I was around quite a bit three years ago and was very active on the message board and less so in blogging. Since my return, I've noticed the message boards seem to be all about...how shall I say this nicely...tough love? And the blogs seem to be all about support. I keep telling myself, hey, I paid down $27,000 in debt. Yes, my original goal was to do so in one year's time. Did I manage my goal? Um...no. Was it because my plan was faulty? No...it was because I was naive, idealistic, unrealistic and in my rose colored world there were no broken down washers, kid's school expenses, or doctor's visits. Would I advise someone else to keep a $100 balance in their checking account while throwing every spare cent at the credit cards without any type of savings at all? No I would not. But did it work for me? Apparently so.
I'm struggling to pay for Christmas right now without putting money on the credit cards. I know the words "I'm struggling to pay for Christmas" sends chills down spines, tears to some eyes and breaks the hearts of the tender hearted who care very deeply about the children. Then there are those, and rightfully so, who don't care a bit if someone can't afford Christmas because it's about the spirit of the holiday. But for me, "I'm struggling to pay for Christmas" is really just me complaining. We'll get through the holiday, some of it will have to go on the card, but we're expecting a large reimbursement check next month that will cover it. It will, hopefully, be the last time we're looking backwards.
In any case, I'm proud of what we've done. We're at point 0 right now, surface level, and the waves are gently making it a struggle. But there are no rip tides in sight.
It's all about what works...what really works...for you
November 26th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
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But the blogs is where I also fall back to when I just want to relax, loosen up, and be a little more personal.
I think you did just fine. Congrats on paying off all that debt!
November 27th, 2009 at 01:45 pm 1259329551
But, you guys are wonderful. The blogs are a nice place to be.
November 28th, 2009 at 01:16 am 1259371011
Jerry
November 28th, 2009 at 04:42 pm 1259426538
Maybe that's the inevitable nature of the forums though.... Because that's the place where people can ask questions to get feedback, whereas blogs are not an ideal platform for it I don't think.
And when people ask a question, you tend to want to be helpful and give the best answer possible. So, that's why I end up being more technical.
But I think it's also easy sometimes, to fall into that holier-than-thou trap that way, because a lot of times when people ask questions, you can also tell that they're struggling with finances. Well, I haven't forgotten what it's like to struggle. In fact, in many ways, I'm still struggling. So, I try my best not to give people a hard time.
I think the people there is also a lot of new guys there who are... maybe they're trying to prove themselves or something. I don't know. But if you'll notice, some of the criticisms weren't made by the regulars.
Anyways, just rambling.