Friday, December 11, 2009

Getting Out of Debt: Part 3

Posted by Mandy at 4:18 PM


Back in the summer I posted about our journey to get out of debt. (here and here) We have stuck (pretty much) to our plan and have been consistently paying off credit cards. I am quite proud of the self control we've had! Sure, we could have done a bit better, but compared to where we were, we're rock stars!

We're still debt snowballing Dave-Ramsey-Style and we are seeing changes. Some days I feel really pumped up about where we've gotten, and others I feel so defeated at how far we still have to go. Right now we've pretty much reached the peek of that roller coaster. We just need a little shove to get up and over and we'll be smooth sailing! Amazingly, being so close to having another card paid off is more frustrating to me than exciting. I just wish I could pay it off TODAY. I don't want to make more payments. I don't want to wait. I'm tired of focusing on this darn card... be gone already! (and, for those thinking "umm.. hmm.. that's why WE don't have credit cards!" as you look down your noses... let's evaluate the car you can't afford to drive, the house you can't afford to live in, the other loans you can't pay back... most of us Americans are in this boat together - the boat of DEBT.)  Those of you that are rocking the debt-free (or mostly so) life.. you deserve a medal for your awesome choices!! Share your knowledge with the rest of us and keep us encouraged!

Once this card is paid off... we'll be able to whittle away at the next one a lot easier. It will just be a big weight off of our shoulders and we're so ready to get there. I'm working my booty off, as is Clayton. I keep telling God to keep doing what he's doing to help us out because we know that any money we are able to not only earn, but use towards "our" plan, is totally by his doing. He gives and takes away.. that is a hard lesson to learn sometimes. (at least for me!)

We are talking a lot more now about seriously looking for a house or land. I even went to get a survey of a piece of land we've been eyeing... things are starting to feel more real. Goals feel more reachable. Expanding my business on several acres seems possible. We're so close... so close it almost hurts!

One major setback is that Christmas is here. We've pretty much decided that Christmas will be fun but minimal this year. We refuse to ruin our long-term goals for one day of way too many presents under the tree. It just isn't worth it.

Another set back I see coming is medical bills. After some extensive testing I had done recently.. I'm dreading writing those checks! (that we'll have to pay out.. ugh.. taking away from the money we usually put towards paying off credit cards. Anyone else living this story?!)

So, we're still trucking along. We are determined. We have huge dreams that we know we can accomplish - and that keeps us motivated to just keep doing this. I can't believe it's been 6 months ago when we started this plan.. it seems like it was just a few weeks back. Time flies so fast.. whether you're making wise choices financially or not.

What choices will you make as the New Year approaches? Will you be where you are now 6 months from now or working on moving forward - refusing to let finances hold you back any longer? I'm praying that we'll be somewhere much different. Having a house that we've been able to sell, debt totally paid off, and a house on a perfect amount of acres. God is leading us... and his timing feels painfully slow. I do know that in the end, wherever he's put us will be perfect and I'll be so amazed at how he reveals his timing to us. That's how he works. I think he does it just to drive me crazy...

4 comments:

Shelley on Saturday, 12 December, 2009 said...

We have no credit card debt and I LOVE it!

We have one car payment, the house, and the 4 wheelers. That's it. No other "notes" besides my camera gear which I make pay for itself. My budget could still use some work, but I am proud of where we are at the moment.

Amanda on Saturday, 12 December, 2009 said...

Hang in there. We did Dave Ramsey's plan and we are now debt free except our house, with a plan set up to pay it off early. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it will be worth it. I know it's hard when you're in the middle of it, but the feeling of being debt free...it's amazing. It's like a burden has been lifted off your shoulders. You will make it!

Krystal on Sunday, 13 December, 2009 said...

We are within 1-2 months of being debt free thanks to Dave. I completely feel you on just wanting to move on to the next debt. It can get so frustrating yet so fun. I also feel you on the medical bills-that is actually where we started. We actually should have been debt free this month but had a medical emergency with our dog-uggggg. But he is okay now (all be it now taking a significant portion of what was our debt repayment to see that his medical needs are now met) and we are back on track. Keep on plugging and congrats on the progress.

Dsheray on Sunday, 20 December, 2009 said...

This is a great blog and I love the ladies.

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