In March of this year, I realized my debts were more than my income, and I had to do something about that. I sat down and thought of what do I owe/pay every month (I live with BF, he pays house payment)

I had:
$2200 in new windows
$1900 in lasik
$2000 in CC (round about)
$1400 in Student loan (round about)
$17000 in Car loan
plus utilities, car insurance, grocies, ect.

I started by cutting my grocery shopping money by $100 a month, cut out all misc spending, havn't bought myself much this year, and just started paying off debt.

WEll, at years end - here I am

Windows - paid in full
Lasik - paid in full
CC - paid in full as of 2 days ago!!!!!

And now I can snowball into my Student loan ($860 left), and I estimate that being paid off in April, if not March!!
My car loan is all that is left, and I plan on paying that off by Dec 2007. Even if that is all I owe on, at least I feel so much more in control now. All of you on here have helped my so much, thinking of new ways to save, and just inspiring me, so THank you very much!!
And the best news - I got a $0.75 raise!!!
So I'm looking forward to what next year brings :)

Great news Mandi! You are doing a wonderful job and next year will be off to a great start. Good for you! :thumb:

That is awesome Mandi, and in such a short period of time. You're doing great and it's wonderful to hear good news, keeps everyone inspired. Thanks for posting!!

:clap: Woo Hoo! Feels great to be in control of your money, instead of the other way around doesn't it?

Congrats Mandi

Kellie

WTG Mandi! :D

Whoo-hoo! :clap:

Mandi
It is so nice to hear your inspiring story. It's incredible that in less than a year you have paid off so much! What commitment! It's beginning a new year and you are off to a great start, strong. You're an inspiration to all of us.

Mandi,

That is awesome!

Good for you!!!
Someone should sticky this post for all the new girls that think it can't be done!

That's great news!

Wow, I guess my first step is to sit down and list all my debt--I've been in so much denial, I don't even know an amount:(.

I must start doing that--

Way to go!! Very inspiring!! Thanks for sharing.

Great job! I'll be paying off my first debt in full early this year, and I'm pretty psyched about it! :)

WTG! Great job! :applause:

Mandi, that's awesome, the feeling is great isnt it? You should be totally proud of yourself, keep up the great work! :)

Awesome job Mandi! Keep it up..once you get the debt paid off, think of how much money you can use to build up your savings!

Way to go!!!:rockon:

Congratulations Mandi!

It would be great if you could post some tips about how you stayed motivated during the year.

Great news about your raise!

Congratulations Mandi!!!! I'm down to just my vehicle too (and my mortgage) keep it up!

Excellent job!!! I love hearing success stories..

I just want to say "Thank you" for posting your story and helping me to see it CAN BE DONE!! I think that I have spent most of my life in debt...I have paid things off and then, even if I have the $$, I charge it and then only pay the minimum. Makes me wonder if there is some hidden deal going on in my brain!!:ache:

Congratulations! it must feel fantastic!

wow, another really old thread... lol

I hope you've continued your financial success, mandiedawn.