Numbers

I have been thinking about numbers lately. Lots of numbers. I think about the number of months until we have our credit card debit paid off. I think about how much money we should be saving for retirement. I think about how much money we will need to remodel our kitchen. These numbers can be very overwhelming. But because of our new frugal life style (A.K.A. living in poverty), I feel like we are much closer to these goals than we were a year ago.

When we first embarked on this journey to be debt free, I was very skeptical. I thought this was a phase that would pass, and we would be right back to our old spending habits. However, I think being frugal has began to permanently sink into my brain. I am constantly scouring the internet for coupons. I preach to my friends about buying used cars/used clothes/used toys. And I love trying to develop super cheap and super tasty meals.

Much to my surprise, being frugal is oddly addictive. It is like I am playing a little game with myself. I often challenge myself to go without money for a week. Sometimes two. This forces us to be creative at meal times, to use every last drop of toothpaste/hand soap/dish liquid, to find free activities for the kids, and to conserve gas by driving less/walking more. When I am successfully able to not spend money for a week or two, I feel a genuine sense of accomplishment.

This living-debt-free-adventure has definitely been an eye opener. I don't want to struggle to make ends meet for the rest of my life. So although it is a challenge, we are going to continue on this path indefinitely.