Spurred into Action!

**JustMegan79** · 04-02-2009, 08:10 AM

So, I wrote in another post how I had a total meltdown the other night. It wasnt all about finances, but finances were probably the underlying cause. Dh and I, since we have moved back here to Va, have been sticking our heads in the sand. All those bills stacked on the table? Big white elephant in the room. I'd been ignoring it, and so had dh, because, after all, what was the point? They couldnt be paid....

But. Morning after meltdown: I got mad. Sure, I was still stressed. Sure, I was still weepy. But I sat my tail down and finished our taxes, supposed to get a refund, hoping we dont, hope they keep it for the tax I owe VA.

Taxes: Done!

Next up, my student loan. I shook the sand off my head and called ECMC. They conference called me to the lender servicer and BOOM!
Forebearance applied, unemployment deferrment in the works! DONE!!

DH and I counted every dollar we had, it was 400.
Time Warner, $40.90 back due from SC, PAID! Done!
City of Myrtle Beach parking ticket, $45.00 PAID! Done!
Santee Cooper (from SC) $99.00 PAID! DONE!
AES Student Loan (dh) $$100.00 PAID! DONE!

WE will buy groceries tommorrow and when I get my unemployment check, I will be paying whatever other little bills I can.

They add up, we become broken down, we ignore it. NO MORE.

I cannot tell you how good it felt to pay those 4 things off in one day. No, they werent big, and yes, our credit will never be good, but by Golly we are going to chip away at it. Whether we are employed or not.

Dh I think finally got the connection between me crying/freaking out and bills. And he was stressed too, just couldnt tell me, because he diidnt want to upset me more. So we attacked!!!

We are still under an insane amount of debt, dont even know how much, but as they show up, we will not be ignoring them. They will not run my life. I will not allow them to drag me down anymore.

Our checkbook, and our faith will pull us through. After all, Ive been through so much worse, and this is all gravy really compared to what I used to deal with (homelessness, abuse, etc).

I feel lighter today!!!!!!

Not to mention a very sweet girl on this forum helped me see the light, just with kind words. I love this place. Thank you all so much.

Megan

**Momto2Boyz** · 04-02-2009, 08:17 AM

Congrats and good for you! I've been in that situation and I can tell you there is always light at the end of the tunnel...you just have to wait and look ahead to it!

I completely understand the part about ignoring the bills. I did that too, when they just kept coming and there was no money to pay them. But the less I did about it, the more stress I had on the inside. I literally felt like hiding!

But I think there is something very empowering about re-taking control of your finances. Even if there is only a little bit you can do to control them at a time, doing what you can makes you feel better than doing nothing at all!

It sounds to me like you took your first step! You'll get there, just do what you can and try not to let it stress you guys out to a breaking point!

**DJ1972** · 04-02-2009, 08:20 AM

Congrats on your attack! You will be amazed at how quickly you can clean this up now that you are taking action! Less stress makes for better relations too!

**Greebo** · 04-02-2009, 09:01 AM

Taking control puts the power back in your hands. You may not be able to do everything you want, but with this attitude, you know you've done everything that *CAN* be done right now.

Way to go, YOU!

**Cricketlegs** · 04-02-2009, 09:16 AM

We have all reached the breaking point and then started to put everything back together again.

It is hard but it can be done. Sure it is slow and it isn't fun but the payoff in the end is what we are all looking for.

Good luck and congrats on reaching your personal turn around point.

**frugalfriend** · 04-02-2009, 09:52 AM

Way to go!!!

Taking control of the situation definitely alleviates stress! Every little bit you do will make the load lighter. Things are looking up, so happy for you!

**nuisance26** · 04-02-2009, 09:59 AM

~Good news! I'm sure things will seem less overwhelming now that you and your husband are working together on controlling the finances. With faith and determination you can do it!~

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!"
Lamentations 3:22-23

**cissylu** · 04-02-2009, 10:30 AM

Good for you taking control. Things are looking better for you,and will continue getting better. I`m so happy for you.

**jmd5294** · 04-02-2009, 10:36 AM

Good for you! Seriously-- taking control of things when they seem overwhelming is a huge step!

And, I am totally with you on those little bills getting ignored. I just paid a $15 parking ticket that I got back in January! Whoops!

**WV_mom_of2** · 04-02-2009, 12:36 PM

Congrats on getting some things paid off! Even the little things add up and each little step you take adds up to clearing up the debt! I'm glad you are feeling better today!