We are debt free because we only buy what we can afford. We go without. We make do and what not. Once I realized there was no mystery to it then it became easier to manage...also I really don't have the 'keepin' up with the Jones' syndrome that unfortunately tanks so many families.

I'm working on the savings part now. This is very very very very hard for me but not my husband...so, I'm sure one day we'll get there... Our family goal is to have 6 months living expenses saved up. Sell our sailboat (only to be replaced I'm sure).

Funny enough our sailboat is your verison of the RV!

I wish I could be debt free. Seems like whenever I am able to pay off a credit card, something else comes up and the balance goes right back up. Seems we tend to get carried away charging $20 here or there than at the end of the month, we are surprised at how it all accumulated. I have tried to cut down and only get what we need, but realistic, after a long week at work and both or us tired, we deserve to go out and have a  nice dinner.

I love my man, my dog, and my baby boy growing inside of me. Also love cooking, a great book and the beach! SMILE!!!

-Nahyomy  

House is paid for (it's an older one), car is paid for (1999) and no credit card debt. I was debt free until I started school, now I have loans coming out the wazoo. I take a larger loan than I need to help cover the cost of the private schools my kids are in. If we indulged in anything, we wouldn't make it. We don't go to the movies, eat out, by any clothes but the ones we need, have cable (we do have internet now). We have been without these things for so long we don't often miss them. I would say, the one time we spend money we don't HAVE to is when we go camping. But I don't mind because it is something that we all love to do. When I was still married we went through Crown Finacial and it was a big eye opener.

One area where I still struggle is self pity. I hate it when I start to feel it bubble up. I have been married twice and I don't get support from either ex although it was ordered for my first husband to pay. But the fact is, I made my bed. I chose to have kids before finishing school and now it is up to me to take care of them. If I wasted time begrudging their dad, I think I would regret it in the long run.

Merijayn

Conservativemom, this gets back to "The Story of Stuff," you know, that film Beck was stomping all over. After all, captialism CANNOT survive without every one buying and buying and buying for life. Don't you want to support capitalize? I know I sure do! I am trying to buy enough water bottles (figuratively, of course) to go around the circumference of the globe at least once, may be twice.

"If men were angels, we would not need Government." James Madison

In all seriousness, living debt free is ideal. However, for many not pausible. I did bump a story about extending the life of cars to maximize the money invested in one. New is not always better; we are taught that to be continual consumers.

"If men were angels, we would not need Government." James Madison

originally posted by MadreLoca

Conservativemom, this gets back to "The Story of Stuff," you know, that film Beck was stomping all over. After all, captialism CANNOT survive without every one buying and buying and buying for life. Don't you want to support capitalize? I know I sure do! I am trying to buy enough water bottles (figuratively, of course) to go around the circumference of the globe at least once, may be twice.

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"If men were angels, we would not need Government." James Madison

The reason I chose to try to live a debt free life, is that I don't want to be obligated to anyone other than God and my family...If I want something I save and buy it..I want my farm right now, and everything that goes with it, however I refuse to finance any of it!  So I'm cutting back some, to  save for it...Hopefully if all goes well and is meant to be I'll get it within the next couple of years... 

MJ I also went through Crown! Great program! In fact I bought the tapes..Just to stay on track...

   God Bless Our Troops!

Conservativemom, I wrote, "for many not pausible." Again, not all inclusive. Not plausible when some one is struck ill and is going bankrupt over medical bills(that savings should bne able to cover in some fairy tale land of fair medical charges) and such; it is hard to be debt free.

originally posted by conservativemom

 

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BTW Madre ,I don't believe your theory that being debt free isn't plausible, that's bull. Is it hard yes, but very much possible. I don't care what type of income you have.We are just made to believe it, everyone wants self gratification right now, from children to adults...Sad really if you think about it.Think about others around  the world than look at us, tell me we can't be debt free if we wanted...

 

"If men were angels, we would not need Government." James Madison

Do people file bankruptcy due to medical bills? Really? Or is it the loss of work and income due to illness that causes them to file? The last I heard hospitals take installment payments. Funny if you look at the Amish people for example, they never seem to have these issues...I wonder why that is? Could it be they don't live beyond their means? They have zero debt and save all the money they earn? Novel...

   Far to many Americans will not make that kind of sacrifice, period. It's easier to look for a government program or file bankruptcy if need be....The "New American Way" forget self accountability...

   God Bless Our Troops!

Interesting article:

www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/18/amish-finance-lessons-we-could-all-use-recession-or-not/

   God Bless Our Troops!

I dont believe most hospitals take installment payments anymore. Either you pay your entire bill or they send you straight to an agency to collect. I know TONS of people who have been in that situation.