Paying off debt, now what?

moohound

Jagraf wrote: »

I have to say its all a bit strange.

We have spent years and years thinking about every penny - in an environment where most of our friends and family are financially secure. Everything we earned semed irrelevant as it was just thrown into the black hole of debt.

I will never spend money I haven't got, on stuff I don't need. I wasn't a massive spender, but circumstances made me look like one.

I'm quite bitter - I see people buying new kitchens when their old ones are fine, relatives buying expensive cars when cheaper ones do the job just as well. It's all quite strange. I don't blame them for spending money, I just struggle with it, and really want to say"do you need that new patio" or "how many pairs of shoes do you need" to friends.

One positive is that over the years we have found cheaper ways to enjoy life, and through that we have developed life long friendships. We do,lots of community stuff.

We've had so many arguments over money, and now that's easing, we are enjoying the freedom. We don't spend more money, we just don't need to blame each other.

It's been a long steep learning curve, but I've learned a lot.

You really need to read Mr Money Mustache's blog, you sound like a natural mustachian

Jagraf

moohound wrote: »

You really need to read Mr Money Mustache's blog, you sound like a natural mustachian

Just had a look, brilliant thank you!

Thrugelmir

Jagraf wrote: »

I'm quite bitter - I see people buying new kitchens when their old ones are fine, relatives buying expensive cars when cheaper ones do the job just as well. It's all quite strange. I don't blame them for spending money, I just struggle with it, and really want to say"do you need that new patio" or "how many pairs of shoes do you need" to friends.

How much of the spend is financed by credit though. Appearances can be deceptive. The wealthiest are more often or not the least pretentious. Accordingly amongst the happiest.

Jagraf

Thrugelmir wrote: »

How much of the spend is financed by credit though. Appearances can be deceptive. The wealthiest are more often or not the least pretentious. Accordingly amongst the happiest.

I agree. I suppose when you've gone through it you don't want your friends to.