About Diva
Here’s my story:
Updated April 2013
This year turning 45. Now have a positive networth (on paper). Still not married and no kids. Still own a condo in So Cal and still live in Texas.
My condo rental income has increased but still does not cover my mortgage. I’ve recently looked into selling my condo but although the value on Zillow has increased, I’m still underwater. And the Zillow value is high. Torn about keeping or selling my condo. I think if I could make some money on it I would sell.
Still employed by the same company that hired me back in 2010, but in a much better work situation. 1000% better work situation. I actually like my job. No scratch that, love my job.
I moved out of my parent’s house in May of 2012 and into an apartment of my own. Overall very happy. Making slow but very steady progress towards my financial goals.
Since my last post in September of 2012 I’ve almost eliminated my credit card debt and my assets have increased in value. I fully expect to be free of my credit card debt this month, April 2013.
January 2010
I’m in my early 40′s and have a negative networth. I’ve never married and have no children. I own a condo in southern California, but live in Texas. I’ve moved a bit: born in the North; moved to Southwest in high school with family; moved to So Cal to live and work in early 30′s; moved back to the North to work; moved back to the Southwest to survive).
I have a renter in my condo but the rental income barely covers my mortgage payment; I still have to pay the HOAs (which are crazy expensive), property tax and insurance. Selling my condo is not an option; although I consider it all the time. I’m way under water on my condo and I have a HELOC (survivor debt from an earlier layoff plus paying off a CC) loan. I have a dream of living in my condo in my retirement. I also don’t believe that short selling is the right thing to do. I got myself into this mess; I bought the condo, it was my decision, there are risks in everything.
I just landed a job that pays about 30% less than what I made at the last job I worked at, but 100% more than what I was making out of work. 
The company I work at is huge and offers fantastic benefits. They have a location where my condo is located and my short-term/long-term plan is to get a job transfer back to there.
Currently I live with my parents. I would not be able to save and get out of debt if I did not live with them. My parents are getting on in years so I’m helping them update and maintain their house. Also, my dad’s investments have suffered with the recession so I’m paying rent of $200 a month (will go up to $400 a month when my car is paid off) which helps them out.
This blog is my story of vanquishing debt, becoming successful financially and living a marvelous and fulfilling life!
