Hard to believe how far I've come!

**DixieChick** · 01-27-2012, 03:27 PM

Hi, I have not been on here for a few years (years?!) I have had ups and downs in my life the past few years, but right now, I finally feel like I am in a GOOD place financially, spiritually, and mentally.

I followed Dave's advice back in 2004 and my husband and I managed to pay off around 80,000 in credit cards, loans! I paid my car off early, we paid off EVERY credit card, and I worked on saving up about 10K in our emergency fund. He was making really good money then but that did not last forever. Over the next few years, I went back to using credit cards again, but only because of the "rewards". Well, whatever Dave did to make me really want to get out of debt must have stuck, because every time I had a balance on the card, I would literally get a sick feeling in my stomach, even though I planned to pay it off the next statement. I did this off and on for a while, until I just finally realized that after my Total Money Makeover, I CANNOT ever use a credit card again! So right now, NO CREDIT card debt, I have 12,000 in the bank for emergencies, I am putting 15% into my retirement, AND I'm putting money in my kids' college funds, AND we just refinanced and I am going to be making extra payments on our mortgage, AND I am going to finally start giving regularly to our church, which I have been neglecting. So technically, I am on baby step 8 right now! (am giving more even though the mortgage won't be paid off for 12 years and that is 8 years early!!!)

So, yeah, I rededicated my life to following Christ about a month ago, after taking a side trip into other religions, and then all of this really good stuff started happening to me.. because I am rededicated to staying out of debt and being FRUGAL, and being GRATEFUL for everything I have!

**MaryCarney** · 01-27-2012, 03:37 PM

Welcome back Dixie Chick and congrats on all the good decisions you've made. Feels good, right?

**rachelj** · 01-27-2012, 03:40 PM

Oh, DixieChick!

I am so excited for you! The financial aspect is wonderful but the Jesus part is super-fantastic!

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

**forHISglory** · 01-27-2012, 04:37 PM

I am soooooo proud of you! Stay close to the Lord and let Him direct you. In all the years that I tithed, even the hard and lean years, He never let me down. Keep posting and tell us more details!