When the Credit Score Doesn’t Matter

In frantically trying to clean up my credit, pay janky credit card bills, and keep medical bills out of collections, I’ve realized that I’ve put off other things that matter just as much, if not more. Things like my utilities and food – meaning not enough money for a full grocery bill in the budget, have been getting out of hand. I seemed to have forgotten about the things that don’t affect my credit score.

Finding out from my electric company and the City (water, sewer and garbage) that I was this close to getting cut off was a rude awakening. I tend to put those things off until I absolutely have to and not only am I wasting money in late fees, but I’m getting frighteningly close to not having electricity and water. What kind of loser does that? No one knows that my credit sucks, but I’m pretty sure people would find out if my electricity and water are off. Plus, try explaining that to a five year old. On top of that, try explaining to that five year old that it’s a secret and not to ever tell anyone.

My credit is important. I need to clean it up so I can buy a house one of these days. I guess my point is not to forget about the other expenses. Most people pay the important stuff first and then fiddle around with everything else. I seemed to have gotten things reversed a little.

I’ll be working on paying even the utilities on time and giving myself a little more room for groceries in the budget. Although this isn’t one of my huge “Personal Financial Goals”, it is important that I maintain a healthy and decent lifestyle.