Being Debt Free

GreyPilgrim

I've decided to remove my 'debt free since xxxx' signature. There was a poster on here a few days ago who was in a really bad situation, so bad that she even mentioned suicide. I posted a message of sympathy and support, but then felt that it was a little bit insensitive to have it followed with a message of "HEYYY!!! I DON'T HAVE ANY DEBTS AT ALL ANYMORE!!!"

On one hand, I can see it may be a motivation to someone who has gotten a grip on the financial problems, has arranged with creditors and is in the position of living frugally and paying off their debts with a debt free date on the horizon. But to someone who has been living in denial for years, with debts mounting up to an impossible level who has suddenly reached that snapping point (and who hasn't yet stepped back and taken stock of the situation yet) it might feel like someone blowing their own trumpet.

What do you think? Maybe just being too sensitive.

GP

shell_girl

I don't know... I like seeing that people have become debt free- gives me hope!

But if you feel that way about it maybe you could amend your sig to something like

"Debt at LBM xxx Paid off in XX years XX months...
If I can do it you can do it!"

Or something similar?

redrabbit29

GreyPilgrim wrote: »

I've decided to remove my 'debt free since xxxx' signature. There was a poster on here a few days ago who was in a really bad situation, so bad that she even mentioned suicide. I posted a message of sympathy and support, but then felt that it was a little bit insensitive to have it followed with a message of "HEYYY!!! I DON'T HAVE ANY DEBTS AT ALL ANYMORE!!!"

On one hand, I can see it may be a motivation to someone who has gotten a grip on the financial problems, has arranged with creditors and is in the position of living frugally and paying off their debts with a debt free date on the horizon. But to someone who has been living in denial for years, with debts mounting up to an impossible level who has suddenly reached that snapping point (and who hasn't yet stepped back and taken stock of the situation yet) it might feel like someone blowing their own trumpet.

What do you think? Maybe just being too sensitive.

GP

I can see why you may think it is being insensitive. But I don't think it is if you simply have a message saying "Debt free since 00/00/00", doesn't have to be a BIG OBVIOUS IN YOUR FACE MESSAGE!!!!!!!!!!

You could say it serves as a motivation for other DFW's, as they will see that it is possible to eventually become debt free. Be proud of your achievement, I'm sure others could benefit from it.

OberonSH

I persoanlly think if want to celebrate the fact that you've worked hard, done your time, and paid everything off you should be able to do that. I'm still in a lot of debt, but cheers me right up to see peple who have done it - it can be done and there's hope for even the most uncreditworthy of us.

You can't help it if someone isn't in aposition to calm down, get their heads out the sand and who is still panicking. We all know it takes a few weeks to get your head around that final figure.

madmoney_2

i agree with shell, you should be proud of your debt free status, although i do understand where you are coming from. Shells suggestion seems like the right thing to do, then it will be a constant reminder to you of how well you have done- you should be proud of being debt free - u certainly earned it

xx

Penny2myName

I think shell-girls idea is a good one, it allows you to show pride in your achievement whilst at the same time, showing you have been there, and know how it feels to have a mountain of debt.

Fortheloveofmoney

I like reading when others have become debt free. It gives them a chance to celebrate and the people still struggling with debt the chance to ask questions on how they became debt free.

Having a debt free since (date) on your signature allows other people to see that you've been there and sucessfully done it.

shopsalot

I can see your concern - but you should be proud.

Great idea from Shell-girl - its good for us to know how long it took you, gives us something to identify with!

SunderlandBlackCat

I must admit one of the reasons I stopped posting much on here & went back to lurking after my dfd was cos I was a bit worried about a perception of rubbing peoples noses in it as I can be a bit blunt at times.

pinkkat8910

GP you should be proud of your achievements, if people take offence - tough! They should see you as an inspiration not as a threat!!

Lucy1982_2

Be Proud of being debt free. I find the having 'Debt free from xx xx xx' makes me realised that one day I to can be debt free and that this site really does work.

Say it loud and say it proud! Surely a new poster in a bad situation would look at your sig and see the experience, I know I do.