Goodbye Debt!

**belle_figlie** · 08-12-2009, 10:12 AM

"You are lucky enough to be able to find pleasure in whatever you are doing today. In fact, you can turn a boring chore into something that's so much fun, others want to jump in and work with you -- and, of course, this increases your enjoyment level. Ultimately, your day is like a self-fulfilling prophecy; your positive attitude can create the wonderful experience you believe you are having."

That is my horoscope for today.

Our family went through a very rough patch up until about March/April. I took a few months to catch up on the normal bills and playtime... a few days ago I was talking to one of my family members and she was telling me how they're fearing a lay off for her husband... so they're cutting back on everything and skipping out a lot of things.

Of course! I was just in the same situation and now that I'm out of it, why am I spending money again like it's going out of style?

It was like seeing that light at the end of the tunnel, only the light is a semi and it hit me square in the nose.

Right now I can afford $400-$500 to go towards my debt each month and the same to go into savings. I am going to match it each month because we DIDN'T have a savings account when we hit the rock last year.. we had nothing to fall back on. It was hard.

It can happen again.. anytime! I could blink my eye and have no income again tomorrow. I refuse to let that happen again!

My goal is to pay off all of our debt within 24 months from now and have a large emergency fund. I'm going to start with 3 months for now and keep doubling it..

I might not be as frugal as a lot of people on this board but I want the same thing as everyone else.. to live debt free and not have to stress everyday about how my three kids will end up in college someday..

Nobody can do this for me but me so I'm sitting here now saying I'm going to do it, I'm going to record it and I'm going to celebrate when it's ALL GONE!

**Debbie-cat** · 08-12-2009, 10:21 AM

Good for you! I am sure with an attitude like that you will have no problems reaching your goals!

**TigerGirl1226** · 08-12-2009, 11:13 AM

Way to go!! If you'd like to participate, some of us are posting our payments in the "Debt Reduction Total" thread to see how much debt we can kick to the curb this year. Here is the link: Debt Reduction Total Thread It's just fun to see how much we can pay off as a group, it's up to over $300,000 already!

**Surilda** · 08-16-2009, 01:20 PM

Hi Belle,
I am where you are right now.

Just starting on my "no debt" journey, but filled with
new determination! I think finally one day we just
get to the point where we say, "NO MORE!!".

Remember what started your "NO MORE" and keep it
posted where you can see it everyday. For me, it
was being close to retirement, wanting it so badly,
and knowing I couldn't retire with the debt load I
have now.

Wishing you the very best of luck in your endeavors,
and keep us posted with each accomplishment!!
Celebrate each step no matter how small you think
it is, as EACH step puts you closer down the path to
financial freedom!

**Michelle68** · 08-16-2009, 03:57 PM

Good luck with your plan. Keep us updated, we'd love to celebrate with you when you reach your goals.

**calimomx2** · 08-16-2009, 04:23 PM

Way to go!! Good luck!

**CouponShelle** · 08-16-2009, 04:45 PM

I agree!!!

**firefly615** · 08-16-2009, 08:50 PM

Good for you for getting started!!

Be sure to read through all the great advice in this forum. Particularly helpful might be the Dave Ramsey area. Read up on debt snowballing. This is the best and fastest way to knock out your debt AND to feel a sense of accomplishment as you do it. I think you might find he suggests that as soon as you have $1,000 in your EF, put most of your efforts into debt reduction to get rid of it faster.

Whatever you do, you are going to feel so great as you watch the numbers go down. Congratulations and best of luck on your financial journey!

**belle_figlie** · 08-19-2009, 09:49 AM

Thanks everyone! I checked out a few of Dave Ramsey's books at the library.. I've been making plans on attack and am ready to start watching the debt drop off! I am determined to do this, more than ever before. Been reading the stories and they are VERY motivational!!

**rsbs** · 08-19-2009, 11:31 AM

You can do this!

**Denvergirlie** · 08-19-2009, 07:53 PM

Bravo for you!

I was much of the same, but once I got started it was much easier than I thought it would be. Still enjoy your life by all means (we kept basic cable, eating out, bookstore..., etc.), but having a plan can really make it so much easier and now you have your plan.

Rock it!

**frugalfranny** · 08-19-2009, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by belle_figlie

[I
Nobody can do this for me but me so I'm sitting here now saying I'm going to do it, I'm going to record it and I'm going to celebrate when it's ALL GONE!

This statement puts you right on track.......good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing. I know you will do well!!