On Being Financially Responsible

I read a blog written by a mom who lives debt-free. She doesn’t even have credit cards. She pays cash for everything – including huge purchases. To make those purchases she saves up the money she needs and lays the bills on the counter when it comes time to pay. I think that’s fascinating.

In December I made a vow to live as close to “cash only” as possible (albeit using my debit card). I’m proud that in the past couple of months I’ve only used my credit card a couple of times. I’m thrilled that we already have $1500 saved up for our Disney trip in May so that we don’t have to whip out the credit cards at ALL for this vacation. I’m proud that I was able to make $200 in cash last for over two months before having to dip into the ATM machine again.

Denis and I occasionally say, “We should sit down and see just where our money goes each month,” in an effort to come up with some sort of budget. It never happens. The intent is there, but the time and energy to really figure out all that stuff is not. I’m hopeful (say it with me everyone) that when CootieGirl gets out of full-time daycare and the van gets paid off (both occuring around the same time) that we’ll be able to get a handle on our finances and really dig deep into paying off our (really – my) debt. I’ve made dents – I have one card with a zero balance, another that has been reducing significantly in the past 12 months, and a third which is high but will be dealt with as soon as the second one paid off completely.

We’re fortunate that in this day and age of living beyond one’s means that we haven’t had the need for some kind of debt management program to help dig us out. Yes, we live in a nice house with two cars and a lot of bills, but we’re not living in a huge McMansion and driving a Lexus that we can’t afford. My car is a Hyundai. *lol* And it’s not that I’m against credit counseling for those that need it (and many of us need it legitimately – not to pay off the Benz). I’m just grateful that we are not at a point where that is needed.

All I’m saying is that the idea of going cash-only is inspiring, and I intend to eventually get to a point where I can either pay off my credit card balance each and every month or just save up the money to get something if I really want it.