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Showing posts from February, 2021

My One Year Student Loan Payoff Update

  January 28, 2022 marked my one year anniversary of paying off my student loans . Reflecting back on choosing to pay off my student loans leaves me with several take a ways that I want to share with you! In September 2020 I decided to become debt free by utilizing the debt snowball method to pay off all my debt. Before this I had struggled to save and really understand basic financial principles. As a first-generation college student, I received a scholarship to attend undergrad for free, but the scholarship did not cover summers. During the summers I took out student loans to cover costs without paying interest rates or how much I was taking out. By the end of undergrad I had amassed a little under $17K. Fast forward to graduate school I received another scholarship that covered my education. At the time I was a teacher in a new very expensive city and I had missed the cutoff to have my paycheck last me throughout the summer. So, I decided to take out a loan for two summers to ...
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De-Stressing after a Natural Disaster

  ( This a photo of me meditating with my hands in a praying position and another photo of me with my hands massaging my temples used as a thumbnail for my YouTube video on De-stressing after a Natural Disaster.)   De-stressing after a natural disaster is beyond necessary to get yourself back on track. After last week’s snowstorm, it took me a few days to get back into my normal routine. In today’s culture we have a “if you fall off get right back on and keep going” state of mind. Nevertheless, sometimes we need a break and a moment to reset. Staying in a shelter to keep warm and being without a power for a few days will definitely warrant a break! While it was not the easiest experience, it honestly was not the worst. If you have ever experienced a tough situation, you know how important it is to not become overwhelmed.   Here are a few of the things I did to keep my spirits up: 1.       Stay busy! I kept myself so busy by completing schoo...
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Adult Daily Living Skills: I Survived My First Winter Storm

(This a photo of me bundled up in my coat and scarf and pictures of snow used as a thumbnail for my YouTube video on Surviving a Winter Storm.)  Well it’s been a week now and today’s 70 degree weather has me feeling like did last week really happen ? Was my power really out for 4 days during a snow storm ? Wait there was a snow storm in Texas ?! Yes that did happen and I survived thank you Jesus ! Staying at a warming center or shelter  definitely took the cake but I was safe and the food was great. So many local people brought in food, heaters, and blankets. Seeing the generosity of so many people encouraged me to give more ! I also was able to see how the elderely and those with disabilities are especially vulnerable during a time like this. Many of the people at the shelter were elderly and would not have survived the freezing temps on their own . After I got an email saying my power had been restored I just felt so thankful that I had made it ! Who knew a native Floridian ...
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Surviving My First Winter Storm

(This is a photo of my apartment steps covered in snow.)   Day two of the Winter Zombie Apoc alypse  and I’m still without power. It’s now been over 48 hours and yesterday morning I decided to come to what’s called a Warming Center. After waking up at and it being ONE degree yesterday morning I said no ma’am I got’s TO GO ! But basically the Warming Center is a place where you can warm up, charge your devices, and have hot food. The one I’m at is actually a senior citizen center and it’s pretty nice. I brought a comforter with me and everything I’d need to stay the night. Based on the update from my apartment complex it looks like I’ll be here another night or two as the power still has not come back on. Overall, my experience has been okay at the Warming Center. I have eaten good thanx to the locals who have brought in Chick-fil-A, pizza, lasagna, desserts, chips, chili, and gourmet grilled cheese. Someone even brought in heaters. Lord, it felt so good to eat something hot. I...
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The CARES Act (Money for Students)

  (This a photo of me smiling used as a thumbnail for my YouTube video on CARES Act Funding Money for Students.) About two weeks ago I did a video where I discussed the 1098-T, a tax form that may assist you in getting a few tax credits if you are a student. That video is over 600 views thanx to you all! So keep watching, sharing, and commenting. But that got me to thinking if there were so many questions regarding the 1098-T I wonder if everyone knows about The CARES Act. The CARES Act is an acronym for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act that provides emergency grants to students who were affected by the pandemic. If you are a student who has completed the FAFSA and has a financial need then you qualify. Unfortunately, students who are international, un-documented, and in an online program before 3/13/2020 do not qualify. Imagine my own disappointment when I found out that last part! Oh well maybe next time! You can apply for this grant directly through your ...
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Adult Daily Living Skills: TrampoLEAN Class

(This a photo of me standing on a trampoline used as a thumbnail for my YouTube video on TrampoLEAN Exercise Class.)  Exercise is so important especially when most people are still working from home and not getting out as much due to the pandemic . I make it a point to exercise at least 3-4X a week . One of the ways I do that is through a weekly TrampoLEAN class at the gym. That’s a play on words in case you didn’t notice lol The class really gets my creative juices flowing in addition to helping me to stay in shape ! And did I mention it’s so fun ! If you aren’t working out currently while you may not have a TrampoLEAN class near you I would encourage you to do something ! You can go for a walk, do yoga, or dance to your favorite song . The point is that exercise not only preserves your body it also preserves your mind so get up and get going ! Check out the link below to see how I stay in shape through TrampoLEAN ! SUBSCRIBE:  Adult Daily Living Skills: TrampoLEAN Exerc...
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Adult Daily Living Skills: Using the Oven

  (This a photo of me looking at a pepperoni pizza with a surprised look used as a thumbnail for my YouTube video on Using the Oven.) What are you typically doing on a Friday night ? Well this past Friday I decided to kick back after work and throw a pizza in the oven. I love frozen pizzas because they are a quick easy meal on any day of the week. Especially the flatbread pizzas at Walmart near the cooked food section. They are delicious ! When using the oven to cook anything you want to make sure you are being safe. Here are a few tips when using the oven: 1. Read the directions of whatever your making thoroughly  2. Preheat the oven based on the directions  3. Be sure to check on your meal by using the oven light located on the stove panel  4. Keep some oven mitts near by to protect yourself while removing your food  Want to see how I use the oven ? Check out the link below.  SUBSCRIBE:  Adult Daily Living Skills: Using the Oven
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