I've got a bunch of tasks to do for work so my daily blog posts have been pretty thin the last couple of days. I might have to re-think my "daily" frequency so that I can have more well thought out/quality posts. But since "daily" was my New Year's resolution, I wanted to at least complete January with meeting my goal. I'll have to think about how frequently I post stuff moving forward, could be once a week...we'll see.
If nothing else, today has just re-confirmed for me that I'm the right track to get rid of all my debt, build wealth and stop "having" to work. Life should get much easier when you don't "have" to work. I'll still make some income but it will be because I "want" to do the work.
Hi Joey! I finally got a chance to circle around and read your debt blog. I haven't read every post yet (about half tonight), but I just wanted to say "YOU CAN DO IT!" Being debt free is an AMAZING feeling – you will love it :)
ReplyDeleteHere’s a little of my story, maybe a pick-me-up for you? An “if I can do it, so can you” speech. I've been living debt free for almost three years now. It was a long journey because I have been paying for everything myself since I was 18 (college, apartments, cars, insurance, clothes, food, credit cards, friend's gifts (birthday, wedding, baby shower, etc), you name it, I was responsible for it). So don’t ever give up, because perseverance wins the race and I can tell you, crossing that finish line feels like you won the lottery!
A few things I’ve learned along the way:
• Majority of people equate budget with being cheap. DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM! Oh, I’ve been called cheap (yes, to my face) and heard people complain when I ordered salad with water instead of the steak and drink. Well, I’ve always thought of the big picture when it comes to money, so I saw it this way – the $20 difference. Take that $20 you just saved eating salad and multiply it by 3 (times eating out a week) = $60. Now multiple by 52 (weeks in a year) = $3,120. Its not cheap, it’s smart! Will you order the steak and drink on occasion - absolutely!
• The little changes add up! You may not see it on a daily or weekly basis, but over time you become very aware of how the little differences seem to melt away your debt. And to watch your debt melt away like the wicked witch is priceless. It's like a 2½ ton weight is being lifted off your shoulders. It affects you financially and emotionally.
• Don't give up the fun stuff, budget for it. You know me; I’ve traveled all over the globe in the past 13 years. How? I made it a priority and always had travel in my budget. Yes, I could have paid off my debt a year or so sooner, but then I’d have given up my life and that would have made me miserable. It’s a trade off – do I pay for cable or save the $40 a month for a vacation? Do I get that steak dinner or put away the $20 difference to see two movies? Do I buy the $20 book or use my library card so I can save the money for a night out? I know people think entertainment and vacations should be the first to go, but don’t do it, you’ll be miserable. It's a balance of what entertainment makes you happy (the steak or the trip?). Make a budget and stick to it. Ask yourself the questions and make the trade-offs. I swear to you, it’s worth it.
Anywho, just wanted to say Hi and tell you I’m sending you debt free vibes and that I'm in your corner rooting for you!
Amanda, thanks so much for sharing your story! It really encourages me (Rachel) to hear of friends and family going through the same thing. I'm really proud of Joey (and myself). We've totally changed our paradigm on money and we know yes, we made mistakes, but we are owning up to them. The "dream" of being a homeowner was our biggest mistake by FAR! But we are now on a path to someday be able to pay cash for a house, IF we choose, and to put our kids through college. THAT'S what keeps me going when I'm dressed in my sweatshirt and workout pants and sneakers when I see other women in their designer clothes and $200 boots. It's a choice. The biggest deception is to think you can have it all. All at once.
ReplyDelete