Credit Cards.
In my college years, those two words meant freedom. They provided me with a sense of security. They allowed me to finally purchase anything I needed without having to ask my parents for help. Credit cards were the answer when I was hungry or late on a bill payment because my checking account was low.
They provided a means of fun. I didn’t have to say ‘no’ to myself anymore. I could go out to dinner at a place that didn’t have a drive-thru. I could go on spring break to Florida. I could buy concert tickets when I wanted.
Credit cards also enabled me to feed into my first addiction: instant gratification. Shopping was a way for me to help the loneliness. It allowed bonding time with my girlfriends. It was entertainment on a boring Sunday afternoon.
Credit cards also provided me with a new word. A four letter word that has haunted me for years. A word that has become the bane of my existence.
Debt.
Debt has prohibited me from enjoying life. It has given me debilitating tension and stress. It has stopped me from enjoying precious moments with my children. It has cost me many nights of sleep.
Debt has nearly ruined my life.
Debt has stolen my sense of security, the ability to have carefree fun and most importantly, it has robbed me of my freedom.
I have spent years feeding into the need for instant gratification and for living an unconscientious life. Credit cards became a way of life for me and therefore, debt became a constant companion. I never thought there was another way to live. I believed that I was destined to live a life that always involved some debt.
The wake up call I needed taught me that debt was stealing my life; perhaps the greatest lesson I could have ever received. It put two new words into my vocabulary. Two new words that have given me a sense of happiness, a goal in my life, and a wonderful dream of security.
Debt free.
For nearly twenty years, I have lived a life funded by credit cards and fueled by instant gratification. These two new words have shown me more hope and satisfaction than anything I have ever experienced.
I’m not debt free yet and it will be many years until I am. However, just the idea that I can be, that I WILL be, has made me happier than anything I ever purchased with a credit card.
The hardest thing to realize when you are battling debt is that it doesn’t have to define you. Find ways to have fun that don’t cost a lot so you can still enjoy your life.
Debt no longer defines me. I have been able to learn so much about life by taking ownership of my debt. I definitely find the fun in different ways now!
Oh my, Jessica, I could take the above article, change the title to “Written by Travis” and it would be completely accurate. I can identify 100% with what you’re going through, and how you’re feeling! Also, welcome to TeamEOD! We’ve talked (via email / comments/ tweets) before, and I look forward to working with you!
Thanks Travis!! I’m glad to be a part of TeamEOD! I look forward to reading what everyone has to say!
I think my story, make that our stories are very similar to so many other stories out there. It’s the lure of credit cards. It’s the reason why the credit card industry is so profitable. We don’t want to get me started on the credit card industry. lol
Jessica, welcome to what we know as Team EOD. It seems to me that you’re on the right track – keeping folks from falling into the pit of debt. It’s often difficult to understand why debt is to be avoided, but once it’s around your neck, the reason for avoidance becomes crystal clear. May the force be with you.
Thank you so much Clair! I’m really happy to be a part of TeamEOD.
I’m just beginning my journey out of debt and it will be a long one but I hope along the way I am able to stop others from following in my footsteps.
Jessica,
I’m very impressed by your words. It takes courage to admit that you’ve used debt to finance your lifestyle. You’re right your debt does not define you and you will be successful in eliminating your debt and successful in life!
Hear, hear!
….two four letter words I am using as my mantra now….Debt FREE!
I’m also on the road to being there. And, it’s also going to take me several years to get to that goal.
However, it’s a goal that I am looking forward to achieving.
Best of luck to you and achieving your goal!
Yay!! I’m excited for you. You’ve certainly made the mental flip to become debt free. I have no doubt you will reach your goals, and how sweet with that feel.
Welcome to the EOD team!! Glad to have you on board!
I can sympathize Jessica. I told myself for years and years that I was in control of my debts. I truly felt that I would be able to wipe them away as soon as wiping them away became important to me. Instead, I pursued more income. I worked harder and harder and earned more and more. But no matter how much I earned, I was unable to keep it from simply enabling even more debt because I just didn’t have a healthy relationship with money.
I’m well past that now, though I’m still not where I’d like to be. In comparison to the bad old days however, I have a plan, the ability and desire to stay on track, and a healthy appreciation for what will happen if I don’t.
Keep up the good work Jessica. We’re all rooting for you!
Hi everyone:
Like all of you, I have started the long trip to get out of debt, with “Baby Step One” $1000.00 in an emergency fund.
I am looking forward to get out of debt (For Good) and as Dave Ramsey say’s Kick the Master Card, Discovery Card and “Fanny May” out of my home.!!~~~
Congratulations and good luck Cynthia! You are gonna kick some butt. Stop by any time you need some motivation or want to chat in the comment section. We’d love to have you! 😀
Thank you.
Good for you Cynthia! I’m rooting for you. Once you get a few achievements under your belt, no matter how small (as Horton says), you’ll be motivated onto bigger and better things.
By the way, you’ve found a really good site here for information. Brad (EOD) has collected some really awesome insights that I’ve found very helpful.
I wish you the best!
Thank you…
I am currently listen to Dave Ramsey on the radio….
First, thanks for being a part of the conversation and the solution! It’s what makes blogs so darned awesome! Secondly, thank you so very much for your kind words regarding Enemy of Debt! 😀