Ending the "Ostrich Effect"

I'm starting this blog to put an end to my severe case of the "ostrich effect" - whereby I keep my head buried deeply in the figurative sand to avoid dealing with money.  I've always been interested in personal finance, that is until it comes to actually doing something about my own situation.  So this is the beginning and you all have to keep me accountable! 

Basically, I'm broke.  Not broke in a living-on-the-streets kind of way, but more in a plight-of-the-student-loans way.  My journey starts where most basic bitches do: college. 

I grew up in middle class suburbia with a single mom who provided for us but couldn't afford to help with college.  As a first generation college student I had no one to look to for advice, all I knew was I had to go to college.  So I picked my dream college and figured I'd take out loans for whatever financial aid didn't cover.  And that's just what I did. 

My student debt is a story for another post but let's just say that at 18, this basic bitch had no understanding of the hole I was digging for myself.  

Now it's 4 years after graduation, I'm gainfully employed and, if it's possible, I have less money than when I was a pennyless college student.  I was lucky to get a decent job in the midst of the Great Recession, got promoted quickly and earned a few raises.  Unfortunately with that success my expenses and spending also increased.  

All I have to show for my hard work is student debt, a car loan, no savings to speak of and an ever increasing credit card bill. 

All in, my net worth is somewhere around -$86,000, depending on how you split hairs.  

Counting against me: 

- Student loans

- Car loan

- Credit card balance

Counting for me: 

- Checking and savings

- 401K and IRA

- Health Savings Account

- Capital value (car) 

Goals: My goal through this blog is to pay down my debt and change my spending habits, primarily to purchase a home within the next 12 - 18 months.   More importantly though I want to live comfortably and happily below my means.  

Thanks for taking this journey with me! 

BasicallyBroke