It is official. Yes, we are debt free!!! We can hardly believe it and we are so thrilled and feel so blessed. Last January, we started Dave Ramsey's program, The Total Money Makeover. You may remember me posting about going to his live show in May and we had planned to have our debts paid off by early fall. Well, we had a few bumps along the road and things come up, but here we are. No debts.
In less than 1 year, we paid off $30,000. I can't believe that we actually did it! It wasn't easy, not at all. We had to give up a lot of 'fun' things and we got a lot of flack from people, but we knew it would all be worth it. Now, we're on the other side, having gone through it and it was ALL worth it! What an incredible feeling!
If you don't know anything about Dave Ramsey, check out his website here. Or tune in and listen on 570 AM from 7 - 10pm. It's not any magic formulas or secret investments, it's common sense, but ideas that the American society has moved far away from. We feel so blessed and we are so grateful to Heavenly Father for his bounteous blessings.
The kids were as much a part of this than anything. They had to give up things too. We would always tell them, "Nope, we can't buy that because remember, we're getting out of debt." Or, "No, we're not going out to eat tonight because we're paying off our debts." They got used to the idea and stopped asking for things. One time at the grocery store our bill came up and Connor said, "Mom, do we have enough in the budget for that?" I assured him that yes, we did have enough. The checker practically choked on her gum and said, "Wow....that's great you're teaching your kids about budgeting at such a young age."
The day we paid off our last debt the kids were almost as excited as we were. Makenna's teacher told me she came to school so excited and said, "Teacher, teacher, we're debt free!!!!" The teacher laughed and said, "Do you know what that means?" Makenna said, "Yes, and you don't?" The teacher said, "No, I know what it means, I just want to make sure you know what it means." She said, "Yes, it means that we don't owe anyone any money."
The next day at the store I ran into an old neighbor that my kids don't know from anyone. McKay waited until we were done talking and said, "Guess what? We're debt free!" I'm glad that they are so excited about it all.
We went out to eat to celebrate and we are so thrilled that our money is working for us now, not us working for our money. Thank you to all those family members and friends who encouraged us and gave us support through this whole thing! We did it!!!
We have lived like no one else, so now, we can live like no one else.
16 comments:
That is AWESOME!!! Good for you guys. I'm really impressed that take a lot of self control and perseverance. You are such a great friend and roll model. Love you all. Congratulations!
So jealous! I haven't tried an thing because I think I don't have the strength.
I need to check out Dave Ramsey's site now.
Congratulations!!! It's so funny because I remember when you last posted about Dave and that really doesn't seem that long ago. Can't believe it's already been a year. Amazing how quickly our goals become reality if we just get to it.
P.S. What's your email address now. I need to invite you to my blog.
tarbabielynn@yahoo.com
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
We finished Baby Step Two on 12/11/08. $35,500 in three days shy of one year. I can say that we know EXACTLY what you have been through this year. We were going through it with you (and I didn't even know it).
Keep pushing straight through Baby Step 3 and then you will really be weird! We have one month done, and are finding it much more difficult. It's harder to pay yourself (b/c you love yourself) rather than paying your creditors (whom you loathe).
If you need a boost email or facebook me, and I'll do the same!
Once again, you rock, this is so going to set you up for the future!
Good Job! I hope that I can play my cards right to keep myself in as little debt as possible
OK I want in on this. Can I buy a book and get the "how to's"? You are amazing, thanks for the info in advance.
I am so proud of you - what a wonderful feeling!
Congratulations!!! I am so thrilled for your family, what a wonderful accomplishment. We can relate as the family who always gets the flack for not spending on this or that. But, it is worth it!! I really am proud of you guys!
That's awesome!! My parents told me you paid everything off and I've been meaning to call and congratulate you guys!! Hooray!! Were are reading the book and hope to start soon!
Wow, that is sooo cool! We need to be debt free. We are working on it. Thanks for sharing your experience!
woohoo!!!
Everything meaning no credit card debt, student debt, mortgage? My husband says if we live in a trailer we could do it to, seriously - I really want more info!
I am wondering, does that include paying off your house too? Regardless, that is awesome for you guys!
YEAH!!!! Congratulations you guys, that is so incredible, I have to say I saw your post last year about it and we are on the program because of you. Your hard work and example is influencing the masses (or at least the Messel's, ha ha) We can't wait to declare our own victory.
Thanks for posting...
Hi. I am a friend of Trevor and Jocelyn Tanner's. Joce has been telling me about this book and mine should be here tomorrow!!! I just wanted to say that you have inspired my husband and I. We know someone who knows someone who has done it. Congratulations on your accomplishment and thank you for the inspiration!!!
Wow--I need to visit your blog more often. That is fabulous! Congratulations!
Post a Comment