Sunday, June 7, 2009

That's what I'm talking about!

Great strides were made in the last month in terms of debt paydown. We finally took control of our spending and went to an all-cash system, no writing checks whatsoever (over $250 in bounced check fees will do that to you). I have been wanting to do this for some time, but I finally felt that things were in such crisis that we had no choice. So I re-arranged the finances so that NO checks can be written out of the joint account, or they WILL bounce. My husband and I are each on allowances of $20/week, which we can spend as we like, but when it's gone it's gone. My husband chafes at the restriction, but he is also mowing lawns right now for extra cash, so he has that to spend as he likes as well. I have started donating plasma for extra cash and that is also helping.

The bills were REALLY behind, but I have almost got them caught up as well. It feels good to know where every penny is going. When I told my husband that an outstanding debt for a water ionizer got paid off completely this month, over $900, he appreciated the tighter control of finances. Over $1500 in debt repayment in just the last 4 weeks! I feel hopeful.

2 comments:

  1. Hi!
    Saw the link to your blog at RFT, & I'm finding it really fascinating! Thanks for posting the link so I could come check it out...my debts are smaller, but still weigh heavy on me, & you've inspired me to get re-focussed & get going on doing all I can to get them gone ASAP!
    As the Bible says, "Who you're in debt to, you're a slave to!" I guess that's why they call it Master Card, huh?
    I look forward to following your posts & progress!
    ~Anastazia~

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  2. WOW! I just found your blog through the B90days check-in post, so this is my first visit. Living on half of your income is just about as close to living on the edge as there is. You are so wise to ditch the checks and just work on paying everything down. My husband and I did Financial Peace University online a couple of years ago and got our debts paid off, all except our house. We use debit cards and cash, and it works just fine. Congratulations on the payoff, with many more to come! :)

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