1 year ago....

[mousefanmichelle]

1 year ago I was on the budget board trying to solicite advice on how to make my budget work and wondering how I was going to get out of debt. I was scared and worried every day.

This month, officially, we have been on a debt reduction plan for 1 year.
While it hasn't been easy for us I can honestly say that I am proud that I haven't used a credit card in 1 year. We applied for 1 earlier this year at Lowes for a new washer & dryer (had to) but that's paid for and I don't go to Lowes to charge paint or light bulbs or anything. We have the card for emergency appliance things if needed but I can't charge groceries or gas or anything else there - whew!!!

It's a relief to know that I can live within my means each month. It's tough I'll say it again - because things like gas and grocery prices rise all the time and our pay hasn't in 3 years but we are making it. I have a new mindset about things I wasted our money on (eating out) and I still complain that I hate cooking but I do it - every darn day because I can cook a heck of a lot cheaper than I can take my family out to dinner for.

We have had some ups and downs this year too. My dh was out of work for 5 months with a back issue. Last Nov. my son totalled my dh's car (and he was an unlicensed driver at the time so insurance wouldn't cover the car we still had a loan out on) causing us to eat the car pretty much. Somehow I have continued to keep my chin up and maybe that is because I know we are climbing out of debt and not going back into it.

I think this last year we have taught our kids what it is to be responsible and I have said to them No more times than I can count and they are beginning to stop asking for the stupid junk they don't need. This next year is going to be another test as my oldest son will graduate high school in 2012 and go to college. I have heard the senior yr is expensive..... we'll see

Til then I will just keep on keeping on Thank you budget board!!!!

 

[espana94]

1 year ago I was on the budget board trying to solicite advice on how to make my budget work and wondering how I was going to get out of debt. I was scared and worried every day.

This month, officially, we have been on a debt reduction plan for 1 year.
While it hasn't been easy for us I can honestly say that I am proud that I haven't used a credit card in 1 year. We applied for 1 earlier this year at Lowes for a new washer & dryer (had to) but that's paid for and I don't go to Lowes to charge paint or light bulbs or anything. We have the card for emergency appliance things if needed but I can't charge groceries or gas or anything else there - whew!!!

It's a relief to know that I can live within my means each month. It's tough I'll say it again - because things like gas and grocery prices rise all the time and our pay hasn't in 3 years but we are making it. I have a new mindset about things I wasted our money on (eating out) and I still complain that I hate cooking but I do it - every darn day because I can cook a heck of a lot cheaper than I can take my family out to dinner for.

We have had some ups and downs this year too. My dh was out of work for 5 months with a back issue. Last Nov. my son totalled my dh's car (and he was an unlicensed driver at the time so insurance wouldn't cover the car we still had a loan out on) causing us to eat the car pretty much. Somehow I have continued to keep my chin up and maybe that is because I know we are climbing out of debt and not going back into it.

I think this last year we have taught our kids what it is to be responsible and I have said to them No more times than I can count and they are beginning to stop asking for the stupid junk they don't need. This next year is going to be another test as my oldest son will graduate high school in 2012 and go to college. I have heard the senior yr is expensive..... we'll see

Til then I will just keep on keeping on Thank you budget board!!!!

Congratulations! I am going to print your post and keep it for motivation and inspiration!

 

[Mickey1Fan]

Michelle - that is wonderful news. Keep up the good work you must be so proud of your family

I have a Maxine comic on my desk right now which reads:

'It's amazing what people throw away. It's even more amazing what they'll buy in the first place'

It is a good reminder to stay on budget.

 

[disneychic2]

Congratulations! A year seems like a long time, but look at all you accomplished. Good for you and your family. You're teaching your kids skills that will be invaluable to them as they go out into the world. A year from now, you'll be on here saying you're so close to being debt free or there already! Keep up the good work!

 

[wide awake]

Great job! It is amazing what you can do w/o when you set your mind to it. I will tell you that all of a sudden things get easier. One day you look around and you don't really have to budget. You've had your spending under control for so long that you don't buy stupid stuff, and you have the money for things you never dreamed you'd be able to afford.

 

[Aisling]

Thanks for posting. You're an inspiration to many. Like Dory said, just keep swimming!

 

[Abhay]

Thank you for the information provided.

 

[disneymomjcs]

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

It will feel great when the bills and cc are paid off. You won't feel weighted down.

 

[Lumiere Lover]

Congratulations to you. It is such a hard time out there for so many people, and it is good to hear you are making progress! Keep up the good work!!

 

[crisi]

Congrats! I remember your thread. Feels a LOT better, doesn't it? Just wait, it will feel even better in a few more years.

 

[LBKB]

Awesome job keep up the great work.

 

[TLuvsD]

Congrats on a great job!

 

[auntmeme7577]

From one Michelle in Michigan to another...GREAT JOB !!
Isn't the peace of mind and independence priceless?
Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing such wonderful news!

 

[Bibbidi]

You have a lot to be proud of--especially when you were thrown a few curveballs with your DH's job and son's car accident. Good for you! Imagine where you'll be a year from now

 

[Dreamer Kevin]

You should be very proud of yourself. What a great post!

 

[mousefanmichelle]

Thanks everyone! I guess everyone has a few curveballs here or there but the best part is knowing we can get outta the way sometimes!!!!

 

[Sagginit]

congrats! have you noticed there are certain things you just don't miss? i used to go to the movies at least twice a month. now i just don't even want to go let alone spend the money when i can sit on my couch and watch on demand for free. i have learned its all about habits. once you change those and get budget friendly ones it becomes so much easier.

 

[Sunshineminnie]

Congratulations! It sounds like it has been a tough year, but that you have managed to stay the course!

I can't help but think of what a wonderful gift you have given your children (especially your DS as he enters his senior year!). We all know that kids learn by seeing what their parents model. What a great gift to show them to live within their means. Hopefully they will learn by example and begin their new lives with a great attitude towards money and debt!

Keep up with the good work and good luck with senior year!

 

[eyor44]

Congratulations! What determination you have to keep going forward even when Life throws you hurdles.

 

[dwfanatic]

Congrats!! We too do not use credit cards and we just got back from an 11 day trip to disneyworld....everything from plane tickets to rental house and food etc was paid with cash. It can be done with a good budget!! I also wanted to say my kids names are also Evan and Cole!