Freedom Friday

Hey everybody. So glad you stopped by today. Freedom Friday is when I bi-weekly let you in on how we’re doing with our pursuit of paying off debt. I’m hoping that many of you will also e-mail me with your story (with either “Freedom in Progress” or “Freedom Achieved” in the subject line) and I can share your story to encourage others, too.

Welp, it’s that time of the week again.  I’m checking in with you on our progress of paying off debt to obtain TRUE freedom.  It’s been a good news/bad news sort of week around these parts.  Let’s start with the good news.

• We are VERY close to paying off our last credit card.  HOORAY.  I have no idea what it will feel like not to have a big old Target Visa hanging around my neck but I do have a feeling I’ll be able to breathe much more easily.  In December, my best estimate was that we’d have it finished by mid March and NOW I think it might be in February.  Wouldn’t that be an awesome Valentine’s Day Gift to give each other?  

• After old Mr. Target Visa is sent packing, it’s on to our very last debt.  Mrs. Sallie Mae.  Before you get too excited for us, realize that Sallie is a very large gal.  She includes all of the King’s undergrad and graduate school loans.  She basically has a very nice full invisible wing of our house (or perhaps separate guest quarters) all to herself.  Sooo as intense as we have been and as much as we’ll have to roll into the snowball, it’s still going to be a journey.  You won’t be hearing us yell, “We’re Debt Free!!!” anytime soon but I know we can eventually get there.

• I took the Eldest Princess to the dentist yesterday and it looks like we might be investing in her mouth sometime soon.  I’m SO thankful to know an orthodontist who goes to our church and who’s office is literally steps from the King’s office.  I’m certain he wouldn’t be rash or anything but gentle with our daughter.  But the idea of paying for braces . . . F.U.H.R.E.A.K.S. me out people.  She is only 7!  It wasn’t even on my radar yet.  And I had a similar diagnosis at 7 and didn’t end up needing them at all.  Soooo, I’m stuck wondering what to do.  Obviously, we’ll go in for the initial exam and then go from there.

• I can’t remember if I told you or not but the Good News Ministries sold our car.  Yay!  We haven’t heard yet how much it brought but we know it will be MUCH more than the “junking” it pennies we would have been able to get otherwise and it provided great training for budding mechanics.

• Speaking of vehicles, we’re still intermittently driving my parents’ truck with our other “good” car. The King takes the car when the weather is challenging because the truck is not so good on ice.  Which means that many days I’m at home with the Youngest Princess which can be a little crazy but it’s worth it.  We haven’t decided whether or not we’ll pause and pile up enough money to buy a $2-$3 K car after paying off the Target Visa yet or not.  Perhaps.  I’ll keep you posted.

• Last but not least I’ve begun to freak a little about Blissdom.  Because I didn’t think I’d really win, I hadn’t thought through travel costs and what in the world I’d wear.  BUT I think I’ve begun to get it under control now.  I’m planning on packing plenty of fresh fruit and protein bars and bottled water.  And carpooling.  And asking for a fashion emergency from a friend.  🙂

Related posts:

Freedom Friday: So Close . . . But So Far Away Freedom Friday: Pressing Pause Freedom Friday: Happy Debteryversary! Freedom Friday: Days Like These