It’s My 6 Month Anniversary…
Of living credit card free. My New Years Resolution was to go a year without using credit cards. For a girl that has charging away since she was 16 years old, it seemed like a impossible resolution to keep.
When I started this journey in to dept free living I had about $200 in my savings account, four grand in credit card bills and a brandy new mortgage payment. The two first months I was to afraid to buy anything. I was just learning how to use a debit card (who goes 27 years without having a debit card…seriously). By March I had already payed down some of my dept and had a months salary in my savings account (which I have never done in my life). Much to my surprise at this time I never felt like I was living without. I wasn’t jealous of anyones new shoes or fabulous handbag. It was all very liberating to realize that I didn’t “need” anything. For April I challenged myself to not purchase any new items for an entire month, before I knew it I had cut my credit card debt in half and still was adding to my savings. It wasn’t until May and June that I felt comfortable spending my money on clothes and vacations.
As of today, I have saved the recommended 3 months of my salary and only have two payments left on my card. I couldn’t be more proud of myself. Nowadays I carefully think through every purchase and I end up returning a lot of things (sorry old navy). The past six months have taught me more about money management and consumerism then my last 27 years has. Being broke forces you to be creative with your outfits…knowing you can spend $4 on a dress and look as stunning as the girl next to you in her overpriced BCBG dress is an wonderful feeling!
Is anyone else living credit card free?
P.S. The winner of the reader appreciation giveaway was pemora. I will be emailing you for your shipping info…Congrats!
