When I was in substantial credit card debt it affected many areas of my life and well-being. I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Then when unexpected stuff came up; the car needed new brakes; our cordless phone stopped working; I had a screw in my truck tire, I would always think to myself, why does this stuff keep happening to me? I thought I had terrible luck and my world was falling apart around me. Truth of the matter: this “stuff” happens to everyone, it is just normal life. But since I was in so much debt, I was suffocating under the stress of it and could not see the big picture. I wasn’t sleeping well, it affected my moods, I gained 40 pounds, it crept into almost every facet of my life.
As it turned out, the fact that my debt was affecting me physically was actually a good thing because it finally opened my eyes to the changes I needed to make in my life. Once I committed to making the changes necessary to get out of debt, I noticed a change in me. No longer was I afraid of what might be around the corner, I was not afraid of the car breaking down or the television set going kaput. There is something very powerful about facing your problems instead of burying your head in the sand. It empowers you. I started sleeping better, I started getting in shape (frugally), and most importantly, I had some peace of mind.
By the way, this is what this week looks like for me:
- I need to get new brakes for my wife’s minivan.
- I need to find a good deal on a new phone for the house.
- I have to get my truck in and get that screw taken out of the tire.
I would not want it any other way. Life is good!
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5 responses so far ↓
Sometimes I can’t imagine what it would be like to have the money that goes to debt repayment back in our budget. It seems like things would be a breeze. I’m sure it wouldn’t be perfect, but it certainly looks pleasant from this side.
I totally agree with you. This week I will write a $4000 check for braces. It is painful, but it isn’t going to effect us financially because we saved for it.
Have a great week.
I’ve been reading a lot of Suze Orman lately, and she always talks about this, how being afraid of our money, or ignoring it drives it away. Great post today Kyle.
I couldn’t agree more….that feeling of debt makes you sick…
I remember when we had a big chunk of debt and it literally made me sick, just thinking about it. Now that we are close to debt free I must say I feel a whole lot better! Less stress, less sleepless nights(well, OK, 2 toddlers in the house,so sleepless nights are the usual) and I feel much more in control of our lives and I know my Hubby feels much better knowing that his paycheck is doing more than just paying off debt.
Take Care
LJ
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