I can’t believe the end of March is approaching and in just a few days I fly to Vegas to see Tonya for 48 hours and then in a month I am going to Spain and Portugal. Say what? All because of travel hacking, too.
I have to say that things have been increasingly busy here and ever-changing. I’ve gotten some new opportunities that I’m really excited about and I’ve moved on from some others. It’s been a time for change and growth for me — getting uncomfortable and trying new things, letting go of things that were safe and comfortable.
In addition to giving you a brief update about my life, I want to share with you the state of my debts. I regret not posting updates sooner, and quite frankly it’s because I haven’t loved my progress.
Life has gotten in the way in some cases, but it just feels like an excuse. Just because I don’t love my progress doesn’t mean I shouldn’t share it with you, right? I know that paying off debt is a journey. There are stops and starts, setbacks and times of great momentum. I guess lately I’ve just been so incredibly bored by the idea of debt. Like, oh, I’m going to bed next to you AGAIN?
Dear debt, put some spice back into my life. I think my upcoming adventures will do just that and I’m really proud of myself that I have money saved and am essentially flying for free.
Anywho, last time I updated you, my debt was at $33,740.36.
It is currently at $32,343.80.
Although nearly $1,400 is nothing to sneeze at, that took me 2 months to do. I’m still getting used to this freelance payment schedule where things seem to come at the end of the month, or sporadically throughout the month. I will say it has made my payments more difficult, but I’m committed nonetheless.
Luckily, my income is growing and as it grows, so will my debt repayments. Because I want these things gone, yesterday. Even though I say I’m bored with my debt, I’m still passionate about being debt free. I don’t want you to think I’m giving up, despite my recent musings about how tough life is.
Things are better and it just reminds me how quickly things can change. What a difference a day makes (one of my favorite songs by jazz goddess Dinah Washington). I’ve also come to realize that hard work largely is invisible while you are in the thick of it. Then ONE thing can happen that affirms that you are doing the right thing and headed in the right direction.
So, the point is, have faith. Keep going. Work hard and continue trying. You may not see the results, today, tomorrow, or even in a year. But you are building something. And it will rise, and weather the storm.
What’s new with you?
p.s. need some more debt motivation? Check out Fruclassity from my dear friends Laurie and Ruth.
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21 comments
$1400 in two months is nothing to sneeze at. I know you wish and hope for more, but that is solid progress! Way to go!!! {wild applause}
I should do better about posting our status. We’ve done an amazing job with payoffs over the last year, cutting our debt by about 25%. That was done with freelancing, a huge raise, several large work bonuses, and scheduled paymmenta. We still have over $75k to go.
Wow, you are doing GREAT! Applause to you my friend! Glad you are back to blogging 🙂
Exciting travel ahead!
I just wrapped up my busiest side hustle season and I’m exhausted!
Nice! Hope you can get some rest soon, though!
You should feel real proud of paying $1,400 of debt in two months! That’s pretty good.
It doesn’t matter how much or how little debt you pay, the important thing is that you are working towards paying it off and you have a plan of attack.
Paying off debt takes a long time, but it’s worth it at the end. Keep at it.
Thanks for the encouragement, Aldo! I’m hard on myself, but I know that I’m committed and working hard at it.
I keep trying to remind myself that I may not be growing money but at least I’m growing something? Maybe even an ulcer? lol! See ya in Vegas!
Ha! I hope not. See you soon, love!
That is serious debt repayment!! Am so proud of you and I can’t wait to read your paid off post.
In a few years…hopefully sooner! I can’t wait for that day.
It definitely stinks working on a freelancers payment schedule because it’s very difficult to get a clear idea of when you will have your money. I know you don’t feel like you paid off much, but before you know it, your debt is going to have a 2 at the front of it instead of a 3. 🙂 I wish I was going to Vegas with you and Tonya! I hope you guys have a blast!
2 seems so much better than 3! I wish you were coming with as well!
You have know idea how much I needed to read something like this today! I’ve been feeling so down and discouraged about my own personal junk, and this really made my day.
And you’re doing so great with your debt repayment! It can definitely be disheartening to not meet a monthly payment goal, but look how far you’ve come! Down to $32K from more than $80, yes? That’s something to celebrate!
I’m glad it resonated with you! Yes, it’s down a lot from the total. I’m more than half way done, just gotta keep going!
Great job on the debt repayment. You’ll always want to have done more and that’s how I feel almost everyday! But something is always better than nothing!
So true. Progress is what is important.
Thanks for the Fruclassity mention, Melanie – what a nice surprise, as I was just stopping by to see how you’re doing. 🙂 SO exciting about the travel, and you are kicking it on the debt too – be proud, my friend!
Thanks, Laurie! So proud of you for starting another awesome site!
We’re not in debt, other than the mortgage. But we are saving for a big expense later this year.
We make enough that we should really be able to put more money away each month. But we just have to keep plugging away and hope we have enough to cover most of it.
Congrats on your trips! It’s hard to travel while you’re paying off debt, but I’m glad you’re doing it! Some people say you should put off all unnecessary spending on hold while you’re paying off loans, but I disagree. Plus travel hacking makes it so much easier.
It’s hard to get excited about paying off debt, but $700/month is nothing to sneeze at! Congrats on your progress Melanie and I can’t wait to see you again in a few months!
Thanks for mentioning Fruclassity, Melanie : ) It sounds like you have a case of debt fatigue. I know what it’s like to want to report about the great strides forward and to put off reporting the not-so-stellar progress. But you’re right: paying off debt is a journey. And sometimes, those steps are tougher than others. $1,400 sounds pretty good to me though! Here’s wishing you a fabulous trip, and a near future of leaps and bounds along your path to debt-freedom!