Debt

When The Doctor and I got married, he had credit card debt, and I had credit card debt. And no matter how hard we tried (which, looking back, wasn't that hard), we never could pay it all off. And with me at home with babies and him going to school for 12 of the 16 years we've been married, we supplemented with student loans, which means the big stuff went on credit cards.

When he lost his job from the college, we cashed out his retirement, paying 40% in taxes, and paid off both our cars and we paid off the credit cards. As sucky as it was to pay the taxes, it was so wonderful to be out of debt (except for student loans, which will never get paid off!).

With our tax return the following spring, because we didn't have to dump it on credit cards, we decided to finish our basement. We had just enough money...for the basics. I didn't budget paint or fixtures or carpet. So even though we did that ourselves, how did we pay for it? Yep...credit cards.

And once you have some on the credit card and you can't pay it off each month, it's so easy to put a little bit more on. The problem comes when you put a little bit more. And more. And more.

However...

Now that he has a good stable job that is bringing in a good income, and he is working a second job that is bringing in way more than I thought it would, we have been able to pay off the smaller credit card. That felt awesome.

Then last night I did my taxes and filed them, and we should have our refund by the end of next week. And...it is enough to get us completely out of credit card debt again!

Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am just a titch excited!

Then we can start saving for a fence. Because that is next on our list! Along with a shed, recliners, hitch on the van, tankless water heater, etc., etc., etc.