karniv0re's Journal: Operation Pacman

It's been a while since I spawned an Operation. As I'll remind my audience of approximately zero, I determine operations based on the need for a long term focus on a particular goal. This particular goal is eradicating debt. And since I can't do it all at once, I'm doing it a little bit at a time. Like Pacman eating the little dots (monthly payments) and trying not to get caught by the ghosts (surprise expenses).

I've got my spreadsheet model laid out for various situations. Currently, it is set on what I am calling "Insane Mode" where I basically have no life and pay as much as I can on my loans. Realizing this isn't realistic, I'm going to create a Goal in Simple for Student Loans (and eventually Upstart Loan) and set aside as much as I possibly can in to that, leaving me about $400/month for food. If I go over that $400, then I eat away at my debt payment, causing me to be more mindful of my spending.

I'm also going to make an effort to shop cheaper, doing my grocery shopping at Target and such instead of the local mom & pop, which is much more expensive.

This is coming on the heels of learning that I will be supporting my girlfriend through anesthesia school a lot more than I anticipated. I can still eradicate my debt by bonus time next year though if I stick to this. I won't be eating ramen though, as my health will always come first. But bars, restaurants, and expensive cigars are out. Even expensive whiskey is out. I'll be drinking bottom shelf Evan Williams (which isn't bad, really). But I'm going to get this done. One day at a time. One little dot at a time.