Our Progress: Month 5
As those boys in DC Talk used to say “Time is tickin’ away, tick-tick-tickin’ away.” I didn’t intend to wait until this update to let you in on the Two Big Announcements, but that’s how it happened.
May felt both long and short at the same time. One week I had to work till midnight four nights in a row. Although draining, it is more than enough reward to see the progress we are making on our debt. And we are learning how to really celebrate our time together as a family.
We maxed out our gas envelope this month with some extra driving. I played chauffeur for some guys that came into town from Florida, and then actually went with my family back to DC to check out a live butterfly exhibit. But when the envelope was empty we stopped the spending.
For the first time since we started the budget, we spent our “splurge” envelope which started out as “eating-out” but got moved to “clothing.” The kids needed some tennis shoes and for one of the first times, we got to buy them instead of someone buying them for us.
Someone blessed us with a gift of money and I’ll be working some of that into the budget this month. Again, if you are reading this, know that it is deeply appreciated and we can’t wait to be able to do the same one day.
Our total paid towards debt this month was $3,137. We received our tax stimulus rebate on the 9th, and the day after I mailed the check to…
Big Announcement #1: PAY OFF THE VAN! That’s right. We bought Bessie her freedom. We’ve been too busy to get her all gussied up for the photo, but she said it was ok. She was just happy to be ours.
Now, all that is left is one credit card which won’t last long under this wave of momentum.
And now for Big Announcement #2:
We are expecting the 5th addition to our little family. Since we’ve had time to let it sink in, I’ll give you a moment to catch up. OK! With risk of you thinking I’m a terrible person, I must admit my initial reaction was not so positive. But I have have moved from that to acceptance on the way to excitement. I know and believe that this little one is a gift from God, and I’m trying to get my selfish emotions to catch up with that. My wife and kids are definitely excited.
For the time being our plan is to keep plugging away at the debt, but to be ready at any time to switch to saving mode. It’s great to think this baby will be born into a debt free family that will be free to love.
Check out the summary of our progress.
And tell us about your progress!
Have you ever had that nagging feeling that there was something more to do with your life? I don’t remember exactly when it started for me...
THIS. IS. AWESOME.
I’m so excited for you guys. We still have our truck payment, but it’s because we owe more than it’s worth. =(
Ross has been unable to get an evening or weekend job because of his regular job. He’s a traveling salesman…he has no set schedule.
How amazing for your family. And think, your kids will all learn the importance of being debt free. They won’t know any other way. Now THAT is a big blessing.
Congrats on the baby! I have to admit I wasn’t excited about the timing of any of my boys, but I came around pretty quickly. Wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Love reading your debt updates every month. Good stuff.
Congratulations on the big news! I enjoy reading your updates each month, because it is fruit of your commitment. Came accross your blog from a comment you left on Los’ blog.
We are also on the Dave Ramsey plan. It’s cool to see others ACTUALLY USING it. Regarding the shoes, isn’t funny how the cash can float from one category to the next, but you still remain in budget? I love that.
Getting prouder each time I read a blog:) Gas is really a killer, isn’t it? Love the pic of the mad kids! Keep up the good work, you’re headed in the right direction.
Awesome Nate! That is an amazing feat! You will definitely be debtfree by Christmas!!!
Congrats on No. 5! You’ll have to check out the show on TLC Jon and Kate plus 8 (if you haven’t already)! It’ll make you feel a bit better! :)
Congrats on the two big announcements!! That is exciting that you are getting closer to the goal. Course in 9 months, you will have some more expenses. But with a good plan, you will be able to manage all the different curves that come on your journey. God Bless!
http://www.beatingdebt.wordpress.com
Congrats … congrats … congrats! Your persistence and determination to get debt out of your life really shows. You are doing a great job. BTW, if you hear someone huffing and puffing behind you, it is us working to keep up. Thanks for pointing the way.
@Mandy we’ll all have different stories to tell. just do the best with what you’ve got. getting there at all is better than never getting there!
@Chad Wright i definitely appreciate those words. knowing I’m not alone helps.
@Jake that’s awesome you guys are following the plan. I love the envelope system. We can move things around as needed.
@kbs thanks momma!
@Sharon thanks! I haven’t seen the show (we don’t have cable..or tv) but i have heard good things about it. i’ll see if i can find it online. my wife also likes the Duggars.
@BDO indeed, a good plan is needed. and not having to pay off debt is a wonderful part of that plan!
@Kathryn lol! I was wondering who that was. We’ll do our best to keep forging a path and giving all the encouragement we can. You can absolutely do this!