October 18, 2005
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Trying to do what's right ...
It's important to me that I find a more permanent home, buy it, and get settled there. My kids are in their third school in three years. I love the school they are attending now, but I also know that there's no way I can afford to buy a home in this neighborhood. It's really kind of amazing luck that the apartment complex we're in is affordable.
So this morning I'm following through with the last step of my IDA application. The Individual Development Account is a program available in most states and it's designed to help people in difficult circumstances build assets. Under the theory that if you give a man a fish you feed him for a day, but if you teach a man to fish he eats for a lifetime ... they teach people to save money and reach goals.
The IDA money has to go toward one of three things - downpayment on a home, education expense, or investment in starting a business. Different communities match funds at different rates. Here the match is 3:1 and I can contribute up to $1000 - so at the end of the program I'd have $4000 to bring to the table as a result of my participation. There's not any investment program out there that's going to give me that kind of return. Some communities match 2:1 and I've heard that Hawaii matches 9:1.
It's taken a long time for me to gather the documents I need to make my application. But I finally have everything and I'm going in to my appointment this morning. So what's to be nervous about? I'm on my way right?
It's a two edged sword whenever you apply for a program like this. Someone else will be judging whether I'm worthy of acceptance into the program. I know from when I talked with them before that they are used to helping people who have gotten into debt and don't know how to budget. That's not really me. I have a very strict budget. I have no debt. I'm in danger because of my hard work and strict financial discipline, of looking too good.
So I have my fingers and toes crossed this morning.
Wish me luck.
Comments (14)
That sounds like a great program. It sounds like just what you need.
If they need character witnesses just have them talk to any of your Xanga pals.
Definitely, Good Luck and have a great day
I'd never advocate pretending to be something you aren't, but dang it. Talk about 2-edged swords, as you say. I'd much rather have my tax dollars go to a program to help people who show significant statistical liklihood of succeeding, based on past experience, than helping those who don't. Not that I'm against helping those who don't, but still -- helping those who need just a little in order to to help themselves just fine is a priority.
GOOD LUCK!!
This is the first I've heard of IDA. Sure hope you get it.
Best of luck...here's hoping you don't slip through the cracks....
Heck, I think you are a sure thing for it, that is if they have any sense at all. Surely they want to show some successful "deal." You would be one and they will see that. Cheers.
I have all my fingers and toes crossed.
i NEVER heard of IDA...sounds like a great plan to me...but i'm banking on Sirius stock and the eventuality that my book will becomes something of a cult staple
I understand you thinking you may look too good. I do hope this works out for you, however. Blessings.
Sending you positivity...that does sound like an incredible program! Hope all works out for you
Thanks for stopping. I've added a picture.
Good luck on your application.
How ironic that being diligent and careful could disqualify you from a program that seems perfectly tailored for your needs. I'm hoping for the best. You deserve for something good to happen.
Good luck...sounds like a great program.
I'd wish you luck, but luck can go either way, as my pops says. So instead I wish you SUCCESS!!!
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