Thinking about my debt journey...
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| Mon, 12-22-2008 - 7:57pm |
When I wrote my Monday Accountability check-in, it really got me thinking about how far we've come in the few years since we moved to New England (not a cheap place to live!) and, especially, since joining the DSG two years ago.
When we moved here, we bought the cheapest fixer-upper we could find and could only afford to put 5% down. We were lucky we were able to do that and lucky that the repairs this place needed were mostly ones that we didn't have to hire professionals to do. Beyond that, we've been lucky with employment. Teachers don't make a lot of money, but the job is consistent, with regular pay increases. But, the most important thing has been a new relationship with money. This has come about because of all the good advice on this board, especially from Danni, Maryann, Carolyn, and a few others who have come and gone.
Because of checking in here on a daily basis and having all of these cyber-friends who I know are going through similar things, or have already gone through them, I'm now able to pay the bills without stressing out, afford to heat my home, pay cash for groceries and other living expenses, have two cars paid for, am about to send my two teens to France for 10 days, and am not worried about DD's impending college expenses. After all I've been through, I know I can do this.
The greatest gift the DSG has given me is to help me open my eyes to my own relationship with money. Everyone has a relationship with money, some not so good. Mine was more of an avoidance. I didn't want to know anything. I think finances scared me! Now I find it all very interesting...not the stock exchange stuff, but more practical matters.
Anyway, thank you all for being there and for offering such excellent friendship and advice over the years.
Happy Holidays,
Dee



I second that, and I've said it before; even though I've only been here a few months, it has helped me tremendously to feel a sense that someone understands my burdens. Alot of these issues are things you can't talk about with your family or close friends. It really helps me to come here and unload my struggles and my fears. It's a way to stay on track, to get ideas, to post victories...and defeats. I think this place is great...it's a savior for all of us.
Abbie
Thanks Dee for the kind words.
I have learned a lot here on the board also. Even old dogs can learn new tricks sometime. You guys have filled a lot of boring days for me. Just in case you ever wondered why I always seems to be on the board For about 6 months I could not walk I was on bedrest most of that time. Now I am up to walking a little So it was from the bed to the John and
Well said.
stacy
Hi Dee.
I think you are emblematic of the 90% of the population who didn't have money skills.
Wow, Dee - thanks!
I was thinking about the economy this morning.
All my best,
Danni
Bex -
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift -thats why its called the present."
Bex -
A journey. That is what I must look at this as. Even though my debt might go up in the new year, I will get it back down as soon as I can.
Thanks ladies for all your support.
Merry Christmas!
Dee,
I'm fairly new here, only about 3 months, but the experience has been GREAT.
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus