What motivates you to become debt free?

climbgirl

sewbocushions wrote: »

This may sound contradictory and not what money saving is all about but - some of you say you want to have everything paid off so you can do things like retire to Spain etc which is great but - what if all you do is scrimp and save and not have a lot of fun because you're looking forward to this wonderful future in years to come and then it doesn't come because your partner dies of cancer or a heart attack etc or something similar?? I wonder sometimes if people are so busy looking forward to what is coming up that they don't enjoy the present and then what? You may end up wishing that you'd not scrimped quite so hard and that you'd had that cruise or luxury holiday together. You need to have some fun now. I've had friends and family that couldn't wait to retire and start having fun and then one of them has 'popped' off after having worked hard all their life. Maybe that's why I've got so many debts now and don't save quite as hard as I could as you need to have a bit of fun now cos you don't know what's around the corner!!

I know where you're coming from, but having that cavalier approach to money and debt is how a lot of people get into trouble in the first place - I'll buy it now and sort it out later, who knows what's around the corner.

I think too that people's priorities change when they start paying off debts. You learn that having fun and enjoying the present day doesn't automatically mean spending money. Which is the best lesson in the whole debt-free journey I think.

I think it's admirable that people here are saving and working hard to achieve their dreams. It doesn't mean their lives now are a misery - it's a smart approach to money. And it's a refreshing change from the whole "have it now", consumerist approach to life.

KME91

KME91 wrote: »

My motivation is moving out of mum and dad's house, buying a better car, having a social life, and being able to change to a more interesting but less well paid job, or even go part time. ultimately i want to marry my other half and have children. none of those things can happen until i've paid my debts. currently that's due to be december 2010. i'm determined that i'm going to shave 12 months off that, my target is december 2009.

scratch that. my motivation is never having to deal with lowell financial again. their bullying tactics continue today with a card through the door threatening to come round and see me. no envelope or anything, so for all the world to see. A**holes even had the cheek to tell me off for my attitude when i called them up!

Spirit_2

I told another DFW that I would find and bump this thread.

*bump*

malvena_2

ciarasdreams wrote: »

I want to be debt free because I want my peace of mind back and also because I want to feel like I am actually in control of my life again.

That about sums it up for me

Sagaris

I can't ever remember not having a credit card bill to pay! So it will be nice to get rid of that - and the car loan and actually save some money for a change!

bored_of_debt

I've been paying loans for about 5 years, I don't remember what it's like not to be paying money to the bank and credit companies when I get paid each month!

I'm looking forward to having MY money to spend how I like, employing the 'if I haven't got the money I can't afford it' motto!

I'll be saving for a new motorbike when I'm finally debt free, can't wait to buy it with money i've worked for and saved!

Mozette

I want to end up with one cash back credit card that I pay off every month.
If I want something I want to have the actual money to buy it with.
I want to be able to buy stuff like the odd book or CD without having to think 'Do I actually need this?'
I would like to be able to afford to retire early, while I'm still young enough to enjoy myself, and have enough to enjoy myself with!
I get the earlier point about 'living for today', but the trouble is, tomorrow does so often turn up after all. I had a good old while living for today, and enjoyed doing it, but - hopefully - I've got a lot of tomorrows to come and I'd like to live them as well, not just scrape through them!

painted_lady

I am hoping to be debt free soon, what has motivated me?I think Richard Ashcraft summed it up "Your a slave to money then you die"
I dont want to work all my life, be dictated to by credit companies, I want to work less and enjoy myself, life is a party.
Also,
- had a baby and didnt like the thought of being in debt for years, want to show him good example etc
- am lucky enough to have travelled the world, have friends and family in America, Canada and australia, I want to go see them all again, but the debt free way this time
- buy another sports car (sold mine when baby was born)

sweepster

Once my cards are paid off i will be throwing everything at my mortgage which hopefully will start next year.
sweepyxx

helliecopter_2

My main motivation are my two little 'uns (ages just 3 and 1) I want to give them a solid start in life and help them with their education and housing costs in 18 years! Sounds miles off but add 2 uni bills, 2 house desposits and 2 weddings and its going to cost a bit. Don't worry I'm not pushy mum just want to try and give them a bump up the ladder. Some might say it's spoiling them, but I don't want them to get on the slippery slope of debt.

The one thing I will teach them is to respect every penny because each one counts!