Being in control makes such a difference

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-23-2004
Being in control makes such a difference
13
Wed, 09-15-2004 - 9:26am
Up until 3 months ago, I never paid cash for anything. With the credit card companies offering all of these incentives to use the cards, I always rationalized it in my mind that I would pay off the balance shortly, and with the cash back on certain cards, and the coupons I would recieve, I would actually come out ahead...Of course, in order for you to really benefit from those cash back offers, etc, you have to actually pay off the bill every month, although that became impossible as the debt became out of control over the years. It got to the point where I wouldnt even shop at places that didnt take credit cards, as I never carried cash...3 months ago, my husbands job security became VERY shaky, and I had to face reality....I sat down and figured out all of my expenses, ordered all 3 of my credit reports, and seriously started figuring out how to straighten out the mess I made....I was very fortunate that citibank offerred me a 0% balance transfer, no fee through the life of the loan...I couldnt believe it. So I paid off the citibank card, (using another credit card balance transfer)so it had a 0 balance (otherwise I would be paying the interest on prior purchases till the new offer was paid off), I moved all of my cc balances over, (including the original citibank debt) AND our 2 car loans, I cut up all of my credit cards except the citibank one and 1 other for emergencies (which is never in my pocketbook), and started paying cash for everything (with the very small amount of cash that I have budgeted myself every month). I also switched car insurance companies, and got rid of things that we had gotten used to but didnt really need...milk delivery, extra cable channels, the gardener, etc. We have stopped eating out and ordering in 3-4 times a week. I began buying things in bulk at the grocery store and going through all of the circulars that came to the house for groceries, and stopping at 2-3 grocery stores every 2 weeks or so. We dont eat meat for dinner every night anymore, and I have become very creative with leftovers. I figure at this rate, we should be out of debt in 4 years or so (not including the mortgage).

What I didnt realize was how much my thinking would change. I used to go into stores like walmart and just toss things in the cart without even thinking. Now, I go through all of these questions in my mind with each and every thing I pick up in any store (even grocery stores)...Do I really need this, do I have something like this at home already, do I have enough cash on me? Instead of spending 100.00 or more at walmart, I find myself spending less then 15 or 20...and I dont feel guilty afterwards. Before, I would always have this nagging guilt in my head as I was walking around stores, but it was very easy to put it out of my mind with that "rush" I would get as I was shopping. I am also working on getting 6 months worth of expenses in our savings account, so I dont have to be sick to my stomach in case something happens to affect hubbys job. I am sleeping better at night, and I dont hate going to the mailbox anymore....I really believe the hardest part was actually facing all of the bills head on, and working on fixing the mess...Now that I have a direction to go, life is so much sweeter.

~Dawn

Great survey site that really does pay cash

http://www.surveysavvy.com/?id=1517115

 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 9:53pm
The survey co. had that they needed your s s number in order to pay you I guess. Maybe you forgot you gave it to them. Sounds interesting.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-23-2004
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 6:28am
hhmmm...I didnt think I did...but its possible. I don't usually give that out...

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-2004
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 6:28pm
thanks for the honest letter reguarding finances. i always shop the way you do now, and i take pride in bargains. i like getting meals cheap w/out loosing taste. it is hard sometimes. i live on 700$ a month. best wishes, carol j

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