Debt Free, Debt Free, Debt Free At Last!

by Michelle Vandepas | More from this Blogger

02 Apr 2007 08:59 AM

My Hubby and I were married 26 years before we became 100% debt free - but we could have done it years earlier if I'd known a few simple things.

Easy rules really, ones that everyone knows, but few live by. It took me a very long while to understand the charge card concept. I wish I'd learned this simple rule early:

If I have to charge it, I probably don't need it. Charging on credit cards doesn't help. It just gives you more debt.

Yes, I can live on less.

Being debt free now means we can live on about half our income! WOW! Imagine all the things we can do. Since we CAN live on less, we do, and we have money to save, invest, buy nice things, take vacations. If Hubby wants to retire early, he can.

Before we were debt free, we were still living below our income so we could pay off the debt quickly. It took a lot of months of tweaking before we found the balance of paying off debt and still have a bit of fun.

The trick here is to actually budget a bit of fun money so you can go to the movies or swimming with your kids.

When you become debt free your world opens up. You aren't indebted to anyone else - emotionally or financially. Even though you've always had control over your life, you now feel as if you have more options with your life.

Being debt free doesn't mean you are rich or wealthy, but it does mean you have a better possibility of getting there - if that is what you choose.

Being debt free means you have more to give away - if that is what you choose. B

eing bed free means you can quit that job - if that is what you choose.

It's a lofty goal. But worth it.

Baby Steps to Debt Reduction

Where to Start

Learn more about Michelle Vandepas

In a previous life, Michelle was president of a medical manufacturing company, and then in private practice as a holistic business consultant.

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Nola Redd (7081) 03 May 2007 10:24 AM

If you don't have payments, I hear you actually have this weird thing called MONEY that you can save for things!! Personally, I'm looking forward to that day!!

Michelle Vandepas (579) 03 May 2007 01:51 PM

Ha Nola! Its a conspiracy.. We don't have money since we now save it. Still nothing to spend.:)