So so close to debt-free; why do I feel weird?

middlingditch

Thank you so much; that's lovely. 

I've had such supportive replies here - I ummed and ahhed about whether to post because it felt like whining but now really glad I did! 
As the days go by and the reality sinks in I am feeling more and more pleased and allowing some optimism.

Humdinger1

@middlingditch you're not whinging! Talking or writing about what's going on is a huge step in accepting then gripping the situation in my view.  I thinki whinging is a gendered term anyway; you know what they say about nagging being a reasonable request ignored?! Those words are too often used against women when the same behaviour in men wouldn't be described like that. It ends in training women to accept unacceptable situations.   I'll put my soapbox away....

Flugelhorn

Well done on mangling that debt - just wonder if what you need is another target, you've hit this one - maybe need to start on savings one?

Sewn

I am totally with you on this!, we've paid back approx 55k in the last 6 months and as of today just each have 1 credit card left to go which we're paying off at a more leisurely rate, I am sitting here this morning feeling bewildered too and wondering 'what now?' as it's just been a massive focus for so long, I know 6 months might not sound long but I was working like a lunatic for the last 2 years anyway and we were just treading water, to get to this stage feels odd and not what I expected, I thought I'd be jumping for joy.

I think some of it is as others have mentioned, you've reached your goal but you have noone to really share it with as it's such a private thing isn't it? on top of that it's also there's nothing tangible to show for your effort such as saving for a new car/to pay your house off etc, yes I can see those numbers on a spreadsheet but it's not something physical I can show for my efforts. 

I think it just takes time to sink in and adjust to and slowly your life will change as you have more money in your pocket and your focus shifts from paying off debt and (in my case) feeling bloody miserable and annoyed I ever allowed it to get this bad to starting to realise the freedom it gives you to devote to the things you love or want to explore in life

enthusiasticsaver

There have been some good points made above about probably why after years of paying off debt once you reach the final stage it is a bit of an anti climax not least because not everyone will understand how tough it is when you are struggling to get your finances in a healthy state with no debt but it is probably something you may not want to share with people. Also getting rid of debt is something a lot of people focus on but there is nothing tangible at the end to show for it.  My suggestion is you set a savings target so you have something to aim for once the debt is gone. It can be for anything - rainy day fund or emergencies, new car, house  or holiday or early retirement.  

middlingditch

I've just remembered something I heard many years ago from a chap who was in a time of huge (apparently-)positive changes in his life - had come into enough money to do what he wanted, left a job he hated, etc, but didn't know what next steps to take. He said he felt like a caged bird who's realised the door to the cage is open at last, but can't quite find it in himself to fly out.

That definitely resonates with me now! I should think that being a bit patient (argh) and letting time pass will help, and also focusing on savings goals. I do have those goals, it's just that they don't have that urgency of paying off the debt; I don't know how to make them feel as if they "really matter" like paying off the debt did. But that's something I'll have to sit with for a bit I think.

solidpro

Back in 2010 I lost all my income and had a £15000 credit card debit with the interest seemingly more than the debt. It was awful. A few years of not being able to afford fuel for the car and walking 5 miles to the station and back....and a divorce... I was back on my feet. One day, I just paid it all off. It was amazing but I think it never feels like some huge amazing moment you think it will. It's more like a comfy pair of slippers you slip on each night before falling asleep. Like a sip of water when you're thirsty. And of course the lesson learnt never to dig that hole ever again. Well done, and have fun climbing the next hill from zero, rather than out of a gully!

Brie

It's that "what now?" moment.  It happens to so many of us, we want to buy a house and do, we want to go to uni and do, learn a new skill, pay off everything, get a new job.  So much time and energy goes into making it happen it's then an anticlimax when you've done it.

But that's great as the debt is behind you - well done!!!