Our Progress: Month 9

Read our past progress updates

September 2008 will go down in history for this section of the Scott clan.

We started the month off with $3500 left on our credit card, the one we lovingly named “Death by Plastic.”  The countdown was closing in.  The excitement level rising.  The pressure was on.

Starting to plan for the future, I stepped out on a limb and asked my manager(s) at Concert Technologies if there were any “extra” things I could do so I could cut back at Wegmans.  I actually proposed doing the cleaning and maintenance at the Dulles office.  I do it at Wegmans anyway, why not do it at a place I’m at for 40+ hours a week.  It turns out there was someone who had just put in there 2-weeks, and they were willing to let me step in to that, at least for the interim.

I really enjoy this new job.  I basically have two full time positions, although one is “asleep” at the moment.   That will revive, though, in the next month when I have to configure 1700 routers.  Needless to say I cut back at Wegmans, and I’m still considering cutting back more.  I hope to continue to do both, especially the new “trouble-shooting/support” position.

September was a busy month in general.  Besides taking on the new position, we had doctor appointments, dentist appointments, a few visits with friends, birthday parties, church events.  The calendar was packed, but we kept our debt the #1 priority.

And it paid off.  As of Friday, October 3rd, 2008 we are debt free!  It has been seven years since we’ve been able to say that.  In nine quick months, we paid off $25,000 in debt, and turned our financial outlook around 180 degrees.  This has possibly been one of the most rewarding 9 months of our lives.  I’ve been overwhelmed to the point of tears too many times to mention.  And it has always been out of gratefulness for what God has done and what he has done through many of you.

Our next baby step in this “Total Money Makeover” is to save 3-6 months of expenses in case of an emergency.  I’ve estimated that to be $6,000-$12,000.  Somewhere in between we’ll pay cash for a second car.  I’ll continue to update you on our progress.  As my Uncle Dan and many others have told us, now comes the real challenge.  We have a plan for the money God gives us so none of it will go to waste again.

And now, for your viewing pleasure: