool little antique store in a barn a short drive away in Brenton, called Yaciuk's Antiques.  The owners seemed really nice.  The main attraction there were their beautiful clocks (cuckoo clocks, mantle clocks, and other wall clocks).  Afterwards, we drove by a few houses for sale that my uncle wanted to see.  Real estate is extremely inexpensive compared to the U.S., at least where we visited in Nova Scotia.  If I had money to spend on a vacation home, the southern Nova Scotia coast would be a great spot!

Thereafter, we returned to Yarmouth for lunch at the Old World Bakery, and we saw one of our hosts play some folksy music on his guitar at Sip, a local cafe.  He's got a good sound!  Also on an aside, I noticed that Sip had almond milk for their mochas (or any espresso beverage) but I thought that was terrific - why don't more coffee places offer almond milk?!  Such a better option than soy milk.  But I digress.

Cape Forchu landscape

We returned to Port Maitland for more nap time.  I don't know why but my energy levels were super low during the day.  But I got my passion going for a second visit to Cape Forchu at sun set.  I took a lot of photos there, and I could have continued for more than an hour but alas, my companions were chilly and hungry.  So we headed out and had one last dinner together at Rudder's Seafood Restaurant in Yarmouth.  It was kind of sad, because we knew it was our last night in Nova Scotia so we just enjoyed ourselves with some good conversation!

The next morning we took off at 6am to drive back to Digby to catch the ferry back to Saint John.  But before the ferry journey began, Nova Scotia gave us a parting gift of one of the most stunning sunrises I've ever seen.  Low-lying clouds and fog along the water contributed to some beautiful colors.  It was like the horizon of the sky was on fire, and with some patches of blue sky higher up, the contrasting colors were captivating.  I burned through my camera's battery that morning!

The drive back after the ferry ride was uneventful.  We pooled together all of our Canadian bills and coins and bought some gas since we knew we wouldn't be able to use them back in the U.S.  When we reached the American border, U.S. customs agent was actually really nice and didn't give us a difficult time at all; we expected a lot more questions coming back into the states but it was quick and easy.

I definitely plan on returning to Nova Scotia again, especially considering there will likely be a ferry coming out of Portland. I'd like to see Cape Breton which is further north in Nova Scotia and offers a different sort of landscape, something more like Scotland from what I've heard.  I also want to visit the city of Halifax.  Nova Scotia is a beautiful country, perfect for landscape photography!  And ideal for anyone who wants to relax and appreciate nature, old buildings, and wonderful, friendly people.

Want to see more images from this adventure?  I've made about 70 photographs available that I took from the trip in this album on my Google+ page.

Gut Feelings: My Pancreas Pleads the Fifth

I figured I should post an update on my pancreatic adventures since early May, now that I've had all kinds of tests completed.  The simple answer is that all of the tests came up normal.  The doctors couldn't find any clear cause of the acute pancreatitis.  They call it idiopathic pancreatitis when no apparent cause can be found.

On June 12, I had an MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) done, which is a fancy medical term for an abdomen MRI with contrast for the area around the pancreas.  All of the results turned out to be normal, with the exception of a fatty liver, which I already knew about.  In my case, the liver has fatty deposits throughout, most likely as a result of a long-term high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.  Luckily, a fatty liver can traditionally be reversed over time with a healthy diet.

A blood test taken while I was in the hospital for any autoimmune diseases also came back negative.

I had a conversation with my primary care physician on June 20, and while he admitted this was a highly unusual case of pancreatitis with no known cause, he felt that a poor diet leading to a high level of triglycerides in my blood (hypertriglyceridemia), the third most common cause of pancreatitis, was the most plausible cause in my case.  A couple days into my hospital stay, they had checked for this. They informed me then that while my triglycerides were high, they weren't high enough to cause pancreatitis.  My doctor on June 20, however, believes it's possible that I did have hypertriglyceridemia upon admittance at the hospital, and after fasting for 2-3 days, the triglyceride levels might have decreased significantly.

For my own sanity, I have to go with that being the likely cause of the pancreatitis.  Being on a low-fat diet and avoiding alcohol for the rest of my life should result in a healthy body and a decreased likelihood of any recurrence.  I'm also back to brisk walking again now that I'm feeling good and back to a 2000-calorie daily intake.  Exercise and diet should hopefully bring down my triglyceride levels and cholesterol.  

Out of curiosity, I asked my doctor what my lipase level was when I was admitted to the hospital.  Lipase, a pancreatic enzyme, is normally found in the blood at 11-82 units per liter (U/L).  With pancreatitis, the lipase level might be about three to six times that amount.  When I was admitted to the hospital, it was 8000+ U/L, which was WAY more than six times the normal level.  Three weeks after being released from the hospital, my lipase level was back to a normal 46 U/L.

At this point, I must close this chapter of my life and recognize that all I can do is choose a healthier lifestyle and hope for the best.  Hopefully, this is the last post that I write that has anything to do with my pancreas!    

Ting: The Sound of Mobile Phone Savings (Updated June 2013)

{Note: This blog post was updated in June 2013 to reflect a positive change in Ting's billing policy and provide personal news.}  

Ever since I made the switch to Ting, I've been a walking advertisement with my family, friends, and co-workers.  It wouldn't be surprising if you've never heard of Ting, but if you're curious about getting significant savings on your cell phone plan - and you almost definitely will if you switched - then you should read this blog review.

If you choose to switch to Ting because of this review, please consider using this $25 referral code link.  We'll both receive a credit!  

Ting is a United States mobile phone service company that launched in February 2012.  They primarily utilize the Sprint network, with Verizon for voice roaming (no data roaming, however).  They offer some international coverage.  They are a no-contract company with an absurdly fair pricing plan.  You purchase a mobile device with Ting, or you may be able to bring your Sprint device if it's on Ting's approved list. You select a plan based on anticipated calls, texts, and data.  You're billed the first month, but if you happen to use less of anything, you'll receive a credit on your next monthly bill.  And if you use more texts, calls, or data than anticipated?  No big deal; Ting just charges you the rate for the next plan level for that month.  Like I said: absurdly fair.  *Update: Ting has now simplified their billing process.  Ting maintains the same six plan levels with no additional costs.  You now pay for the amount of minutes, texts, and data that you use on a monthly basis based on the plan levels rather than try to guess in advance what you'll use.  It's a simplified process.

Ting has a handy savings calculator that gives you some insight into what you'd potentially save over the course of two years.  Simply enter your current monthly bill (or an average monthly bill) along with the minutes, texts, and data you use.  I personally had a monthly $67 bill with Sprint (no phone insurance and on the old plan before the $10 premium data charge went into effect); now I'll see a bill with Ting anywhere from $22 to $34 a month - of course, with referral credits it'll be occasionally even less!  If you have more than one line or a plan with just about unlimited everything, you'll likely see much greater savings than I would -- others I know who are switching are saving in the neighborhood of $100 a month!  Even if you pay an Early Termination Fee (ETF) with your current provider, bets are on that you'd still save with Ting.

Here are a few points that make Ting stand out:

Pay Only for What You Use

I love Ting's sales pitch: "What possibly could be better than unlimited?!  Most likely paying for what you use."  Unless you use an unreal amount of minutes, texts, or data, there's no real value in paying for unlimited usage.  I like being able to control as many aspects of my financial budget as possible, and with Ting's service, I have that option.  And with Ting's account "dashboard," I can see an updated accounting of my usage along with an estimate of what I'll use for the entire month.

Ting's handy-dandy dashboard

Ting offers six levels of usage, laid out separately by minutes, texts, and megabytes.  The best analogy I can think of is that you're choosing a shirt size (rather than most providers' one size fits all) for each category.  Never talk on the phone?  That'll be an Extra Small.  Use between 100 and 1000 texts?  That'd be a Medium.  Tend to access close to three gigabytes of data?  You're an XXL there.

Ting's levels of plans

You can set up your plan so that you pay for what you expect to use.  If you use less than what you planned for a particular month, you'll actually receive a credit on your next bill!  One thing I've decided to do is set up a plan where everything is at XS.  There is a flat $6 per device fee, so since I only have one phone, my initial charge is just $6.  I'm then charged on my next bill for what I end up using.  So you really have a lot of options.

5% Grace Overage

Say you use 510 minutes, which is beyond the 500 minute limit for a size small.  Ugh, now I have to pay an extra $9 for the medium size of 1000 minutes!  NOT SO FAST.  Ting grants you a 5% grace overage.  For that month, you'll still only pay at the 500 minute level.  Wonderfully fair.  And even if you go beyond the 5%, you aren't subjected to extra fees.  Instead, they simply bump you up to the next level for that month, and you again are simply paying for what you used.

Tethering/Mobile Hotspot Functions Included

If you like the ability to use your phone as a mobile hotspot for another device such as a laptop or a tablet, you can do this with Ting at no extra cost.  People often do this when they're on the road or not in close proximity to WiFi.  You'd have to pay an additional monthly fee with most other mobile providers for this function - PLUS pay for the data.  Double-billed.  I don't see how that's fair at all.  With Ting, you just pay for the data you use!

Buy a Ting Device Up-Front

If you don't have a currently accepted Sprint device that can be transferred over to Ting, then you would buy a new or used phone with Ting.  You do pay for the full price of the phone.  "Wait, how is that good?" you might ask, "With my current company, new phones are so cheap!".  This is actually a good thing with Ting because you won't be locked into a contract down the road.  I think we've grown far too dependent on subsidized phone costs with the major providers.  They give you a major discount on the actual cost of the phone, but they build that cost into their monthly charges.   Over the course of that one or two-year agreement, you actually lose more money than you saved on that phone.  Then when your agreement is up, you feel the excitement of getting an upgraded phone at a discount again -- and get locked into another contract.  It's a brilliant but deceptive maneuver on their part to keep you as a customer.

But there's more value in paying for the full price of the phone at the beginning of your relationship with Ting.  It puts an end to the cycle of purchasing new phones and buying into new contracts (although you can certainly buy a new/used Ting phone any time you wish).  There's no contract with Ting.  You can also sell your device later through Ting's used marketplace for a reasonable price.  And if the new phone prices are too much for you to bear, you can buy a top-notch used phone at that same online marketplace.

Regardless of what device you buy or bring over, you can port your current phone number over to Ting, and there's no activation fee!  I found the porting process to be very easy, and it only took about four hours for that process to complete.

An Excuse to Be Creative

I've found (along with many other Ting users) that the ability to budget my texts, minutes, and data contributes to a desire to be creative.

Previously with Sprint, I would always have the mobile data settings for my phone "on."  All kinds of background data transfers would occur - Facebook notification updates, Twitter feeds, frequent e-mail checks, etc.  That amounts to a fair amount of data being exchanged.  In my case, I have the luxury of being near free WiFi about 90% of the time.  So with Ting, I've turned my mobile data off unless I'm on the road and want to use it on a temporary basis.  Otherwise, within range of free WiFi, all of my data is exchanged through that.  And that's resulted in significant savings in mobile data charges.

I've been experimenting with VoIP mobile apps (Voice Over Internet Protocol), which is essentially the ability to make phone calls or send texts via the internet over WiFi.  Texting works well enough, though I've yet to experience much success with high-quality phone calls.  Others' reviews have proven however that many people have had success with it.  The two apps I've tried were Groove IP and Talkatone.  Both require a Google Voice account and phone number, which is free.  Let me know if you have success with these or other VoIP apps - they would result in even more savings!

Superb Customer Service

If you ever need any assistance or service with Ting, you can contact them by phone, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter (@TingFTW), or submit a web request.  I haven't needed any customer service yet, but there is a strong consensus among reviews that Ting's customer service is SUPERB.  If you call them, there's no automated system - it rings until someone picks up.  If you contact them any other way, they're known to get back to you within minutes or a few hours at most.  Ting also has a community forum where anyone can post a question or comment - Ting monitors it frequently and responds to questions there, too.
     
I actually really enjoy Ting's Facebook page.  It's helpful but also entertaining!  They have frequent photo caption contests where they'll post an unusual photo and the person who submits the funniest caption gets an account credit or free Ting "swag" (they've got some classy hats and argyle socks).  There's plenty of interaction on the page, too.  Ting asks a lot of questions for feedback, and often they offer swag and credits at random among those who provide feedback.

Overall, I think their marketing schemes are ingenious.  And not in a sleazy way. :)  It's obvious they legitimately want to assist and interact with their customer base.  Ultimately, I think that will go a long way in attracting new customers, too.  

A Few Cons... and by that mean, I suppose there are, like, Three

Firstly, since Ting runs strictly on the Sprint network infrastructure -- with Verizon as a back-up for voice/messaging only, you are limited to those two networks.  If you don't like the Sprint network, then Ting is NOT for you (since I was already on Sprint, I saw no change in service personally).  Additionally, if you are in an area without Sprint data coverage, you will not be able to use mobile data.  If you're not sure if you're in a Sprint/Verizon area, see Ting's coverage map. 

Secondly, you are limited on what phones you can use with Ting.  Here is their approved list of devices that you can bring over from Sprint.  Sprint is the only network from which you can bring a phone.  Also, Ting only works with Android phones, though they have announced that Windows Phone 8 will soon be available.  However, the iPhone is not anticipated to be offered with Ting in the foreseeable future, though they say they'd like to be able to offer it one day.  *Update: If your commitment to sign up with Ting is contingent on being able to use an iPhone, you can fill out a form by clicking "Notify Me" under Apple iPhone at the bottom of Ting's Devices page.  Ting will let you know when iPhone becomes available.

Finally, since Ting doesn't have any physical storefronts, if your phone breaks or gets lost or stolen, you'll need to wait for a new device to be shipped to you.  Ting's warehouse is in Los Angeles, California, so if you're on the east coast, it could take a week or more to receive that device (unless you pay for expedited shipping).  One fix for this problem could be to purchase an inexpensive Ting phone as a backup in the event you ever have a problem with your primary phone.  Then you could just pull your backup phone out of the drawer and activate it with Ting online that same day until you get your new phone in the mail.  Note: there is no charge for an inactive device.  

Ting is the Sound of Mobile Device Savings

I think you'll find that Ting is an outstanding mobile communications company.  If you want to save money and have more control over your budget, Ting is the way to go.  They're great for individual, families, and businesses.  It's refreshing to pay for simply what you use and not to be obligated to lengthy contracts. 

If this blog still doesn't quite convince you to switch, then check out the other many web reviews out there.  Take a gander at Ting's web site, and use their savings calculator to see how much you'd potentially save. 

If you do decide to switch to Ting, please consider using my $25 credit referral link.  You'll get savings on your Ting device purchase or service! 

June 2013: A Six-Month Update

It's been six months since I began using Ting, and I have remained exceptionally satisfied with their services.  Their plan prices have remained unchanged.  They have increased the number of new and used phones for available purchase.  With occasional referral credits, I've been able to go a few months without paying out of pocket.  I continue to be pleased with my decision to make the switch to Ting. 

Still have questions or comments?  Leave a note here on my blog!

It's More Than Just a Race

I'll officially be in a race again this year.  More to tell about that in a few moments.

Some run marathons to win.  Some run them to beat their pace record.  Some run them just to say that they did it.  Regardless of their reasons, anyone who completes a marathon deserves kudos for being inspiring.

When watching all of the news about the tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon yesterday, I felt a strong need to get back to a race.  I won't be doing a marathon, as I'm not marathon material.  Well... let me correct that by saying, there's no way I could run a marathon, but perhaps one day I'll walk one.

I walked two half-marathons in 2010 - the first in June near Boston with a couple co-workers, and the second in October in Newport, Rhode Island on my own (see linked blog posts).  Both were incredible experiences that made me feel so great about myself and others participating in the races.  You feel like you're part of something bigger than yourself. 

Training for a half-marathon does wonders for your health.  The consistent walking (or running or jogging) will certainly help you lose weight.  It's good for your cardiovascular system, and your energy and mood definitely is lifted. After my second half-marathon, I started running and participated in a local 5K in Bridgewater.  Regrettably, I didn't listen to my body and ran through some intense shin pain.  After seeing an orthopedic surgeon, I was told I should avoid ever running again.  That's easy for me to cope with as I hate running!  But I love brisk walking with a passion.  I've been inconsistent about walking since then - only walking about 3-4 miles once a month. 

But I've wanted to get back in the game over the last few months.  I just bought new sneakers a couple weeks ago, and the seed was planted for a return to a half-marathon in the fall, but I wasn't fully committed to it - not quite yet. 

I am inspired by those who ran the Boston Marathon.  By the people who supported the runners.  By those first responders to the scene after the bombings.  By the doctors and medical personnel treating all of those impacted.  By the Boston Police in their amazing response.  By counselors who are helping people cope with the trauma.  And by folks who are showing their support by dedicating their miles run and walked on this "Run for Boston" site started by a woman named Becca Obergefell (props to her for starting it).  I just contributed four miles this morning to the site.

Last night, I received all the motivation I needed to commit to a half-marathon.  I mean, what more motivation could you possibly need than the stories of human goodness coming out of the Boston Marathon? 

So I registered for the Maine Half-Marathon in Portland, Maine set for Sunday, October 6, 2013.  I chose this race because it's very walker-friendly and gives me a chance to see the city of Portland for the first time.  It also gives me a couple months to ease into a consistent walking routine, and then nearly three months to fully train for the half. 

Once I register for a race, I am COMMITTED.  So I knew I needed to register for the Maine Half-Marathon last night.  Every time I go for a walk, I'll be thinking about the people of the Boston Marathon.  And I'll be dedicating my walk in the Maine Half-Marathon to all of those inspiring people.

It's more than just a race.  It's a belief in humanity and the inherent goodness of people.

Oh, one more thing.  I love Boston.

You're My Friend, But You're Also an Idiot (A Commentary on Politics and Empathy)

It's been a hard-fought political season among all levels of government this year.  Emotions run high, as they always do.  There is a plethora of disagreements, as should be expected.  Social media has become a mainstream method of communication, at least for most of the people I know.  But from my perspective, people rarely used social media as a tool to engage each other rationally.  Like-minded people tended to use Facebook and Twitter to agree with each other.  Those with differing views tended to use social media as a means to belittle others.  Anonymity can explain some of this, though it's not a good excuse.  But when we clearly go beyond anonymity, when people know that acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family members are reading their statuses and tweets, I have a more difficult time trying to work it out logically in my head: "Why is it that people lose empathy on social media?"  And I know it's not just on social media - the technology we use is not the problem; rather, it's the behaviors we choose to enact that embody the concern.

Politics has always been entwined in upheaval, struggle, and emotional carnage.  I can only speak to what I've witnessed in my short life so far.  When political candidates become monoliths, you begin to see people demonize, demean, and dehumanize those candidates.  To a portion of the populations, these candidates suddenly become stupid, ignorant, malicious, greedy, selfish, divisive, uncaring, lazy, weak, brutal, dishonest, or even evil.  And to that I ask, why is this the accepted norm?

I volunteer that I've made critical attacks of statements that candidates and elected officials have made.  I know I've mocked their backgrounds and beliefs, too.  So I'm not without sin here.  But I was never comfortable when I saw others on Facebook and Twitter calling Mitt Romney "Mittens" or Barack Obama "Osama."  I cannot help but believe first that people have good intentions.  I wait for someone to prove me wrong.  I can't say that I ever hated any elected official or candidate.  I don't know them.  I don't know what's in their hearts deep down.  All I know is they are human, and they are in a position of power.  But the moment they are dehumanized, it opens the door to hatred.

I was really surprised this election cycle to see people socially close to me announce such disgust for the 'other' who voted or planned to vote for the opposing candidate.  It made me extremely uncomfortable when folks would say that the South voted for Romney because they're all stupid and uneducated.  Or that liberals voted for Obama because they're all self-claimed blameless victims.  When a family member or close friend would argue that anyone who voted for the candidate I preferred is an idiot, it just shocks me.  So I'm an idiot, too?  How are we friends?  How did we grow up as family members but suddenly get to this point?  Maybe it shouldn't bother me.  But it does.

We have every right to argue another person's political stance is wrong.  But when we call that person a moron for taking that stance, we have lost EMPATHY.  Rational discussions sometimes bridge gaps in beliefs, and sometimes they can't possibly even begin to do that.  Some of those beliefs are critical ones that impact lives and human dignity.  And that can be difficult to overcome.  But when we can't bridge those particular gaps, why can't we then choose instead to find other areas where we can agree?  Because in every person and in every political candidate or official - I'd argue we can find agreement in at least one - but likely many - of their beliefs and actions.  They're not "all bad."

This lack of empathy is what continues to drive this divisiveness in politics.  When using social media, I think we need to remember that we have chosen to set foot on a public stage with the spotlight on us.  In these political times, two friends might joke to each other what an idiot a particular candidate is and everyone who follows that candidate.  And those two people might be the most cultured people you thought you knew!  But HELLO.  The rest of their friends and family are watching their every move.  Sure, we have the right to offend everyone else.  But why would we want to?

The only we way we can accomplish stuff and move forward is by finding ways to collaborate and solve problems.  We need to humanize each other and remember none of us is perfect - and none of us is the devil-incarnate.  You can call me naive, but I'm confident that I'm not.

One Year Closer to Being Debt-Free...

I never would have imagined that I would be able to go for a full year without using a credit card.  This month marks the first year complete since I enrolled in a debt management plan.  I have a way to go until I'm totally debt-free, but with budgeting and fiscal responsibility, I've now paid down 18% of my debt over the last twelve months. 

Since September 2011, each month I've been paying just under half of my monthly salary to a debt management company (I'm more than happy to share the name of the company if anyone needs a recommendation).  They reduced all of my interest rates significantly.  The plan stipulates that I cannot apply for new credit cards or loans, and all but one of my previous credit cards were cancelled (the remaining one helps maintain my credit history).  It means that I'm forced to spend only within my means.  I won't deny that it's been a hardship as I have had very limited funds for hobbies and a social life.  As a single guy, that's been an especially hard pill to swallow - and I am working out plans to increase my discretionary spending.  Additionally, my budget was stretched thin during the summer when I didn't have the benefit of a "free" meal plan where I work.  It forced me to cook - I mean actually cook, which is something I've avoided in the past as much as possible.  Now that the academic year is underway again, I am incredibly thankful to have that meal plan again.  I've also benefited in having a reliable car since January.  I am consistently grateful for my gas- and money-saving Prius.

This fall semester I'll be taking a three-credit undergraduate course (free as a university employee) in accounting, which I imagine will help me understand and utilize better financial practices.  If I enjoy that course, I'll likely continue in the graduate level certificate program in accounting - for a personal benefit and potentially a career benefit as well.  

It makes me feel good whenever I look at a chart of my net worth on my financial software.  To tangibly see that worth go up, up, up causes me to feel that my "personal" worth improves, too.  In just over three years and probably sooner, I will not owe any money to credit card companies.  When that day arrives and that final payment goes through, it will likely rank among the happiest moments in my life so far.  

I Think I Just Caught the Antiques Bug...

There is something about the past that pulls me in.  When I started doing genealogy research in 2006, I was enthralled by the fascinating intersections between family and history.  Now at 32 years of age, I decided to stop by an antiques shop on my own for the first time ever.  Funny enough, the show "Pawn Stars" recently caught my attention in terms of the cool artifacts that people brought in.  Driving back from Providence, R.I. today, I saw the Rhode Island Antiques Mall conveniently off of Interstate 95, and I thought, "Why not stop in?"

When I entered the store, the first thing I noticed was a 1950's style stove-oven boldly colored turquoise and in near-pristine condition.  My narrowed focus on this piece of domestic history then expanded to my peripheral views in the rest of the antiques mall.  Good golly, thousands or perhaps more than a million nick-knacks and pieces of jewelry, furniture, electronics, containers, daguerreotypes and other old photographs, trading cards and sports memorabilia, and even my personal favorite collectible - walking sticks.

It all evoked this feeling that I can best describe as that childhood sense of awe and wonder when coming across a brand new experience - like walking into Disney World, or perhaps in my case, running through the woods as a young kid behind my house in Chesterfield, Virginia and discovering dilapidated Civil War era mounds and remains of old buildings.  They became a sort of playground.  I believe I've found my new playground in antique stores.

On the right is a sweet looking eight-track stereo that just boggled my mind.  These stereos became a thing of the past in the early 1980's when I just a toddler.  But I remember one of our neighbors who used to babysit me had an eight-track stereo in their son's car.  It was an electronic marvel that was rapidly becoming obsolete during the dawn of the cassette tape.  This particular model that I saw at the antiques store was in great shape, though I don't know who would buy it since it didn't come with any eight-track tapes.  Though it looked pretty damn cool and perhaps that's enough for someone to purchase it.

The Rhode Island Antiques Mall has TWO expansive floors, and I was so overwhelmed by the number of items on all of the shelves and in display cases.  I spent a little over an hour in the store.  I usually detest window shopping, but I never felt the need to purchase anything at this place.  I was content to mosey around and simply appreciate all the little pieces of history.  I wanted to know the story behind them - who owned them and what were their lives like?

I left empty-handed.  But I came away with something intangible: a new-found fascination.  I definitely plan on stopping by more antique shops in the future.  I do believe I've caught the antiques bug!  

My Prius = A Return to Stability

When my father signed the title for his 2005 Toyota Prius over to me on New Year's Eve, I was ecstatic.  It meant a return to financial stability and my personal sanity.  My previous car had given me lots of problems for the prior six months, so it was good to have a new life line.

I am admittedly spoiled in the sense that every vehicle I've ever owned was a used vehicle given to me by my father.  I made a lot of poor personal financial choices over the last fifteen years, and I'm finally paying the price.  I had no way to get a new vehicle on my adjusted budget - an exceptionally tight budget, but one that will reduce my credit card debt to zero in four years or less.  Because of four-digit repair costs to my previous car over the last few months, my debt was getting worse by begging for loans from my parents.  So finally getting this Prius was a major relief for me.

I Love My Prius

With the money I got from Christmas and my tax return, I made two major investments in the Prius.

Firstly, in early January, I had the Prius' interior detailed.  Why?  Because my father used the Prius as the primary means of transportation for their dogs over the course of five years.  Slobber and dog hair covered the car seats, windows, and headliner.  Smelled bad and looked atrocious - not a vehicle I'd let my friends get in, due to embarassment.  This is the first time anyone other my immediate family has seen these photos.  Here are the before and after photos, best viewed in a separate tab/window at full size:


Before and After Photos - Interior Detailing of 2005 Prius

Pretty gross, huh?

B&T Services in Bridgewater did the fantastic work.  They were able to remove most of the stains and a good amount of the dog hair.  There is still a lot of dog hair on the headliner though, and that's pretty disgusting.  It will take me a long time to gradually remove the hair - using rubber gloves, lint remover, duct tape, and tedious hair picking.  But the car is in much better shape than it was before, and I've heard plenty of positive comments from everyone who's been in my car.

The second investment I made in the Prius just happened this past Friday.  It happened because I really appreciate being able to play music from my iPod in my car.  My prior car had a cassette deck so I had always used a cassette adapter to plug in the iPod.  But the 2005 Prii (as I learned is the plural version of Prius) only have a radio and CD player.  No auxiliary input, no cassette deck, and horrible reception on a plug-in FM transmitter.  So I researched my options to upgrade my stereo.  There are two major obstacles to upgrading the factory stereo in a Prius: 1) the navigation/display screen, stereo, and electronic systems are all integrated, and 2) the dashboard is curved.  Aftermarket stereo upgrades are generally criticized as major mistakes.  They won't match the dashboard because they're flat.  But more importantly, the electronic systems could be compromised. 

The dashboard display/stereo

I found on the internet a unit called SoundLinQ SLU made by VAIS Technology which allows one to add auxiliary input to any Prius. It runs at about $220 as of this blog post.  It's expensive but worth it because it's guaranteed to work for the Prius with no risks.  The device is installed behind the stereo, and then RCA/aux cords are hooked up to the SLU unit.  VAIS Technology also makes other units that fully integrate one's iPod with their navigation display - for a higher price.  I was fine with just using my iPod to flip through songs.

SoundLinQ SLU unit (image from installer.com)

So I contacted VAIS Technology and asked for the closest authorized dealer of these units.  Installation can be tricky because you have to pry off the vents and other parts of the dashboard.  So I had the closest dealer to me, AfterFX Customs in Watertown, sell and install the device.  It only took them 45 minutes to install it.  They were so professional and showed me how they would install it.  They also showed me options of where the auxiliary cord could be placed.  It just so happens that there is a little compartment that you push to open, that sits right below the stereo.  So AfterFX Customs drilled a little hole in the back of the compartment and pulled the auxiliary cord through there.

*Update 2/16/13: AfterFX Customs no longer exists in Watertown, MA, but there are many other places than can install such a device.*
 
And here's a photo of the compartment opened up.  You can see how convenient it is.  And of course, the sound quality is truly awesome, which made me a very happy camper.


Auxiliary cord, compartment, and iPod!

So now I've got what I want with the Prius!  I'm feeling financially stable again, as I've (hopefully) got a reliable vehicle now for the next few years.  It's got excellent gas mileage - sometimes reaching 60 mpg on the highway (yes, I thought the Prius was better on gas in the city too, but it's the highway where it shines).  Another interesting factoid - the gas tank is a flexible "fuel bladder."  It expands when you put gas in it.  Pretty cool, huh? 

It's poignant that I was playing Coldplay's "Paradise" on my iPod in the above photo.  I feel as though I'm pretty close to paradise with my Prius now.

Drastic Measures for Plastic Tethers

It's funny how a slim card of plastic that can fit in your wallet can weigh you down so much.  Sometimes they multiply, especially under the right economic conditions, until there's a point those little pieces of plastic become tethers anchoring you down as the waters rise all around you.


img: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It's a depressing experience when you allow credit cards and debts to become larger than you ever expected.  It started for me when I entered college in 1997.  I was getting so many credit card offers at the time during the good old Clinton era when businesses were booming.  As a college freshman, I gave in to the temptation.  Being an avid 49ers fan, I got myself an NFL credit card through MBNA.  And then I spent money like it was my part-time job.  But with most part-time jobs, the benefits are few.  In 1999, I had an awesome three-week vacation in England with my best friend.  He saved for it.  I didn't.  By that time, I already had accumulated a few credit cards.  Though I don't regret that trip to England for a moment, I'm ashamed to say that it started the lengthy trudging through deeper and deeper debt.
 
I always thought I'd get myself out of it on my own.  But it's been 14 years since the debt began - and gradually increased.  Over the last three years, the debt has plateaued but never decreased.  Then this August 2011 slammed me with such frustration and fear that I knew I had to seek help.

Early in August, I noticed my trusty 1998 Nissan Altima with 120,000 miles was making loud rumbling and squealing noises under the hood whenever it was idling or accelerating.  I had it checked out by the local mechanic and $530 later, part of the problem was fixed.  But the mechanic said the timing chain in my engine was about to go, which was the kind of work he didn't do.  I took it to the local Nissan dealer and they confirmed the problem along with a hefty $3400 price tag to get it fixed.  I couldn't afford this, not even if I combined all the remaining available credit on all of my credit cards.  The financial fear was gripping, and I called my father to ask if he'd help me get a "new-to-me" used car.  Initially he said he'd do it but then changed his mind and said he'd only give me a loan to repair the car.  I didn't have much of a choice unless I took out a large car loan - but even when I did the math for that, I wouldn't have been able to afford the monthly payments unless it was beyond a 60-month term.  So I called around to different auto shops and was able to get my car fixed for $1450 (which contributes to the notion that dealerships are greedy folks!) after getting a check from my father to pay for it.  But I still feared this was $1450 being sunk into a potential black hole.  It's an old car after all.  It took a week for the car to be fixed, which was the longest I've ever been without a car.  That wasn't too bad though since I was in the middle of Resident Assistant training at work which meant I was mostly stuck on campus anyway!

When the auto shop called me to say it was all repaired, I was so relieved when they told me everything else under the hood was in fantastic shape.  What a gift.

I didn't want to experience such stress again though.  What would happen when my car needs another major repair again - or worse yet, is beyond repair?  I knew I had to take care of my personal debt crisis seriously.  After speaking with a friend, I believed speaking with a financial counselor would be a smart start.  Another friend provided me with the name of a reputable credit counseling company, and that's when I decided to take control of my life again.  After a lengthy phone conversation with the counselor named Tricia, she helped me create a debt management plan and a personal budget.  Starting this Monday, I will be giving a little more than half of my monthly salary to the credit counseling company every month for the next 4.5 years.  They'll in turn distribute that money to the credit card companies each month.  It's well worth it, as they're able to lower all of my credit card interest rates by very significant amounts.  You can probably get a good sense now of how bad my debt has really become.

I have cut up all of my credit cards so there's no temptation.  And as each credit card is paid off, that particular account will be closed until all I have left is one credit card remaining with zero balance.  That's where I'll re-build my credit history, wisely this time.  Thankfully throughout the last 14 years, I've never missed a payment to credit card companies and I always made more than the minimum payments, so my credit score is actually really good right now.  So even as my credit history is gradually "lost" over the next 4.5 years, I don't think I'll ever have "bad" credit.  I have student loans too, but I have to manage them myself.  I'm not overwhelmed by those loans - they'll get paid down soon enough.

I've often felt weighed down and depressed by all of the debt I've had.  It's hard to believe that nearly half of my life has been inundated with that horrible feeling and a sense of no control.  But at least I now have a plan.  And with a new personal budget, I'll be able to put aside money monthly for emergencies like car repairs (or perhaps a down payment on a new car a few years down the road?) while also only purchasing the things I only really need.  Well... with one exception. 



My little piece of heaven

That exception would be mocha lattes!  I love them too much and I've visited Starbucks and the local Better Bean coffee shop to get my craving for so long.  Mocha lattes are my self-indulgence.  When it comes down to it, they are probably my most simple daily pleasure that I didn't want to lose.  Of course, I couldn't afford to drive out and buy them anymore with my new  budget.  Well - six years ago, my parents bought me an espresso machine that I never used.  Too complicated, I thought, quite stupidly I might add.  But three weeks ago, I chose to finally give it a try, and guess what?  I've made a mocha latte for myself every day since.  It's certainly an art form to make the perfect mocha, but I've succeeded at doing so.  And instead of paying $4.25 a day for a mocha - plus gas for the car (gasp!), now it only costs me $1.50 a day.

August 2011 was the month that nearly brought me to the financial brink.  Instead, I've chosen to use it as an opportunity to bring me to the light.  I can see the light.  And in 4.5 years, I'll be able to bask in it.  It's a tough journey ahead, but I'm ready for it.