Well, I wish I could say that I've just been drastically reducing debt. But, unfortunately, I have to confess I have fallen off the wagon, BIG TIME. Well, maybe not big time. But, my balance isn't going down right now.
Here's the deal: The summer began, I did very well with budgeting for our family vacation trips to see family. Took cash from savings that I'd saved up all year.
Then, instead of putting our tax rebate $ on the debt snowball, I finally acquiesced after a year of my husband wanting a flatscreen TV. I let him splurge on something he wanted so much. Well, it was "free" money, right? The sprial began shortly thereafter.
My laptop (which was free for me-a hand-me-down from family) went dead. So, I decided I could buy a new one. I was making good money, and I would make this one purchase for myself. Then, we'd be back on the wagon. So, I did it.
Next, my husband noticed that our dining room chairs were falling apart. He actually didn't sit on certain ones for fear of collapsing them. So, we looked around, and decided to buy a new dining set. Again, more $ on the card.
OK...it was time to stop the bleeding. No more purchases! We're done.
Around this time, my testing schedule slowed down. So, my money coming in to put on debt was coming at a trickle instead of a pour. Well, as long as something was being put toward our debt we'd be fine. It would just take a little longer to pay off. Still, we're in good shape...
Then, I cracked a tooth. Went to the dentist...maxed out an entire year's dental coverage and paid hundreds out of pocket (or on the card as it were), only to have to return for MORE out-of-pocket work.
Now, the truck needs tires!!!
Agghhh!!! This is that point in a diet when you just say, "To hell with it, and eat an entire cake!!" BUT, I'm not going to do that. I'm going to appreciate that I'm better off today than I was before. I'm just not where I wanted to be. I re-assess, and I move forward.
Blessings.
