The reasons why I am pleased I got into debt.

worriedwilf

Hey,

It had dawned on me recently that my debts (more than 30K at highest) are probably the best thing that have happened to me. No, I haven't gone mad and I will now explain the reasons why I think this....

Prior to my debt free journey I can now see that my attitude towards money was shocking. I was materialistic and I can now see that much of my spending was purely keeping up appearances!! I was massively influenced by others around me and I was desperate to keep up with everyone although I was not aware of this at the time.

I have a son who I absolutely adore ( 3 years old) and my quality time with him is so much better. I no longer feel that I have to take him to Toys R us and we now spend days in the park, making models out of cardboard boxes and generally having fun together. He has enough toys to last him for at least 3 more birthdays!! prior to my debt free journey I would regularly pick him up presents and treats which were completely uneccesary - time together means so much more.

I was a snob before. I can see it now, quite clearly. I am now happy to use budget stores and pick up discounted items - in fact I find it quite fun!! I had no respect for money before and would would buy expensive items purely because I could.

Prior to my debt free journey I was always thinking about what I wanted instead of appreciating what I have. I was always wanting to move to a bigger and better house when I should have appreciated my 3 bed semi and that fact that I have been on the property ladder for more than 7 years at the age of 32. Admittedly I would still like to move house in the future but I now really do appreciate the house that I already have.


So whilst I have at times felt very stressed by my debts I can honestly say that it has been a positive experience for me. I will be debt free by Summer 2015 but I know that I will maintain my new way of thinking.

I just wanted to share this as I am sure that there are others who have had a similar experience. :rotfl::T

Candy0107

Same here, when I became debt free, I treated myself to a couple of 'luxuries' which I had been craving, but as luck would have it, they both were reduced.

Although I am DF, I got into some good habits, and still buy multipack chocolate, have NSD's etc.

Good luck for the rest of your journey

Candy x

Just2Ashamed

Thank you for posting this, it was exactly what I needed to read! I hope to be able to keep the same positive mental attitude as yourself once I become debt free... I need to remember that life is about the people and the fun times, not the 'things' we fill it with

ShootForTheMoon

Congratulations on your debt-free journey so far!!
Sounds like you're really embracing the spirit of being more aware of your financial situation and all the positives that come with it!!
It's easy to have a very negative mindset towards debt, but you have an amazing outlook! I'm sure this will inspire others!
I had a very similar attitude shift - and I'm sure that appreciating the "little" things makes you happier in the long-run... Things I used to want/'need' are no longer as important as working towards my own goals and the experiences along the way have made me a stronger, better person too.
Good luck with the rest if your journey and hope life is good to you!! X

foxgloves

Same here! I lived beyond my means from the age of 19 to my early 40s. I have been debt-free since May 2011. I feel much more at peace with myself & the world generally. I can honestly say that there is simply no bag of tat I could come home with now that would make me feel as good as being debt-free does. I don't feel at all that I am being 'tight' with money, I am being resourceful. We can never know what is around the corner in our lives. It makes sense to be prepared for all eventualities. The first time I managed to pay a car repair bill without putting it on credit was a turning point. I don't think the bloke at the garage had ever seen a customer smile so much when they were told how much the bill was! All the small steps add up. Thankfully my good money habits are now becoming as ingrained as my shockingly bad ones used to be. Stick with it anyone out there thinking of flagging, it is so worth it in the end x

Sharon87

I feel the same, even though I'm only near the beginning of my debt free journey. I wasn't a snob before, but having the debt has made me rethink what to buy when it comes to groceries and eating out.

I'm glad I used most of my debt for more fun activities than just having lots of expensive outgoings because I got to experience things I never have before. But now is the time to pay it all back! I'm also appreciating what I have as oppose to not what I have.

I just hope I keep that mentality up long enough to pay off the debts!

AlexLK

worriedwilf: I know exactly where you are coming from and yet only a couple of days back I wouldn't have understood and carried on regardless. Now I've acknowledged I had a serious spending problem, I am hopefully on my way to a. becoming debt free and b. having a better relationship with my wife.