You would think that the financial reasons as well as the emotional reasons to get out of debt would be enough motivation to simply get out debt.
But it’s not the case. Like the struggles and setbacks many people have with weight loss the road to financial freedom is much the same. There is no one to hold you accountable to the debt reduction commitment but yourself and (hopefully if you’re in a shared financial relationship) your partner.
I love reading Personal Finance blogs. Blogs like Get Rich Slowly, Frugal Dad and Dave Ramsey are some of the best known and deservedly most well respected. They are great places to learn tips on getting out of debt, how to cut expenses and are a tremendous resources for all things finance. Those blogs and other blogs like them convinced me I could do this. It could be done. They did it. They are proof.
But most of these people are so ahead of our family in the game that is hard not to feel like I’m at the starting gate and they are getting close to the finish line. It is sometimes frustrating reading how far they have come while I’m still working on getting a realistic and workable budget together. And it’s extremely tempting to just give up at times. No one said it would be easy, it’s not. I don’t expect to be. But…
I want someone to commiserate with, give me moral support and keep me accountable to the “get out of debt” goal. I know the financial things I need to do get out of debt but I’d love some emotional support as well. Someone in a similar boat. As psychologists know incentives help you reach your goals.
So here it goes:
Family of 5 in debt seeks fellow “debt buster family”. We have made many money mistakes but are committed to getting on budget. Looking for someone to share setbacks with and someone to cheer our successes. Will do same for you. We know how tough it is when you scrimped together that extra $100 to finally put away and your child gets sick and you need that money for the co-pay and prescription. Will not judge but will not enable either.
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February 3, 2010 at 12:40 pm
MWF on the road to debt reduction LOL, loves this idea! What did you have in mind?
February 3, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I’ll bitch then you bitch, it all works out and we become millionaires! Seriously though – the little stuff that pops up is what makes me feel like I’m banging me head against the wall. I’m 4 weeks in here and I want progress already dammit! Venting helps big time:)
Maybe we should start a show for families in debt like the “Biggest Loser”? The “Biggest Debtors”? Instead of weekly weigh-ins they would have a weekly debt-in, person who saves the most stays. That peer pressure would help big time.
February 3, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Sounds good to me!
It’ll be nice to have someone new to talk to while I’m banging my head against the wall…besides the voices in my head that is. 
I will be basically just starting debt reduction on Feb 15th (or 13th or 16th). LOL Whenever they decide to pay us due to President’s Day. Can I just BITCH about how much I dislike bi-monthly paychecks. UGH!
February 4, 2010 at 6:59 am
My daughter and son in law are taking the Dave Ramsey course in church and it’s helped a great deal.
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
February 5, 2010 at 12:41 am
I hope you get a ton of response on this. In the current climate, there have to be a crop of folks just clawing their way out from the wreckage.
February 11, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I just found your blog and LOVE it! I can totally relate to the stresses of getting out of debt as well as having children so close together that you question your sanity sometimes.
(Our kids are 5 1/2, 4, 3, & 2 mo.)
We’re spending our entire tax return this year to pay off our van and SUV. SUCH a BUMER! Well, it will feel super good to pay off that debt but our $16,000 tax return (which includes the 1st time home buyer credit) will be gone the day we get it.
Anyway, I’d love to join your little group of “sick of debt” commiseraters!
February 11, 2010 at 8:15 pm
April – OMG! 4 under 5!!! Congrats on the new baby and paying off your van! We’ll be paying on our dorky minivan for 2 more years. You’re in the group and with your experience you get to be CEO!
February 12, 2010 at 9:50 am
I am so glad you’ve taken up this commitment. Trust me, getting rid of debt is like running a financial marathon. Many do it every year, but it takes a lot of discipline, sacrifice, and hard work. If that doesn’t scare you off, the rewards for completion are amazing! Keep up the good work!!
http://alliance.beatingdebt.org/about/