Today was a great day. It marked a monumental change in our lives. Much to my surprise, Hubby paid off our very last credit card. In full.
This is the first day of our married lives that we can actually declare that we have zero credit card debt. Wow. I can hardly believe I am typing this!
Early in my blogging days, I shared some personal goals. This was number one:
1. Completely eliminate consumer debt by July 2008 (excluding mortgage, cars, and student loans).
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously” (Psalm 37:21)
July 3rd, 2008. Mission accomplished! So why am I surprised? I suppose it is because I have become so accustomed to having debt, it actually feels strange.
I have had credit card debt for nearly all of my adult life. This new feeling is truly amazing. Freedom! Of course, there is more debt to tackle, but this is a major baby step in our frugal journey.
Setting a concrete goal was a big factor in how quickly we paid things off. One year ago, we had roughly $7000 in credit card debt. When our frugal journey began, I never imagined this day would come so soon.
I can honestly say that without completely changing our lifestyle and shopping habits, we would still be making minimum payments. It all began with couponing. Then CVSing. Then a little help from Uncle Sam didn’t hurt (tax refund and economic stimulus).
We started with our smallest debt first, Dave Ramsey style. Then we crossed them off the list one by one. Tackling the 2 remaining car loans and student loans will be a challenge. But I have never felt more ready!
I share this with my frugal friends in hopes of encouraging you. It can be done.
I leave you with some recommended reading about Credit Cards and Debt:
Bible Money Matters– Credit Card Rewards- Are They Really Worth It?
Frugal Dad– How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt, and Stay Out
Gather Little By Little– What Does the Bible Tell Us About Debt?
Congratulations!! Yay!! What a wonderful feeling and a huge blessing. Great job doing it so quickly. You are an inspiration!
Congratulations!
Wow-congratulations! We’ve barely begun, but we’re trying. Enjoy!!
🙂
Congratulations!!! That is so wonderful. We are working our Total Money Makeover right now too, and I know how great it feels to knock off a debt or two. We hope to be debt free except for the house come October.
Wow, congrats, Alyssa!!! That must be such a wonderful feeling. We’re getting there, but we’ve had a rough go of it the last few years with DH being laid off numerous times and and me getting pregnant unexpectedly. The blessings have been far greater, though, and we’re strong as a family because of it. I’m looking forward to the day when I’ll be able to announce the same thing! Way to go!!!
Congrats that is awesome!!!!
Awesome news!! We are aiming to be done with ours this year!
I know what an accomplishment this is for you! Great job on all of your hard work!
Awesome news for you!
Congrats!
I can’t wait to feel that same way, My wife and I don’t have any credit card debt, only our car and student loans (we rent so no mortgage yet), but I can’t wait to be free from that! I’m bookmarking your blog so I can stop back!
I’m in the process of paying off my debts as well, I recently started documenting my journey at:
moneyminutes.blogspot.com
I love the name of your blog too! It really does start trusting in God, he makes all things possible!
Jesse
congratulations – i’m so happy for you! One step closer to complete debt freedom!
thanks for the link by the way!
Congrats, that’s fantastic!
~cheers ‘n tossing confetti around~
Congratulations! It is a great feeling, isn’t it?! We have not had a credit card, or credit card debt in 10 years. The temptation is just too large, for us, anyway. Now, if we just could eliminate the ever~growning Mountain of Medical bills…….
At anyrate… Congrats, again, and have a wonderful holiday!!
~blessings~
Pearl
Alyssa, I’m so happy for ya! I can’t wait to be there myself. Congrats 🙂
Way to go! I remember that feeling – it’s wonderful. When I was single with one kid I was able to get rid of all my consumer debt that was years ago. Now, one failed marriage later and a lot of bad decisions I allowed in my name have me worse off than ever.
Maybe I can be where you are and will have a nice encouraging post like yours. Enjoy! So, what are you guys gonna treat yourself to now that you’ve met a goal? You need a reward!
Independence Day takes on a new meaning! Hooray for y’all!
Way to go! I came over via moneysavingmom.com. Keep up the good work!
Blessings!
Mrs. Q
What an awesome accomplishment! Congrats to you! It is so satisfying to pay off debt…it becomes addicting (in a good way)!
Have a great weekend!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
It is an AMAZING feeling! You are an inspiration to so many! We have just one more debt to go (before the house). It has taken us a while to get here, but the freedom is well worth the effort!!!!!!!!
Heather
Congrats! What a milesone!
Congrats!! Great work!!
Way to go! What a blessing! I can’t wait for that day in our lives!