I can see the light

Amysdad70

In May 2016, my wife off 22 years passed away. This was discussed in an earlier post.

Throughout our married life we have had problems with debt. She was a strong character and I did the usual man thing of just agreeing to things for a quiet life. For a long time she handled all of the bills and it caused a real humdinger of a row when I took over after bailiffs visited for an unpaid council tax bill.

After her death I was left with a house on an interest only mortgage and other debts of around £18,500. I sold the house and that covered the mortgage and one of the loans leaving me about £15k to pay. Since then I have thrown myself into work, and reclaimed PPI on one of the debts. I have been paying as much as I possibly could. I am lucky and have a good job which occasionally pays commission and all of that has gone into paying off the debt.

The debt now stands at £4500. I plan to pay off more this month and it looks like at the end of next month, I can pay off the last of it with my commission. I have not been debt free for over 25 years.

Why am I telling you this? It is not to brag. I learned something really important, beyond the part where I was stupid and weak willed. If you look at the debt in its entirety it seems like an impossible task to pay it off. Pay as much as you can, when you can. If you can say to yourself that you are doing all you can, there is peace to be had. Eventually, it will all be paid.

I can’t imagine what it will feel like to be debt free.

Puddylove

Firstly, so sorry for your loss.
And secondly - hats off to you for your hard work to repay your debts. I too have had large debts (from being in a relationship with someone who liked to live beyond his/our means) and know how it feels.
I suppose I learned to stay fully in control (by managing) my own finances, and to say 'No' to others but also to myself.
Good luck for the future! :beer:

Kidder81

Excellent post, very well written.

Congratulations on soon to be debt free. Enjoy it.

Happierdays

Great to hear your story - inspiring to all whether at the beginning of their debt journey or nearer the end. thank you, well done and best of luck with clearing the last of it!

CurlyTop

Hi

Just wanted to say well done you. As if dealing with your emotions following the loss of your wife wasn't difficult enough, you channelled your energy into dealing with your finances, which I suspect helped you to get through through his difficult through his ime.

Either way, you have done tremendously well and I wish you a very happy, debt free, content future. Having been debt free for nearly 4 years now, it can feel a little unsettling at first but if you continue on the path you have chosen, you will see it is a pleasant, rewarding one.

Keep up the good work.

Tempus01

So sorry for your loss, but well done on becoming almost debt free! I hope I am where you are in the next 2 years (fingers crossed) Keep us updated!

Amysdad70

UPDATE:

It is done. I am now debt free.

It took longer than I hoped and the last couple of months felt a lot longer than they were but I did it. I am not sure how to feel.

I am of course elated and relieved. But, it feels like the end of something. It will be weird next month when my outgoings look completely different.

Good luck to everyone on their journey to being debt free. It is worth the slog.

V2-Schneider

Congratulations, and good luck with the future outgoings!

:j:j

heartbreak_star

Amysdad, so proud to hear you've done it! Have a nice glass of wine, reflect on the past, and drink to the future.

With love and best wishes,

HBS x

Shashy

Amysdad70 wrote: »

UPDATE:

It is done. I am now debt free.

It took longer than I hoped and the last couple of months felt a lot longer than they were but I did it. I am not sure how to feel.

I am of course elated and relieved. But, it feels like the end of something. It will be weird next month when my outgoings look completely different.

Good luck to everyone on their journey to being debt free. It is worth the slog.

Freedom. Well done.

Time for a little budget-friendly treat.

Max_and_sasha

Well done !!!!

It gives the rest of great encouragement, good luck in your debt free life, well done again

Max