Debt Free News #22 – Bobbie Bushman

Happy Monday everyone! Today I thought I would share another Debt Free Story with you. It’s been a while and this series has become very popular so I hope you enjoy this one. This Debt Free News edition is actually one of my favorites. Not because previous debt free stories are any less exciting but because it so closely resembles my story.

When we were plagued with debt we both worked our tails off and in the very beginning of our marriage we spent more time with our co-workers than we did with each other. We passed each other at the door and I can tell you with absolute certainty — IT SUCKED!

Now we spend SO MUCH time together as a family and live off of one part-time income ($2,000/ mo) which allows us to work on other income producing endeavors that we can do from the comfort of our home. We do so many fun things with our children and are able to fully immerse ourselves in their childhood and development. If I had to pick one benefit that I thought was the best reason to become debt free, being able to spend more time with my family would be it.

You have to live it to fully understand how awesome it actually is! Check out Bobbie’s story and see for yourself that it’s not just me that is experiencing these wonderful benefits. The best part is — YOU CAN TOO!

The Enemy of Debt Questionnaire – Congratulations to Bobbie Bushman!

How much debt did you have and how long did it take you to pay it off?

I had $30,000 and it took me 1 1/2 years to pay it off!

How does becoming debt free actually feel? Does it feel better than you imagined it would?

It feels great. Our monthly expenses are so low! We have no mortgage! Its great to know that we can live so abundantly on so little now that we are not slaves to debt!

What were some of the struggles that you had to deal with along the way? Was there ever a time where you almost gave up?

There was a time when both my husband and I worked two jobs. It was hard on our relationship. I remember also the kids would say things like, “Mommy, Daddy’s home. Don’t you have to go to work now?” We rarely got time together as a family. However, the first thing we did when we became debt free was each of us went down to one part-time job (for a total of two part-time jobs). Now, we all live on only one part-time job and we have all the time in the world to spend together. Its great!

What would you consider to be the most important key to becoming debt free? What helped you the most?

Not being afraid to make choices that went against mainstream culture. Living a consumer, debt ridden lifestyle is the norm. Once we gave up the notion that we had to do or have a certain thing, we were able to cut back left and right!

It seems a lot of people have bought into the idea that debt is essential in order to prosper, what do you have to say to those people?

I would say that our economic system is based on a faulty premise: one of infinite growth on a finite planet. We are all going to have to cut back in order to co-habituate. You might as well get a head start by living more simply and being debt-free. It is a more abundant lifestyle, anyway.

What was the biggest sacrifice you would say you made in order to become debt free? What about you changed the most?

Spending time as a family for that year and a half. Becoming debt free has changed me by giving me freedom. I use to spend a lot of time worrying about our future. I don’t do that now. I sleep well at night.

Did your friends and family give you a hard time about your new mission to eliminate the debt from your life? If so how did you deal with it? Do you think you inspired others by your journey?

We had some serious negativity from family members. They haven’t understood the choices we’ve made. They don’t see anything wrong with living with debt. They think we’re too restrictive about how we spend our money. It used to make me frustrated. Now I know that they just don’t know how it feels to be free. If they did, they would see that budgets aren’t restraining, they’re liberating!

What is next for you? What financial goals do you plan to accomplish?

We want to start our own business and build our own Eco-friendly home. We also plan to buy real-estate as we can afford to so that we can have income generating property.

This story was submitted by Bobbie Bushman, a Team EOD contributor, who paid off $30,000 in medical and credit card debt in 1 1/2 years. Her family sold their big house in the city and bought a home in a rural area for $13,000 CASH! Now they four live debt free on ONE part-time income! You can also follow her on her personal finance blog Budgeting with the Bushmans and on twitter at @bobbiebushman.

photo credit

Debt Free News From A Debt Free Reader Series

Click here to read any of the other great debt free stories in this popular series!

More to come…but only if I get some new submissions! ๐Ÿ˜€

About Brad Chaffee

2 Responses to “Debt Free News #22 – Bobbie Bushman”

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  1. Thanks Brad! I never knew you and I had so much in common!

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      As I read your answers I thought to myself, “Did I write this?” LOL

      To me, our stories, ARE “the” American Dream! I know I sure love my life and being debt free is a BIG reason why. ๐Ÿ˜€

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