It is so hard for me to stay motivated too. I just try to think of all the things I will be able to do once we get out of debt. I can actually afford to buy clothes for school without using a credit card, I can afford another car instead of sharing one, etc. I will be able to save for retirement. I won't have to worry about being on the edge of bankruptcy. GRR that is my biggest worry right now. lol But I refuse to file for bankruptcy so it isn't an option. It keeps me going at this point.
This is what I do... I take my income and my husbands and then I minus off all out utility, rent, insurance, and grocery expenses... and then look at that big number that is left over before I pay my credit cards! That number is so nice, and I think about all the things I could do with that money if I didn't have to send it to a bank! I mean, I am paying on things I don't even remember buying! things i have thrown away, gas in my car and makeup that I have used up! I have nothing to show for it!!
I know exactly what you mean, but I try and remind myself that I didn't get into this mess overnight, so I'm not going to get out of it that quickly. Focus on the small victories...passing up that soda at the machine and putting that money towards a bill, etc. Remember, little snowflakes add up!
Coming here certainly motivates me. I see what other people have done and know that eventually I can do it as well. There will be good days and bad days, but know that eventually the good days will far outnumber the bad days.
Knowing that if I don't keep paying my bills down, I could have even a bigger financial mess on my hands. Seeing the numbers on my debt go down each month, and having another bill paid off motivates me. I also would like to use the money to buy other needed items, like a new futon mattress for when my mum comes to visit in November. It's funny I want to pay down debt in order to probably incur new debt, but at a better interest rate .
Knowing a lot of my debt wasn't through my money management, but from unexpected things in life. My medical bills were not expected, I've never been so ill I've had to go to an emergency room. The construction work to be done on my condo after I just purchased it last year was unexpected, and I used shared secured loans, so the money does sit in the credit union in a CD (Share certificate) so I know when that debt is paid - I still have the money, but it's still a loan to be paid now.
Being on the boards and feeling accountable for paying down my debt.
I think back to the time when I saw for the first time what "the number" actually was.
All my best,
Danni
Honestly, my motivation is coming here to this board and looking at my debt pretty much on a daily basis!
Coming here certainly motivates me. I see what other people have done and know that eventually I can do it as well. There will be good days and bad days, but know that eventually the good days will far outnumber the bad days.
Good luck.
Knowing a lot of my debt wasn't through my money management, but from unexpected things in life. My medical bills were not expected, I've never been so ill I've had to go to an emergency room. The construction work to be done on my condo after I just purchased it last year was unexpected, and I used shared secured loans, so the money does sit in the credit union in a CD (Share certificate) so I know when that debt is paid - I still have the money, but it's still a loan to be paid now.
Being on the boards and feeling accountable for paying down my debt.