About 8 months ago, I decided to get my family's finances under control. Since then, I've developed a detailed budget and better yet a detailed way to keep track of it. We've made some progress, but have lots more progress to make. We just bought a house about a month ago.
Why did I decide to begin a blog? I need motivation and a place of accountability. While we scrimp in many places on the budget, I question overspending in other areas. For example, why do I bother hanging clothes out to dry when I give into my husband's wishes to eat out...and not just cheap fast food!
I feel like I'm too old to be doing this. I'm ashamed of my debts because I think I know better. Why did it take so long for me to truly understand the burden debt really causes? I want to be free of these debts!
I don't know what I'm doing
August 15th, 2007 at 08:54 pm
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August 15th, 2007 at 10:48 pm 1187214508
I'm 33, college-educated, fairly bright, but it just wasn't sinking in. Now, since March, I've stopped putting anything on cards and have begun an aggressive debt-repayment plan. My family cooks at home almost every night and freezes leftovers to take to work. We hardly go to bars, and when we do, we each have a tiny bit of cash that is all we can use.
I totally relate to all your feelings, including the one of shame. But I think it's hard to develop discipline in our culture if you're not naturally thrifty. I've found this site to be incredibly motivating and supportive. Now I don't feel isolated in my quest to become debt-free someday.
Hope you get as much out of your blog!
CJ
August 15th, 2007 at 11:16 pm 1187216214
August 16th, 2007 at 12:02 am 1187218920
August 16th, 2007 at 03:53 am 1187232824
About a year ago I felt the same away about my debt, ashamed and maybe I was too old but this site along with others and books has helped me to be at one point to be debt free ( I had to buy a new car) and to be accountable for my money and believe me you it has helped. I am 33 and have never had a credit card with a zero balance and now I do, I was never able to get a car loan on my own and this was the first time, not only that I never had more than about $100 in the bank saved now I have almost $5000 if you include all my saving accounts. So hang in there it will get much better, believe me
Oops I forgot to say welcome
August 16th, 2007 at 12:35 pm 1187264156
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August 17th, 2007 at 01:07 pm 1187352420
It's a tough journey, and it won't always go smoothly, but stay focused, stay the course.
One thing I did notice, there are a lot of "I"s and "I'm" doing a budget, and "I'm" tired and "I'm" doing this.
Since you are married, there can't be an "I" there has to be a "We". We are ashamed of debts and know better. We are doing a budget. We are cutting expenses. We question overspending...
Unless you are both on board, and are both doing and discussing the budget, while it may still work it will make the process long and hard. You have to do this together as a team. Both of you should do the budget and agree to follow it. Make a commitment to each other.
Remember, there is to I in Team :-)
Good luck, going to keep an eye on your site and see how you do.
August 24th, 2007 at 01:56 am 1187917009