This is a great thread!
*Refinance cars w/ DCU
*Get increases on all cards
*Garden, garden, garden!! I've got tons of inquiries from my auto loan in July.
*Pay down credit cards to 20% utilization (currently at 32%, but still have purchases to make)
*Spend less on eating out for lunch
*Save at least $50 per check
Here's hoping to a financially fruitful 2015. 2014 was very good to me!
Good topic and thread
- First and foremost is a platinum spade. No need for more cards this next year. Increase the CL's and let the inquiries fall off, pay on time and try to raise the all important FICO.
- Increase my 'Going Rate'. Since I don't have a job, just my tax returns for proof of income, I plan on giving myself a small raise of 8% or so on my hourly rate for doing work. Because of the sluggish economy over that last few years, I've resited raising my rates to keep work flowing and the banks happy.
- Actively pursue another piece of real estate, either for the long run or a quick flip for a nice profit. It's a goal every year to pick up another piece that will make retirement a little nicer from the cash flow and write offs.
- I'll never have 0% percent utilization in any given month as I use my cards for business. But since finding this board and knowing how and what to look for as far as closing dates, posting dates and reporting dates from the card companies and to the CRA's, I feel I can keep my utilization under 10% even if I'm spending 10 to 20k per month on them. Currently at 12%
- As already mentioned in this thread, Maximize Rewards. I'll never beat the big companies at a game they pretty much have complete control over, but every 2 to 5% I can get back is a small victory for money I'm going to have to spend anyways.
- Be on the lookout towards the end of next year for the best rewards / 0% interest card for 2016. Do my best to grab that puppy next Dec. when my first goal is reached.
I reserved the right to add to these small goals as this year comes to an end.
