Hey debt fighters! I have another great, yet heart-wrenching dear debt letter for you today. Today’s letter comes from a new blogger, so I encourage you to stop by, say hello, and encourage him! We all remember being the new guy/gal, right? Drop a line and say hello. You can find Ryan at dadindebt.wordpress.com and follow him on Twitter @dadindebt
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Dear Debt,
The water is cold. Yes, my gas is cut off.
So let me paint the bigger picture. I’m the husband of one beautiful wife, and the father of two wonderful kids; aged 22 and 16. Both the kids live at home (although the 22 year old wishes like hell he didn’t). We live in a big fancy house in the big fancy country club. We have three cars. I have a great job and my wife hasn’t worked in years.
While I make well over six figures, we have exactly $0 in our savings account and we have exactly $23.19 in our checking account. Today is the 13th and I don’t get paid again until the 15th. Oh, did I mention our gas is cut off? I forgot to pay the bill last month and we were out of town the first half of this month when the notice came in the mail. It’s been off since the 9th. It’ll be turned back on again on the 15th so until then, cold showers.
Why is this happening?
Well, in a nutshell, debt. We are drowning in debt. I have over $50,000 in consumer credit card debt, $48,000 in my son’s student loan debt, $21,000 in auto loan debt, and $530,000 in home debt (keep in mind our house according to Zillow is now worth about $466,000). Yep, it’s pretty bad.
The good news is I’m fed up. I’m turning from mild mannered well paid consultant, husband, and father, in to a middle-aged debt destroyer! The decisions will be tough. The measures may be austere. But enough is enough.
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12 comments
I really like this series! Thanks for sharing!
Yikes! I have said it once and I’ll say it again, DEBT is an absolute scourge that will suck the very life out of you. Fortunately, it appears as if the writer is sick and tired of being sick and tired and is prepared to make some much needed changes. Best of luck to him and his family.
Everyone has to start somewhere and I’m glad to hear you are fed up and ready for a change. Keep your head up Ryan and stay focused and I’m sure you’ll destroy all that debt!
This story is interesting because a lot of Melanie’s dear debt writers have a lot of debt also, but living in much more affordable and small places and don’t make as much. I I felt like I wanted to know more to elaborate. But what it comes down to is no matter where you live or what you make, people make mistakes and we are all human. So I wish you the best of luck and can find a way out of your situation!
Hey Ryan! I’m a middle-aged debt destroyer too! Let me encourage you: after 3 years of frugal living, we have killed off more than half of our total debt, and we have only the mortgage remaining. You’re right. There ARE tough choices ahead. All the best as you make them and create a new financial reality for your family!
Debt is the absolute worst, isn’t it? Good luck on paying off your debt! It’ll be a tough road, but you can do it!! 🙂
Wow! Thanks for sharing and good luck to you Dad in Debt. I hope you can turn things around. Debt sucks!
You can do it!! Sending you good vibes I we are supporting you in this journey.
Wow! Thanks for all the support here! And a big thanks to Melanie for sharing my letter. My sleeves are rolled up for this folks. Time to get to work. 🙂
Welcome to the debt slayer club! You can do this!!
Debt obviously affects your finances. But the biggest reason to eliminate debt is the impact it has on your stress and overall health. Debt prevents true financial independence and financial independence allows you to live life on your terms.
I totally understand how you can make 6 figures and have a tough time making ends meet. Congrats for changing course and choosing a different path!