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How I got here...

February 25th, 2013 at 01:10 am



$ 69,000 in debt.

That number staring back at me from the pages of Quicken made me sick to my stomach. But there it was in black and white. 69,000 pieces of shame, over indulgence and just poor planning.

How did I get to that point?

When we moved from the west coast to the east coast, I had ZERO in credit card debt plus a healthy savings account. But little by little, my bad habits whittled down that number. A potentially career ending injury caused that debt number to creep up. We moved to a new house. One that we truly could not afford, now that I am being honest about it. We hadn't sold the first one yet, so I took out a line of credit so we could just get rid of that house at a loss, just to be rid of a payment. Then my DH got sent back to the West Coast for work. 2 coasts. 2 households to keep up. Then he got laid off.

A small severance package and unemployment helped us hold on for a while. But sooner than I would have liked, the unemployment was no longer available. It meant me getting serious about getting healthy and going back to work. Or rather, getting healthy ENOUGH to go back to work.

And that's where I am today. Working 12 hour shifts at a job I can't stand, just because it pays most of the bills and we have medical insurance again.

I hope to make this blog a journal of how, with patience and hard work, I can slay that Debt Monster that haunts my dreams and steals my peace. I know it won't be easy. But I am hoping that through this community, I will find both the support and encouragement I need to make this journey.

15 Responses to “How I got here...”

  1. looking forward Says:
    1361755011

    Welcome! I look forward to cheering you on.

  2. snafu Says:
    1361755180

    Sorry you've been whacked with so many challenges. What is your plan?

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1361755256

    Welcome to SA!

  4. Baby_nurse Says:
    1361756215

    SNAFU- Right now, I am using the Dave Ramsey debt snowball to try and pay down my debts. I've paid off 2 cards so far and I'm on track to pay off a 3rd in May. I know everyone doesn't agree with his methods, but so far it's been the only thing I have been able to stick with. Seeing a statement come with a zero balance is addicting!

  5. twest Says:
    1361756252

    Welcome! I think you have come to the right place. Everyone here is very encouraging and will cheer you on in your debt slaying!

  6. Carolina Girl Says:
    1361758465

    Welcome to SA and remember, there is no "one size fits all" method of getting out of debt so do what works best for you. I am also a Dave Ramsey follower and also appreciate the zero balance addiction. Smile Good luck on your journey. I wish you every success.

  7. LuckyRobin Says:
    1361759113

    Welcome. It can be done. With a lot of patience and hard work and sheer stubborness you pay those cards off once and for all.

  8. Beawealthywarrior Says:
    1361760753

    Welcome an I'm also a DR follower...are u a member of his online forum TMMO?

  9. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    1361761512

    Welcome and don't beat yourself up. Congrats on continuing in a job you hate. Deep breath - at least you have a job. Isn't it brutal to be in a job that you have to keep? I was there and it's just sickening. But you can do it!

  10. MonkeyMama Says:
    1361762667

    Welcome!!

    Love that debt monster picture - LOL.

  11. mjrube94 Says:
    1361767685

    Welcome and good luck! There are a lot of supportive people here.

  12. Petunia 100 Says:
    1361767917

    Welcome, Donna. Best of luck to you with your goals! Smile

  13. PNW Mom Says:
    1361807876

    Welcome! Look forward to reading about your journey!

  14. Ima saver Says:
    1361813093

    Welcome, so glad you have joined us. You can do it!

  15. Bob B. Says:
    1361846633

    Welcome.

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