Jlogged

For me, the best part of living a debt free lifestyle is the freedom from my old adversaries Pride, and Guilt.  Pride was always trying to convince me that I deserved to have certain things because “By golly, everyone else had them,” Pride convinced me that I had to have a new car, better clothes, a bigger T.V., and  more S.T.U.F.F. Then Guilt usually responded with “Why do you always give in to Pride? You know Pride’s a liar, but you’re in too deep now…you might as well give up.  It’s hopeless for you.”

I buried Pride and Guilt few years ago, and I don’t miss them a bit because Pride and Guilt were terrible company.  My new companions are Logic and Reason. They have given me a new spin, and a fresh perspective on my relationship with money, people, and S.T.U.F.F. Reason and Logic pat me on the back, and tell me “good job!” when I take my lunch, make a deposit in my savings, or walk instead of drive.  Reason and Logic also tell me it’s OK to pamper myself sometimes, because when a person brown bags it for two weeks, a nice lunch out isn’t so uncalled for. Reason and Logic are real friends.

So, how did I put Pride and Guilt to rest?  Instead of surrounding myself by people who found it necessary to drive a 45K car, to dine out frequently, and to spend, spend, spend I surrounded myself by those who share a common goal. When we tried to “keep up” with the Jones’ I often felt depressed, and sub par.  Now, I seek out friends who love to garage sale, meal plan, go to matinees, clip coupons, and carpool.  If you are a person who desires to be a compulsive saver don’t hang out with compulsive spenders because you will only drift away from your goals.

Now, before you think I’m a total stick in the mud.  I like digging through junk shops and thrift stores.  I love finding bargains, and doing these things is even more fun with a friend that gets where I am coming from (or, rather, going to.)  I enjoy the challenge.   I also enjoy sipping margaritas on Mexican beaches.  Who doesn’t?  I just want to pay cash for mine.  That debt free Mexican vacation inches a little closer every time I give a home haircut to my kids, freeze a batch of lasagna, or turn the A/C up to 79.

Are you giving up some small things now to save for something big later?  Tell me about it.

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