"What is it you really want, when do you want it
and what are you
willing to do to attain it?"
Through
out this story I am going to give you challenges. It's up to your to
determine if you will accept them. Though I will challenge you that ff you choose not to do
something with the challenges, then I will proffer my personal
opinion that you really aren't ready to start working towards what
you want.
1)
Get out a piece of paper and write down your ultimate goal. Post it
somewhere, your fridge or maybe as your screen saver on your
computer. You have to be able to define what you want and when you
want it.
I looked around and found our original goal “We hope to sell our home in three years (this was written in 2013), and purchase another home with only the equity. Completely debt free. This will be more of a self sustainable homestead.”
I looked around and found our original goal “We hope to sell our home in three years (this was written in 2013), and purchase another home with only the equity. Completely debt free. This will be more of a self sustainable homestead.”
When
we first wrote this down, we weren't even convinced we wanted to
move. Our plan changed in respect to how we decided to accomplish our
goal. But ultimately, deep down we wanted to get out of the city, we
wanted to be debt free and wanted to be as self sustaining a possible
on our new property.
2)
Now the biggie, what are you willing to do to attain what you want?
You may say anything, but
are
you
really
to evaluate your spending patterns? This
will show you what is really important to you at this moment in
your life.
At
this point I embarked on a personal challenge where I could only
spend $250 for one month. I
invite you to do the same.
Exceptions:
the mortgage payment, bills that need to be paid. But I wrote down
those bills in detail. This will help you face the reality of your
debt.
Each
week:
Everything else came from that $250. I wrote down how much I spent
and what I spent it on. At the same time I was determined to pay
attention to what I was really doing.
It
really was a tough challenge & I learned a lot about my spending
habits, which honestly were pretty good. After the challenge I was
able to see
I normal bought to many things I didn't really need and I ate out to
often. I actually found I could live on about 20% less if I curtailed
these habits. I started paying cash for everything, when
I ran out of money, I had to stop spending.
When
you think about it, this is what our
great-grandparents did. They didn't have credit cards, they paid
cash, when they ran out of money, they stopped spending.
I would really like to hear from you. If you are out of debt (completely or except for something like your mortgage) would you share that with us on the Perky Gramma Teaches community facebook page? What worked for you? My challenge to you is are you willing to do these two items this month? Again, let me know. I would love to hear your weekly updates.
I would really like to hear from you. If you are out of debt (completely or except for something like your mortgage) would you share that with us on the Perky Gramma Teaches community facebook page? What worked for you? My challenge to you is are you willing to do these two items this month? Again, let me know. I would love to hear your weekly updates.
I
know it may seem insurmountable, but you are
ABLE
do it. It is simply one of those things you decide to do it
or
not. I know some are without jobs, some are getting assistance, some
are on social security here. Don't tell me what you can't do, tell me
what you CAN do!
One
last thing. I am not going to ask you to spend money. That would
defeat the purpose. There will be just few exceptions for a book or
two. The first exception is I have known so many people that have
successfully gotten their finances under control with Dave Ramsey's
methods & books. I highly recommend you purchase these two books linked below, to start
getting your finances in order. I don't agree with everything he
suggests, but you will see that later.
In case you missed the other posts:
"Home, Debt, Free, Home"
Chapter 1: You Must Be Rich
I participate in the Amazon Associate program, where I receive a small % commission for linking products that I recommend. I only recommend products I personally used and like. Your support is very appreciated, anything you choose to purchase through my link, is helping me to be able to share more things that I do with you. Perky Gramma Teaches Amazon link.
"Home, Debt, Free, Home"
Chapter 1: You Must Be Rich
“If you think you can do a thing
or think you can't do a thing, you're right.”
(attributed to Henry Ford)
Feel free to join our community at Perky Gramma Teaches on Facebook. We have a nice little group of people and we share various vintage skills & tips. It's all about the journey of farming/homesteading.
I participate in the Amazon Associate program. I receive a small % commission on purchases made here. It doesn't cost you anything extra & if you are going to buy something from Amazon (doesn't have to be these specific items) though my store, your purchase helps me to have time to write this blog. I really appreciate your support.
