But 2 years ago this April, when we decided to pay off every debt that we have, I was very afraid. I was very intimidated. I was very overwhelmed. But as we began to put one foot in front of the other, small debts disappeared. And then larger debts disappeared. And then even larger debts went buh-bye. Now we stand to be debt free except for the King’s Student Loan and our mortgage by the end of next month. I continually rub my eyes and pinch myself. How did that happen? How did $47K go away so quickly?
As I ask the question, I already know the answer. It didn’t happen magically. It didn’t happen instantly. It wasn’t without sacrifice. It was a series of decisions, that might seem unconnected at first but certainly all were taking us down a specific path (for more on this, read this book). And the result, I can only describe as Bliss. I worry less. I argue with my husband less. I feel less guilt. I regret less. I stress less.
You know, the funny thing is, I always thought that more would scratch that itch that I was talking about earlier. If I just had a bit more, I would feel better about who I was. If I had a bit more, I would be a better person. Turns out, I just needed less to be blissfully frugal. In fact, we keep a button pinned to all of the debts we’ve paid off bound and magneted to our refrigerator. It says, “To Have More, Desire Less.” Somehow, in the midst of all of the cutting back, eliminating eating out, meal planning, coupon clipping, and debt slaying, I figured out that I was already rich beyond measure and that I had more than enough. And that Money Saving Lords and Ladies, is true bliss.
www.queenoffree.net
Thanks for sharing your story! You had me laughing picturing you driving with your hair flowing! You are an inspiration to so many for paying off your debt! Congratulations!
Renae
That’s a pretty accurate depiction. 🙂 Thanks for reading Lady Renae.
Greetings Queen of Free,
We are bound and determined to do IVF in October of this year and I even got a part time job to help contribute to this goal. However, we are still going to do the total makeover while saving, saving, saving! Our first issue to resolve is to not eat out except once a month. Even if that means we are invited out with friends and family, we are sticking to our guns. I hope we don’t lose friends because of this. What other suggestions do you have for “baby steps”?
Cheers!
Lady Jen
Congrats Lady Jen on expanding your family! Children are a blessing and a joy. Saving for IVF is your best step even if you have to stop your snowball for a bit. You want to be able to pay cash for that. AND be sure to “shop” around and compare rates. IVF prices fluctuate from practice to practice. Obviously you want a doctor with whom you’re comfortable and confident in; however, don’t be afraid to be a consumer and expect the best service for the best price.
You’ll see a HUGE difference from decreasing eating out. Saving a once a month “treat” will help you to keep from falling off the wagon, too. Great idea. And not to get all “Mom” on you, but if you lose friends over not eating out, they weren’t your real friends anyway. 🙂 Have people over to share a meal with you. You’ll still spend less than eating out.
One of the best ways we’ve knocked off so much debt is by using every unused penny budgeted toward our snowball. i.e. if the cell phone is $5.76 less than what I budgeted, that $5.76 goes on the snowball. If we spend less in gas or groceries, then that money is added in, too. It doesn’t sound like much but over time it adds up. A little bit, over a long period of time yields great rewards!
Of course, I’d encourage you to continue reading here and find a few more tips and tricks along the way. Add small “Two Degree” changes to your life one at a time to increase your staying power. Good luck and God bless!
Greetings Queen of Free,
We are bound and determined to do IVF in October of this year and I even got a part time job to help contribute to this goal. However, we are still going to do the total makeover while saving, saving, saving! Our first issue to resolve is to not eat out except once a month. Even if that means we are invited out with friends and family, we are sticking to our guns. I hope we don’t lose friends because of this. What other suggestions do you have for “baby steps”?
Cheers!
Lady Jen