Recognizing those accomplishments is one source of motivation that helps keep me and my wife moving forward.
In March, we reached the point of having one year left of our plan. Reaching that mark put a smile on my face, but I really had my eyes set on this month, because after this month we will only have ten payments left. What's special about ten?
Having ten payments left is significant, because I can count them with my fingers.
I'm a visual person, and being able to hold up my hands and physically display how many payments remain until our mountain of $109,000 of credit is gone is an indescribable feeling.
Getting out from under the weight of credit card debt has been the hardest thing I have ever done. Having only ten months left, the countdown is officially on. With each passing month I can think about the life events that happen and know that next year, it will be just a little bit easier to plan and pay for them.
We've been doing things on the small scale for almost four years now, and while I'm never going back to my old out of control spending ways, it will be nice to be able to splurge just a little bit on those special events and know that we're still living within our means.
June: I can't wait to be able to spoil and pamper the most important woman in my life for our anniversary.
July: More of making Vonnie feel like the appreciated wife, mother, and friend that she is for her birthday.
August: Dare I hope that in 2014 we may be able to take a family summer vacation?
September: How awesome will it be to get the kids ready for school, without having to worry about whether we'll be able to afford everything they need?
October: A month without any event is rare and is to be enjoyed!
November: I would love to be able to host Thanksgiving dinner without having to plan for and save for weeks or months ahead of time.
December: Christmas is hands down the most stressful time of year for a family on a tight budget. We will NOT go overboard on gifts, but without the financial stress that comes with being in debt, I have a feeling that Christmas 2014 will be much more enjoyable.
January: Just once I'd like to not use the excuse that it was just Christmas for skimping on my son's birthday celebration.
February: I love being creative for Valentine's Day, but I look forward to being able to give my wife an actual gift.
March: I'll need some extra money to stockpile the tissues needed for the waterworks that will accompany making our last payment. I'm going to bawl like a newborn, guaranteed.
All that's left is eight fingers and two thumbs. How much longer do you have left?
Related Links:
Reflection on a year in the Debt Management Plan
Travis Pizel
Travis is a contributing writer for the My Journey out of Debt and A Straight Talk on Debt blogs. He is also a very active member of the CareOne community forums. Travis is currently enrolled in a CareOne Debt Management Plan (DMP). Travis candidly shares his personal journey to pay off his debt and the tips he's learned along the way. As a father and husband he provides a unique perspective on balancing debt, finances, and family in Minnesota. You can also read more from Travis on the Enemy of Debt blog, where he is a featured blogger. Compensated Blogger for CareOne Debt Relief Services.
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