Sunday, June 15, 2014

Waiting Around...

So, I had grand plans to pay off my husband's first student loan this month. But, it's looking like it might not happen until the beginning of next month. Sigh.

My husband has refereed soccer the last four weekends (which should bring in around $350, maybe a bit more) and he started his new internship, which is paid. So in theory we should be able to do it. BUT...

The other soccer league he refs with pays him cash on the same day. This league cuts him a check. He asked about when he would get the check and people said either July or August. WHAT?! Of course it will be nice to get a big chunk later, but that's pretty much the exact amount we need to pay off that loan!

As far as the internship goes, he's put in his hours and his HR person has done what she needs to on this end. But the system to actually get him paid has to be updated by someone at Minnesota Public Radio (the umbrella his station here in CA falls under). Payday is next Friday, so unless it gets done first thing Monday, I don't think he'll get his first check until fourth of July weekend (the next pay cycle).

He'll get all the pay he's entitled to eventually, and he's not worried about it, but I was so excited to get that loan taken care of THIS month.

On the bright side, this isn't income we need to pay rent or buy groceries, so I'm thankful for that at least. I don't know what they expect people to do who are depending on their pay to live!

Anyone else ever have to wait to get paid?

Monday, June 9, 2014

It's Not Always About Money

Today my husband took a huge step towards his career goal and accomplished a dream. He started his internship at our local public radio station!

When he left his job almost a year ago, I know some people thought I was a little crazy to be okay with it. We've lived mostly on one income (minus reffing soccer and a brief stint to Lowe's). He's been in school and at times been home more often. We'd only been married for about a month when he quit.

But today, when I got to see him come home from his paid internship at KPCC, with his new name badge and a smile on his face, I know we made the right decision. He loved it, and is thrilled at this opportunity. And yes, we'd be further ahead on paying off his student loans if he still worked as a manager at Walgreens. We'd have a bigger house down payment fund. And we're still working on those things.

Less importantly, we'd have gone on a better vacation, or eaten out more. I'd probably have more new clothes and would've gotten a pedicure or two. But I wouldn't trade any of that for my husband being able to pursue his dream.

Sometimes, financial goals have to take a backseat to other things. And today confirmed that supporting him in these dreams was totally worth it.