Wake Up Call

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
Wake Up Call
5
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 11:30am

A friend of mine and I were talking about money. I know she is struggling with debt and is behind on a few bills and such. She has shared her struggles with me. She has about $5,000 in c/c debt but is about a month behind on cell, cable, etc.


I am thankfully up to date on bills and carry about $25,000 in c/c debt. She knew I had debt and we were talking the other day about minimum payments and etc. I was saying I pay about $700 towards c/c each month. She said that was awesome - then I shared how much debt we had. I guess it was the first time besides online with you guys that I said the number out loud to a friend. She seemed shocked and genuinely surprised.


It was just a wake up call for me. We began our debt journey fully in July and I guess I just never said the number out loud to someone before. I've said it to myself 1,000 times but it was so DIFFERENT to say it out loud.


Made it so real. Don't know. Just wanted to share.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-1998
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 5:03pm
It's kinda like if I don't say it out loud it isn't real. Plus seeing the look on her face may have made it more real to you. I know if I told some of my friends how much debt we have they would be surprised.





Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 5:59pm
I think it's great. It's always nice to have someone "in real life" who can also share your struggles. I think the board is a fantastic place to share and vent, but sometimes you want the "connection" that only comes when you're with someone.

All my best,
Danni
cl-phocid, Debt Support Group



All my best,
Danni

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2003
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 6:39pm
Your friend may have also had the same feelings of "wow" and peculiar about discussing debt and monthly bills.
Avatar for meandmypea
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 03-04-2009 - 7:40pm
I had that same feeling when my DH mentioned that he shared our debt amount while talking with one of his friends. I pay the bills, so I know how much debt we have, but the fact that he actually said the number out loud to someone else kind of felt like a punch to my stomach.
Bridget




Bridget
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Thu, 03-05-2009 - 7:45am

I think I'm strange. I will tell pretty much anyone about my debt, mainly to encourage them and to let them know they are not alone. This could be because I work in the public sector and my salary is a matter of public knowledge, so I really don't feel the need to hide anything (don't get me wrong, its not something I announce, but if


Bex -