what did you lose from being in debt?

THE_LONE_RANGER_4

dont lose your self respect dont allow people to put you down knuckle down pay your debts off the best you can and fight back

lynzpower

Apart from all the money Ive lost in interest & charges not a lot. The freedom/spontinetiy that I had was a smoke screen anyway...

Cantdance_2

Most of the stuff I racked up the debt buying in the first place...!

The last few months before my lightbulb moment I was having to sell most of our non-essential posessions to try and stay afloat each month. Not much fun especially when you get so little back compared to what it all cost in the first place.

I've also lost the ability to let my wife stay at home and study for a career she'd actually like to do, which would be possible now on my salary if we didn't have the debts...

The one thing I'm glad we haven't lost is our house which we have spent a pile doing up. There were a couple of occasions where we nearly sold it to clear some debt but I'm so glad we didn't because we would be in the same situation now but without a house!

:T

James

THE_LONE_RANGER_4

Chin Up And Keep Going If I Can Do It Most People Can

Tondella

freedom of choice, but I have gained an appreciation of the value of money and a greater knowledge of the personal finance industry

themaccas

Time with my family. I would love to work less hours but with this debt I can't afford to, when we've paid it off it's the first thing I will change though - go from 4 days working to 2 or 3.

dinkylou

I guess I have lost:

some peace of mind (as think about money more and wishing DFD sooner)
sponteneity
some opportunities

But when this is over I have/will have gained:

More (not total-mortgage) financial freedom
Some vital knowlegde
Appreciation for the smaller things
Empathy towards others
Satisfaction of knowing I have great dedication and willpower

110frankie

Not really lost anything as I discovered this site in time. In fact it was this site that showed me I was in debt, I didn't know I was!

I have, though, gained an appreciation of what money is worth and what the things that money buys are worth.

I have also gained a new hobby. Hunting for bargains is much more fun than walking into the first shop I come to and flashing the plastic :-)

queenofthedump

some days I feel i have lost nothing other days I feel like I am sitting watching the world go by and i am not part of it. Materialistically speaking I really dont feel that we have missed out or lost anything as I think we have everything (hence the reason we are in debt) but I wish we had savings and money put away for the kids for their future but this will all come in due course I am sure.

angeldiva

I have gained financial knowledge and control but I have lost my freedom. If I wasn’t paying debts, 3/4 of my salary could be spent on living life, and doing things like watching movies, visiting far relavtives, going on holiday etc etc and just saying yes I would love to come for drinks.

Hmmmm, at least I know how to budget...was that a bit depressing??