Just need to do a happy dance!

[DVCBELLE]

A year ago my husband and I realized we were too credit card dependent - had more debt than we wanted and needed to buckle down. In the past year, we paid off our 2 credit cards and both cars. I cut back on bills that I could (phone, internet, Directv) and reevaluated all of our insurance and such to reduce our spending. We quit eating out as much and really worked hard to change our spending habits. I started couponing and I did ChaCha so we could pay cash for Christmas and vacation and any other little extras that popped up.

Today, I revaluated what we were paying each month compared to a year ago. Last year at this time - we were lucky to have $100 left at the end of the month. Now we have $1200!!!

We didn't change our lifestyles drastically and now a year later - I don't get the pit in my stomach when it is time to pay the bills.

I am in a great mood today! The best part of it all is that we built up our savings and this month we did a little splurging to take care of some things we had been holding off on and didn't worry about going into debt to do them!

 

[pumpkinfish]

Oh that is wonderful news for you! I know how you feel when you do that comparison to "previous lifestyle" and present day. You have clearly cut back as needed and by re-evaluating have ben able to save more money :.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Congrats!!! Isn't being out of CC debt such a great feeling

 

[Brer Shay]

Congratulations! You've done a great job yourself and it's encouraging to hear how and how well others have done.

Way to go!

 

[TKL SHOP]

That's awesome...isn't it crazy how internet, phone and cable add up.

 

[Princess April]

.... awesome for you! we are almost there... just 1 more payment on Visa and 3 more payments on furniture and we are almost 100% debt free... the only exception is 1 car and the house. After the next 4 months the car is the next thing to happen and then a fully funded emergency fund (almost there now, i just want to add some extra, extra cushion) and then on the the house (we already pay more than is required, we'll just add $1,000.00 more per month) Hopefully in 15-20 years we will be 100% debt free!!!!
It really encourages me to hear about others that are doing well... gives hope to the rest of us!

 

[DVCBELLE]

We have decided not to pay off the house yet. We have 3 loans that get us tax deductions and have fairly low interest rates. My DH's job is such that we want to bulk up savings before we pay them off. But at this rate it will just be a few months before we are ready to start paying them!!!

I really can't believe how taking control can make such a difference!!

 

[Cynt]

Thanks for this great news. I have my school loan and house left to pay off. In a world where everyone charges, it feels great to be around people who also "gets it" when it comes to being debt free.

YYAAHHOOOO to you!!!:banana: