Have you killed the debt monster?

1. 77

   Kasmanposted 11 years ago

   Have you killed the debt monster?
   
   Is there still debt in your life?

   replyreport
2. 61

   CoffeeandJazzposted 11 years ago

   I never have taken on debt in my life and I never will. I do not owe a penny to anyone, I am as free as a bird.

   replyreport
3. 76

   Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years ago

   Yes, apart from the mortgage. It took me a while, I was in my early-mid thirties before I got a job that gave me enough excess income to get rid of my credit card bills and bank loans, but the emotional reality and relief of being debt free is fantastic.
   
   It's very difficult to be in thrall to another financial institution or person and the idea of having to scrape enough money each month to make repayments and survive is something I wanted to get rid of very quickly. It takes discipline to kill the debt monster, and consumer culture encourages us to buy everything on credit, but a bit of financial planning and prudence now sets us up much better for the future.

   replyreport
4. 70

   ienjoythisposted 11 years ago

   I'm 22 and the debt that I am in is very minimal. I owe a few thousand for college. Since I went to a regional campus of a large university, tuition was inexpensive and grants helped along the way. No car payment, so credit cards, nothing. Just student loans - and they are a fraction of what many college students owe nowadays.
   
   My advice to young people, don't get in over your heads. Don't go out and buy a brand new car because you just got a degree - degrees don't necessarily mean you'll get a great job. Lively frugally until you can afford "wants". Until then, live simply and enjoy it.

   replyreport
5. 0

   Nancy's Nicheposted 11 years ago

   I am under taking the debt slaughter now --- my New Year’s Resolution.  Here is how I began:
   
   •List each debt with the total balance due
   •List each debt with the amount of minimum payment due
   • Then divide the total balance due by the minimum payment amount due.
   •This gives a Ratio # Ex, $1,000.00/$35.00=Ratio of 28.57 or 29 rounded up.
   •Take the lower Ratio # first and work your way up the scale. When that is paid off, add that minimum payment amount to the next Ratio #.
   
   I have a couple of credit cards I will retain for travel & business purposes but my intent is to clear the way for CASH only purchases in the future! Happy New Year!

   replyreport
   1. 76

      Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That sounds like an excellent approach - It's always good to take emotion out of these things and deal with them rationally. Good luck to you!

      replyreport