In the last six months I’ve been diligent in paying off my credit card debt, as you all know, and during this time I haven’t been able to purchase anything unless I really need it. Groceries, toiletries, gas, some clothing for my new job, and food have been my main purchases during this time. I have gone to the movies a few times as well but mostly I’ve rented or watched them online in order to keep my sanity.

All this Not Spending has left me thinking about nothing else but Spending. It’s hard not to think about certain things I’ve wanted for a long time but keep having to push back. At least until I am completely debt free. This mental list has been working as an incentive for me. If you pay off all of your debt, then you can have this is my little mantra. It keeps me focused, determined, and it works as a “physical” reminder. I’ve already talked about financial freedom, sacrifice, and keeping the right attitude, but this is a little different. This is seeing my results, my efforts, become real and tangible. I think it’s just as important to reward yourself for your efforts as it is to keep focused and have a good perspective.

And I plan to reward myself pretty damn well. On the list so far:

  1. A laptop.
  2. A comforter set for my bed.
  3. TV Season DVD’s.
  4. An e-reader.
  5. Plenty of beauty products that I’ve held back on.

And the best part is that all of these items will be paid in cash. They won’t all be bought at once, of course, but that’s not the point. The point is that I no longer have this imaginary person breathing down my neck telling me I can’t afford it. I no longer have to worry about what is a Need and what is a Want. I can save for the future without looking back at the past. It’s a new kind of freedom and one I hope I have for a very long time. It’s only a matter of time.

Finances

January 16, 2011

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