If you were to peek at our budget, I’m sure it’s similar to most one-income families. We can pay our bills and have plenty of food in the fridge, but there’s not a lot of “extra” cash just floating around. We still have student loans (uhh, the bane of my existence) and are working hard to be debt-free, Dave Ramsey style.
At first glance, I don’t feel like money (or the lack thereof) plays a role in my contentment. I am a chronic underbuyer and I very rarely covet the latest and greatest. I’ll window shop all day long, but actually pulling out the debit card? I’ve abandoned many an online cart.
Looking at the bigger picture though, I can see how our debt is causing a subconscious unhappiness. An underlying feeling of discontent, a weight that feels heavy and overwhelming.
So how do I find contentment, right here as we continue to pay our monthly bill to SallieMae? I don’t think this means that I should necessarily be happy to be in debt, but maybe there’s a balance? Maybe I can find peace and motivation in the process, hoping for the future but not stressing or constantly thinking about that “one day”. Debt-free AND feeling more content? Sounds like a pretty great combination to me.
Just like with Step One, here’s my pep talk to myself for Step Two:
You are not a failure for having debt, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change things for the better.
Work hard to get rid of the student loans, but don’t let the process consume you.
Determine and take the first steps needed to live below our means.
Save more than you spend! We don’t need to keep up with the Joneses.
