Comments on: how do you stay focused?

By: 107 Things That Make Good Financial Cents | Good Financial Cents -Jeff Rose Certified Financial Planner and Investment Advisor, Carbondale, Illinois

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:36:13 +0000

[...] Focused On Your Goals. Focusing on paying off debt can lead to great results, but sometimes you may find you lose your focus. Sometimes it is a [...]

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:52:47 +0000

@Mrs. Micah, writing a dissertation is a ton of work, but so worth it. You’ll both be so relieved when it’s over! Thanks for the encouragement!

@Steve, definitely have to have some fun! We want to make sure the kids don’t have to deal with the same feelings we’re having.

@Wendy, I totally understand where you are coming from. I have a big spreadsheet on the wall and take great relish in marking off debt as we pay it down.

@Matt thanks for the support! I know I’m not alone in theory but it’s hard to remember. The hubby had to finally say no more money talk and worry until our trip is over, then we can penny pinch, and we’ll feel great doing it! You keep it up too! It WILL be worth it. My only complaint, I wish I had started earlier!

By: Matt Jabs

Matt Jabs — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:47:30 +0000

My wife & I get antsy too…it is not natural to do what all of us are doing.

We work are butts off, then watch every dime go out the window toward debt repayment…grinds the gears!

I suggest what you have already mentioned, & that is to take a break every once in awhile by just paying minimums on debt payments, then treating yourselves with a nice trip or whatever.

Hopefully you can be encouraged by the fact that we’re in the same boat and are fighting the same fight. Just keep your eyes on the prize Kelly! Eventually we’ll all be saving tons!

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:46:33 +0000

I am in the curl in a fetal position/panic attack mood every couple of weeks. Like you, I am taking the right steps, but it can be painful. I just look at my balances, close my eyes, and dream of how cool I will feel when I don’t have to send money to Cap One every month and I can tell them to pound sand. Hopefully I can pull this off without a total money meltdown. Best of luck to all of us!

By: Steve Rhode

Steve Rhode — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:40:51 +0000

I’m really happy to see that you are budgeting fun into your debt reduction plan. Awesome!

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:28:43 +0000

Summer is a discouraging time for our debt repayment too, because Micah only gets paid while he’s teaching. It’s good for his dissertation that he’s taking time off to write and we hope he’ll be done by the end of summer–but it’s still discouraging.

Sounds like you’re doing everything right, though! Paying more than minimum, keeping spending under control where you can, not taking on new debt. Hope you have a fantastic summer!