new here -- and trying again

[newresolve]

hey all,

I recently had an epiphany that should have happened years ago; I realized that I was simply falling deeper and deeper into debt due to my poor spending habits and the feeling that I should have whatever I want, whether I could afford it or not. hm... doesn't really work that way, does it?? :)

so, in June I made myself a strict budget and stuck to it... it was *hard* to stick to it, but I did it. Working on July as we speak.

For the sake of being transparent and hopefully keeping myself motivated, I'll list it all here:
Visa: 4600
personal: 650
credit line: 9545
car loan: 16909
student loan: 14828

total: $46,532

ouch.

I am also a student so that reduces disposable income during the school year ($400/month for school...).

I am working on my Visa first because it has the highest interest.

I am trying to break the bad thought patterns which got me here in the first place ("I want it therefore I should have it..."). I'm also trying to learn how to live without all the indulgences that I would have given into before (such as flying across the country for a weekend...).

It's only month 2... and I feel like it's going to take FOREVER to get out of this hole... someone tell me that there is hope!

[jamie79]

There is hope and you have started out well. You admitted it, wrote it out, and stuck to the budget. Now dont think that you have to be in depravation mode all the time. Treat yourself to something small occasionally as a reward for sticking to it. Keep posting too for support

[Cricket1]

Congratulations on sticking with it in June! Just like a diet, you wouldn't expect to lose 50 lbs. in a month. You would just keep plugging away at it to see long term results. Good luck. You can do it.

I'm guessing (just based on the fact that you're a student) that you're somewhat young. Congratulations on figuring things out so early.

[newresolve]

I'm guessing (just based on the fact that you're a student) that you're somewhat young. Congratulations on figuring things out so early.

well, I'm 29. I just went back to school again in January. So my student loans are from the first time I went to college... this time around I am not taking out any more loans!

[FrugalMomof3]

First off, congrats on sticking to your budget, and your on the right track so that's a start

Secondly there is hope at the end of the tunnel, believe me, I was there once and have managed to stay out for over a year, you just have to have persistance and have to really want to get out of debt.

I think your doing great and as long as you stick to your budget you'll do even better as time goes by, it just takes determination.

[Nada.Leona]

to the Village!

[Southernmama]

Welcome! Being able to admit your faults and your debt is a HUGE step. I can't even put the numbers out there for all to read because well frankly it's my doing that those numbers reached so high..And my poor dh has to be the one to work hard to pay them off.

BRAVE! STRONG! and HOPEFUL!