Hello All:

I hope you're having a fun yet frugal weekend!

A few weeks ago, when I did my introduction back to the board, I said that I had been in and out of debt before, so I knew I could pay off the debt we have now. Another member, iv_kassie, asked a question that really got me thinking. She asked me to think about what keeps cycling me back to debt. What a deep question! That's really at the center of everything, isn't it? At least for me it is.

Without going into too many details about my life (I do choose to remain anonymous), we live very frugally compared to a lot of our friends and neighbors. We only have one car, we don't own a tv, no cable or cell phones. We hardly ever go out to eat. But we do have our vices: good food, good wine, travel to see family and friends. Anyway, there are ways to cut back and repay the debt we've incurred; but, then so what? Chances are, I'll be here again in a few years. I've realized that I have a vague image of what I want for my future. What I need to have is something much more concrete.

So here it is...

In five years I want to be in a small, efficient, (preferably off the grid) house with a small mortgage (selling our current home, hopefully for a small profit). In ten years, I want to have the kids' college expenses completely paid for leaving us with only a mortgage, and in 15 years I want to have our new home paid for and enough in retirement to retire if I choose to. I don't think I'd retire at that point, but it would be nice to have the option . Plus, DH would be pretty close to retirement at that point.

Anyone else want to share your long term goals? Paying debt for the sake of paying debt is all well and good; but, I know it isn't enough for me. I really need to get focused on that first big goal. 

Didi