Writing about how we’re poised to pay off the car got me thinking. There was a small part of me that didn’t want to write about it (vs. the part that was fist-pumping with joy) because I felt like it wasn’t “legitimate.” Sure, we were snowflaking a good deal extra toward the car, but because the final payoff money came from a windfall instead of our snowflaking, I felt like a bad PF blogger.
After all, how am I supposed to tell you “This is what to do to get out of debt” if I draw a better card at “Chance” and advance directly to Go? (She says, making a Monopoly reference.)
So I pulled back. I asked “Would I be happy for another blogger who used their windfall to pay off debt?” Yes. “Would I be happy for a reader in the same circumstances?” Yes. “Isn’t using whatever money we happen to have to pay off debt the whole point of snowballs and snowflakes?” Yes. “Would it have been better if I spent the money on gadgets, computers, and toys?” Goodness no!!! I wouldn’t have been happier and I would have been thoroughly ashamed to write about it.
Besides, the blog isn’t about me being some perfect personal finance guru who will lead you on the road to debt repayment and financial security. If I ever come off that way please just e-slap me. This blog is about my journey, our journey, and sharing what I’ve learned along the way–facts, strategies, inspirations, challenges, etc. I’m 100% human, I’m not a Dave Ramsey gazelle, and sometimes I make bad or less-than-perfect financial decisions. I’ve slowed down our debt repayment by not saving as much as I could or by putting some extra money in savings instead of toward the car.
But I’m dedicated to getting us out from under this dark cloud of debt as best I can. And in doing that, any money we put towards it is great, all of it is legitimate. Every bit of interest we don’t earn is a blessing.
And I’m excited to only have one debt left, even if it’s $100k of student loans. Gulp.
Stay Tuned for “Where’s My Money Going?” Month!!
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{ 6 comments }
Yep! You got a windfall and you were quite responsible with it. In fact, you might have been TOOO responsible. Maybe you can take $100 or so and treat yourself to something if ya want.
GOOD FOR YOU!!! I think we can all relate to how easy it would be to spend “free” money or a trip or a car or something. The windfalls are important too, and somehow so easy to blow.
Congrats! I say paying off debts is paying of debts.
And by the way, you made me laugh when you suggested someone e-slap you!
Hey–money is money, wherever it comes from. What matters is what you do with it, and you’ve chosen a very responsible action. More power to you (and maybe some more windfalls as well!)
Good for you about the windfall! Actually I think your timing is perfect. We’re coming into tax season and while most people know you shouldn’t actually want to receive a significant refund, many people still do. Maybe you’ve set a great example for what people can do with those refunds!
Your and Mr. M are more than entitled to your share of good luck. PF Guru or otherwise. No need to feel any guilt at all.
If at all, you have been too responsible, like Kacie pointed out.
At least have an e good time.
Cheers
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