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Nifty Thrifty:  Almost Debt-Free! What next???  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
3777 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
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 Posted - Jul 18 2012 : 9:27:48 PM
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Thank you SO much, Nancy, for sharing your insight and your sage advice! AWESOME!!! I hear you! I recently had some unexpected medical problems, and the copays alone have been hitting us hard. We had been doing so well and keeping on track with the budget, our spending and the savings, but when the bills started coming in, our savings took a hit. Thank GOD we had saved what we did, though. It wasn't much, but if our savings hadn't been there, that money would've come out of our budget and REALLY set us back. We're still not all caught up, but we're plugging along, slowly recovering from the financial setback and putting a little bit away every week. Our savings is pretty pathetic right now, but it's only the beginning, right!? ;) You have to start somewhere! It's just hard not touching what is in there right now. Although modest, it still beckons to fill our pressing financial needs, you know? I'm sure we'll get there, though - we did it once, we'll do it again! Not gonna worry! :)
Heather - thank you for your thoughts, as well! You know, with the way the economy is going, I've been really considering doing more of a stock up of necessities and putting off paying down on the house for a little while longer. I really would feel a whole lot lighter knowing the mortgage is paid off, but I had heard a report on the news the other night that even the food banks are really hurting now because so many people have had need of them, and so few people are able to contribute to them. I believe it's going to get much worse before things improve. I am just trying to get ahead a little bit at a time by stocking up on things so that when the prices skyrocket next year (they say this year's prices are only a foreshadow of what is to come), we will not have to blow all of our income on groceries and other needs. Your words ring very true, however - in the worst of times, it's the mortgage that causes the most stress. We're going to have to really think this one over again... Thank you for pointing that out!
Teri - KUDOS to you! What a weight off your shoulders to know your home is yours, free and clear! I know if it were me, I sure would sleep better at night! We pay cash most of the time, too. Seeing what you have to spend, and knowing how little you'll have after making a purchase sure makes you think twice! You're right about keeping focused. With everything going on here lately, we haven't been nearly as focused on this as we were prior. I've been getting this nagging feeling about it for the past few days, and now Nancy posted and it seems as though you, Nancy and Heather are "meant" to spur me on! THANK YOU!!!
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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nancypo
True Blue Farmgirl
350 Posts
nancy
boise
idaho
USA
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Carolina Farm Girl
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
Mary
Darlington
SC
USA
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Posted - Dec 27 2012 : 1:51:43 PM
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| Congratulations! That has got to be an awesome feeling. We are just starting a "serious" journey to paying down debt. The end goal is to pay cash for a farm. |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
3777 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
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Posted - Dec 27 2012 : 5:33:34 PM
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Good for you, Mary! It's not easy to stick to it at first, but once you get in the swing and see the debt coming down, you will be thrilled, energized and eager to pay down even more! It's sooooo totally worth the effort. Just stay strong! Remember, too, that if you hit a little speedbump or backslide a little bit, don't beat yourself up: just hop back on the path and move forward! And if you need support, please know the farmgirls and I are here for you! Good luck! Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
3777 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
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Posted - Dec 27 2012 : 5:45:31 PM
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I just have to share with all of you, too, that my hubby was Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve (it's a sport to him... personally, I think he's nuts). He was in line at one of the stores and this guy behind him was full of woe, freaking out about the cost of Christmas this year, and about the credit card debt he was racking up, especially buying her all the expensive gifts she expected. My husband shared with him how we did away with the credit cards years ago, and how at first it was difficult, but in time the debt started to come down faster and the cash flow in the budget became easier (not perfectly there yet, but easier). The guy was amazed that my hubby was buying me such an inexpensive gift (a silver chain for my crucifix, 75% off, ridiculously priced low... the original broke last year and could not be repaired), and that I would be satisfied with just that one thing. My husband told him that he was the luckiest guy in the world because I would've been happy with no gifts at all. The guy said his wife would never put up with that. Then the guy about fell over when my hubby paid cash. He said that he never has cash - ever. They do everything by credit cards. He said even if he decided to shoot for no credit cards, cutting back and working towards being debt-free, his wife would never go for it because she has certain standards and he is expected to ensure he meets every one. My husband couldn't get over it. He said he didn't know which one he felt worse for - the husband or the wife. He came home, wrapped his arms around me, swayed gently to and fro, smiled and stared at me for a little bit before planting a big wet one smack dab on my lips. He said that he was the richest guy in the world because he has me. Now, THAT, I tell you, is worth more than all the gold and glitter and things the world has to offer. I don't know that couple's names, but please say a little prayer for them. You can almost see the train wreck coming. Hopefully something will waken in both of them before it's too late. So sad. I just feel so bad for them. Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
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Posted - Dec 28 2012 : 06:19:12 AM
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Oh Nini - that's a wonderful story and a Christmas gift for all of us. You and your husband are both very blessed. Thank you for sharing.
My husband will be eligible to retire in ~ 2 years. So in 2013, we're planning to live on what he will be receiving from his pension - to see if its feasible. My husband is relatively young to retire, and he plans to work at least part-time (doing something he really likes), but we don't want him to "have to" work. I still work part-time at something I love. We have no debt - except our house and it will be paid off in less than two years. It is soooooo worth it to have these options in our 50s... I also feel sorry for those who don't get it.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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Nifty Thrifty: Almost Debt-Free! What next??? |
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Almost Debt-Free! What next???
