Dear Debt Letter from Free to Pursue

by Melanie

Hey there folks! Gather ’round for the latest dear debt letter, hot off the press! Err, interwebz? Anyways, I’m so excited to feature Free to Pursue, who is writing a dear debt letter AFTER becoming debt free. People in debt like me need to read these stories. Some days it just feels like I will never be debt free and I need to mentally and emotionally know that it is possible. In short, I’m super grateful for her perspective. I also had a chance to meet her at the WDS FinCon meetup here in Portland! I love meeting other bloggers and readers.

More about her: F2P was able to leave a demanding position in the corporate world a year and a half ago, free to pursue various interests, including writing, blogging, reading, lifestyle coaching and travel (the latest trip was to attend WDS). Along with that list of pursuits, she spends her days walking her dog, spending time with friends and family, practicing a few sports (currently working on olympic lifting) and dreaming up how to get the next item crossed off her bucket list (next up: An African Safari).

Dear Debt,
I can’t believe it’s already been five years since we parted ways. Time sure does fly when I’m living it on my terms and not yours.
Despite your constant pleas for us to be reunited, I have to tell you that I don’t have any interest in rekindling the relationship now or at any point in the foreseeable future. To be blunt, you are dead to me. I’ve turned to my positive net worth for comfort instead. The security it provides me feels like a warm fuzzy blanket on a cold winter’s night. It gives me a soft place to land anytime I encounter expenses that I didn’t anticipate or life-enhancing opportunities that I don’t feel I should pass up.
Please don’t ever try to be a part of my life again. Because I don’t miss:
  • You looming over me as I slept at night.
  • The sinking feeling I would get when I would think about the potential need to refinance the mortgage.
  • Having to answer to you and to a boss. There should only be one “Man” in my life after all, right?
  • Your constant reminders that I was not free by using words such as obligation, minimum payment, terms and conditions and the like.
  • Reading the fine print with the expectation that you’ve hidden some clause that will come back to bite me in the future.
My life feels completely different now. I enjoy:
  • Knowing that I have the freedom to do anything I want…just not everything I want. But that’s enough for me.
  • Feeling like the master of my own destiny.
  • The comfort of living in and using a home, a car and other day-to-day things that are entirely mine (ok, and my husband’s too).
  • Looking at my savings and investments totals increase almost every month.
  • Being fulfilled by life itself and not left wanting the next iGadget or any other status symbol you might have taunted me with in the past with mouth-watering terms and conditions such as 0% & no payments for one year.
  • Saving on home insurance because of the discount I receive by being free of you.
So, you see, there’s no room for you anymore. Go find someone else to latch on to. There’s no hope for you here because I’m taking care of myself and I feel good with what I have.
 
I’ve moved on and am not including a forwarding address. 
 
Forever not yours,
Free To Pursue

 

 

Melanie
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7 comments

debt debs July 31, 2014 - 4:05 am

Congrats on reaching your FI! Really commendable and judging from your letter, totally worthwhile.

Reply
Free To Pursue August 6, 2014 - 10:56 am

Thanks DD. It is definitely worthwhile.

My work and play ebbs and flows based on my energy level, mood and preferences and I find I accomplish more overall because I invest time in myself, my projects and others in ways that are most meaningful in the moment.

It feels pretty terrific. I wish everyone the same joy at some point in life.

Reply
Brandy @ Busted Budget July 31, 2014 - 5:51 am

So inspirational! I *dream* of the day I am completely debt free. And the discount on your insurance? What a nice added benefit 🙂

Reply
Free To Pursue August 6, 2014 - 11:00 am

Thanks Brandy.

Keep chipping away. Soon enough, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“That’s all it takes really, pressure, and time.” – Shawshank Redemption

Reply
Lisa E. @ Lisa vs. the Loans August 6, 2014 - 10:24 am

So glad I read this! I think this has got to be one of my favorite Dear Debt letters! Thanks for sharing – this is so inspiring and now I really can’t wait until I can say the same things!

Reply
Melanie August 6, 2014 - 10:54 am

Me too!

Reply
Free To Pursue August 6, 2014 - 11:02 am

Thanks Lisa.

Your comment, along with the others above, made the exercise even more worthwhile.

I wish you the opportunity sooner than later!

Reply

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