Debt $ense

I finally took some time today to work on one of my extra income plans. I took various components in different papers and designed four basic holiday cards. I’m going to assemble one of each in the next few days, then pitch city and county parks and rec departments on teaching a fall class on the topic. Based on past experience, one class should net me between $50 and $250 depending on the number of students. If I can score two classes, that should take care of two months’ extra payments, possibly more.

My other plan, editing and proofing college papers, is waiting for me to design the flyer and distribute it on campus. I started last week, but haven’t had time at work to finish it. I don’t know if I will this week, but should on the weekend - it’s my turn to work. I’m not sure what kind of income to expect from that, especially for a summer session.

My third plan relates to the first one, and that’s selling Christmas cards I make. I’m hoping the classes will help with word of mouth. I’m not sure how crazy I want to go with this, for several reasons, so that’s why it’s third.

I got some more information about my extra income potential for the month in the last couple of days, and once I plugged that in, my projections for the rest of the year make it highly likely that I’ll meet my Dec. 31 goal. I actually have about a two-week cushion *knocks on wood* barring any major car repairs or other expenses.

Fortunately, the low interest rate I have runs into January, which means even if I get hit with the idiotic two-cycle billing, I’ll have enough to cover the whole $5 in charges.

One thing that will help in the upcoming months is some additional driving for work. My car gets really good gas milage, so driving 1/4 of the miles in a tank gets me enough money to pay for about 3/4 of the tank. I’m hoping to use that to contribute to my extra monthly payment, provided I don’t need it to cover the increasing cost of gas.

I’ll also be putting my various money-making plans into action during the next two weeks - more about that in a later post. Those, plus the milage, should net me enough each month to hit my $100 extra payment goal. I’d like to increase it to $210 - equal to a weekly payment - but I don’t know if that will be possible.