Paycheck to Paycheck Sucks!

The phrase "Paycheck to Paycheck" brings tears to my eyes. We used to be there. Nobody should have to live like that. Back in 2006, we had over $56,000 in debt (plus a mortgage that isn't included in that number). This included multiple credit cards, car loans & student loans. Through hard work and determination, we were able to pay off our last debt in 2010! That equates to $14,000 per year, $1,167 per month or $269 per week. We didn't drive fancy cars. We didn't go on expensive vacations. We didn't eat at restaurants. We were made fun of because we walked around with only $20 per week in our pockets. And guess what? We survived!

It was difficult hearing about the adventures of our friends and family. They were taking trips all over the United States. They were going skiing during every weekend of the winter. They were buying big, beautiful, brand new cars. They were having a grand old time. Did we care though? Not really. We had a goal. We were determined to reach that goal no matter what it took. And when we did...it was awesome!

It took us a few months for our new reality to set in. We were still a little hesitant to spend more than we had been spending and I am glad we were. You see, we now had two children ages 12 and 9. College would be here before we knew it. We decided our next goal was to save money to send them to college. At that point, it was easy. We were already used to living without. Don't get me wrong, we still had all the necessities. Cable TV. Cell phones. An above ground pool. 2 cars that were still running strong... 

Fast forward to today. My son graduated college with no debt and my daughter is currently a sophomore in college with no loans on the horizon. They don't really understand the gift that their mother and I have given them. They will be starting their adult lives with absolutely no debt whatsoever. I hope that our money values have rubbed off on them and they continue to live debt free. Only time will tell.

We are currently working on paying off the house and saving for retirement. We have taken our foot off the pedal a little bit and splurge here and there. But we never spend money we don't have.

I did not tell you this story to brag. I did not tell you this story to put you down. I told you this story to let you know that you can do it! You can get out debt. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I know your numbers may be much larger than ours were. That is ok. You can still get it done. "The Debt Stops Here" is a mindset. Keep repeating that mantra over and over again. I am here to help you in any way I can but in the end, it is your money and your life. You are the only one that can make the decision to take control of your money. I hope you will say "The Debt Stops Here!", and free yourself from the dreaded Paycheck to Paycheck cycle.