So, someone asked about credit cards in another thread, and I just had to come here and give myself a little pat on the back because today, at about 10:00 this morning, I officially PAID OFF MY CREDIT CARD! I have been working hard to do this, paying them an average of $1,000 per month for the past 5 months. I haven't used the card in about a year, nor do I plan to start again anytime soon! I will now be putting that $1,000 each month into an online savings account earning over 5% interest. Finally, I can start earningsome interest instead of paying it!
We were able to pay off everything a bit moreso than normally. My MIL left some money and it took care of both car payments, my student loan and some dental credit. We've been completely debt free now for 1 1/2 years. Now we're taking some more she left as a down payment on a house, so our one bill is going to be the remaining mortgage. Guess ya gotta have "some" bills. But boy it felt good for awhile. LOL
Thanks, everyone It feels so good to have that one giant monthly bill be gone, but I do still have lots of debt (car and student loans), plus all the money I'll be saving up will be spent next year when we buy a home (ha, I say "home," but it will actually either be a tiny condo or a modular home on rented land, thanks to the housing market here near the city ). So that $12k I can save in the next year will go toward a down payment (hopefully, we'll find a seller who will pay closing costs!).
Jill - Congratulations! Are you still planning on getting a pet? You had mentioned before that you wanted to wait until you had paid off your debt.
I would absolutely LOVE to, but to have a cat here (no dogs allowed in my building) is an extra $30/month pet rent plus a $250 pet deposit plus a $300 non-refundable pet fee, and, seeing as someone I know recently told me I was "too practical" (is there such a thing?), I just can't face those expenses. If we do get a pet, I think it will wait till next year when we OWN a home and don't have to pay extra rent/fees for our furry little friend. The food, supplies, and care are expensive enough, I'm sure.
So proud of you Jilly!! We will be debt free in 10 months--then it will be just living expenses and saving--I want a better car, but hubby wants to pay cash for it--it's tight right now but will be great when the time comes!!