Smile!

Why is it that the smallest things can make you happy? I received my tax refund today and while it is a tiny amount compared to what Peter got, it is a huge amount compared to the amount I would have received in NZ.

 

This made me happy, and I decided to do the right thing with it instead of shopping. I called IRD (New Zealand tax department – Inland Revenue) and sorted out how to put that money onto my student loan. I found out I was in arrears from the 07 year (nice of them to let me know while I was still in NZ!) but the money I had was enough to pay it off. I also found out about the repayment holiday.

 

I get 3 years while overseas to not pay my loan. I still get charged minimal interest, but there is no weekly payment that I need to make. My goal is to pay off the loan before the holiday is up, so I get 2 years to pay it off.

 

I also found out that all NZ bank accounts now have a quick link where I can make the payment directly from my online banking! It even fills out all the tax forms and stuff that I need. SWEET!

 

And the thing that makes me the happiest is finding out how much I actually have to pay. I have a student loan and a personal loan. While still in NZ they came to a total of around $15,000+.  This was such a depressing thought and I HATE being in debt. It is the worst feeling in the world, and I just don't want to go there.

 

I looked at all the figures today and I am now around the $11,000 mark. While $4000 may not seem like much, to me that is a lot of money. Especially in one year! I love my job, but being only just above minimum wage makes living and having fun very difficult.

 

I am so proud of my achievements, and I am hoping to get the full balance paid off in 2 years. Another tax return next year will help tremendously!

 

So today is my happy celebrating day. Nothing can make this day crap. I might even make ham and cheese toasties for lunch in our fancy work grill. YUM!