mld wrote:
CC balance 7,900
I am such an instant gratification kind of person, which also explains the dent in the first place
but I just want to take a magic pill and have the debt be gone and go on with my life.
1) Shouldn't you now update your CCd debt numbers to include the TV? I just bought a Samsung flat panel 46" TV, and got it for $1500. The good news: it was 75% more expensive this time last year, and we have the cash to pay for it. You didn't, so that amount should be added back into your summary to remind you that your debt just increased. No lying to yourself, 'K?
2) You didn't get into debt overnight, and you won't get out of it overnight. You were in the HABIT of spending more than you earn and have. Now you have to get into the HABIT of spending less than you take home, in order to get the decks cleared.
One thing that was helpful for me in terms of getting out of they Buy, Buy, Buy mindset was to write down a list of things for 2008 I wanted to buy. I wanted a new watch, a new TV, and a vacation. By planning for those wants, I got them. For 2009 - I can't really think of anything other than a vacation, and a huge savings account so we can buy a lakeview lot or property. It's good to have long-term goals so that the short term "But I want it!" mindset doesn't trump your plans.
Good luck.
Sandi
