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 07:54 pm
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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
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August 16th, 2007 at 02:53 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
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