Tidbits
Well, neither of the Oregon jobs were a good fit. We're firmly back at square one. Despite that, I'm feeling a little less discouraged today. Maybe it's because I applied for a job I think I'd truly like. It's in Seattle, which is one of our "target cities." I don't have high hopes that I'll get it (I'm a bit underqualified), but I feel upbeat to be doing something towards getting us to a better place emotionally, physically, etc.
We are facing an odd credit card dilemma. We are both carrying balances again from the move. We have plenty of money in ING from the house sale, and could pay them off. However, what we're making in interest exceeds what we pay in finance charges--last month, we made $68.92 over the cost of our finance charges. I know big businesses sometimes take their time paying off bills for this very reason, but for "normal people" it feels really odd. I'm torn. I hate credit card debt, but then again, since our future is rather uncertain it's nice to have a good chunk of money in savings, and it's not costing us anything...
posted by SMB @ 10:52 PM
4 Comments:
Good luck with the Seattle job. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
As for the credit cards, it may make immediate financial sense to keep the balance and not pay-off - but will it make long-term sense? In other words don't get comfortable holding onto unsecured debt. Credit cards are sneeky - you did the math now and it might be beneficial to keep the balance. However you have to stay vigilant - credit cards are notorious for changing the rules on you. You could find yourself paying more or higher rates without realizing it.
If you have a large amount in savings and the cards will just reduce the balance, but not put you jeapordy, I would advise biting the bullet and paying them off.
It sounds like you may have more relocation costs ahead of you. Do you want to compound the credit card debt or do you want to try to pay for these changes as you go? Paying as you go may help keep your timeline tight and step-up the focus.
Good luck on the job front!
jane dough provided some nice things to think about, all I can add if you hate credit card debt, go with your first instinct and pay them down.
Thanks, folks. I do hope we're able to pay for the next round of relocation costs (sigh) mainly with cash. And Jane, what you said about credit card companies suddenly changing the rules was something I hadn't thought of. I'll definitely be watching for that until we figure out what to do.
This is EXACTLY why I could never play the cash advance credit card game that some people are so fond of.
I hope your job search is getting better.
I've been following your blog since you moved from the East Coast. California is really expensive and the housing market is just difficult, SF particularly.
Portland's a great city. It may not be the financial powerhouse that SF or the Bay Area is but it's very charming and homey. I was there early October and loved my visit so much I wanted to stay.
Good luck!
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