$30k in debt GONE in 1 year.
Zero Debt Progress
Zero Debt Progress – January 23, 2011
Jan 23rd
Happy New Year!! And HOLY MOLY!!!! It’s the new year already?? I can not believe my goal time is almost up. Wow.
And you know what? Right now, I’m probably not on target to hit the goal of paying off all of the credit card debt by March.
While it’s not exciting to say this for those that are reading, I am OK with that. Because I am completely happy with where my family is in our lives right now.
I realize that paying off this debt is still a main goal of mine and my husband, and will relieve a huge burden on us, but at the same time…something absolutely amazing still happened during this time.
A few months ago, we were in *real* trouble. I wanted to stay home and work on my goal of being a full time affiliate marketer. But we didn’t have the money for that. I knew in my heart of hearts that this is what I wanted to do. I did not want to go back to a regular 9-5. I wanted this, and I wanted to be with my kids.
The only thing I thought about while I was sitting in my gray cubicle wall hell was being able to be with my kids for their school events, getting them on and off the bus and every other thing we parents want to do with our kids.
I thought about that CONSTANTLY.
And then I got laid off.
Yesssss….
That vision was starting to come to fruition.
But….
For almost 2 years, my husband and I feared that without my income, we would be in *real* trouble. (As I mentioned. We did feel like we were in *real* trouble.)
And yet…
Something inside of me wanted to panic. Which is why I did scurry around looking for “real” jobs (half-heartedly). That is also why I set this crazy goal.
#1. I knew that if we paid these credit cards off, that would take care of over $500 / month payment. Then I just needed to make up the rest that we needed. No problem, right? Hahaha. Sure…!
#2. It was the motivation I needed to get my internet marketing going at an intense speed. Well, I guess that does happen for some people, but it just didn’t work for me.
You know what did work? My theory! Which is that “Everything always works out in the end.”
Even while I was having panic attacks, I knew deep down in my gut that everything would work out.
And it really, really did. I mentioned that my husband got a significant raise. If I had the hours, I would explain how great this is, and why it’s amazing and how much he deserves it. But it also means he’s saved my butt. (Again.) 
And that is why I am completely satisfied where we are right now. Again, we will certainly be working on that credit card debt. I am happy to report that I did not spend anything on the credit cards for Christmas. That is HUGE! And I rarely use one now. I mostly use one for my internet marketing stuff.
OH, and I also had a 6-week part-time job that just recently ended, so that also helped put some extra cash into our pockets.
And now, I have more time to focus on my internet marketing business. I can work on things in the right way instead of rushing through everything trying to find the perfect formula. (it doesn’t exist.) And I can focus on my kids.
I sure love picking my son up from the bus. You know what? It’s just like what I imagined.
Zero Debt Progress – December 9, 2010
Dec 9th
Well, it’s December already? Yikes!! I don’t actually have much to update on my zero debt progress. The great news is that I’ve been able to get almost all my Christmas shopping done – and I didn’t put any of it on the credit cards! I mean, that is huge for us.
So now we can focus on destroying the rest of the credit cards once we get through the holidays.
I did pick up a consulting job which should help with the bills and we can use the extra to pay off those cards! I have new focus for 2011 for all of my online marketing. BIG things are going to happen in 2011.
In fact, I recently went through the absolute BEST training I have ever seen about local business SEO. If any of you out there reading are interested in either making more money using the internet, helping your local businesses or exapanding your online marketing efforts, then you MUST see this training.
Go here to get this FREE training. I’m serious about this. You don’t want to miss it. In fact, I’m hesitant to even tell you about it because I want want to keep it all for myself.
But, I know that some of you out there there are in a financial bind and this can really help you.
OK, that’s all for now. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! I’ll see you in 2011. I KNOW it’s going to be the best year ever for me. For you too, right?
Zero Debt Progress – October 29, 2010
Oct 29th
Happy (almost) Halloween! It’s been such an interesting month! As I thought, we had a couple more ups and downs. Actually, one up and one down. But the down will be an up overall. Confused yet? Haha.
Anyway, the down is that our heater hasn’t worked all month. That’s good because we certainly saved money this month! And this past week has been nice and warm, so it has been OK. But there were definitely some chilly days. brr!!! But, as of today, we have a brand spankin’ new heater.
It’s a super efficient one, which means 2 things. #1 – we qualify for the $1500 tax credit. #2 – we’ll save on gas and electric bills every month! And that’s why this is an actually not a bad thing.
The downside is…we had to use some of the 401k money to pay for this.
So I don’t know what that’s going to do with our last two bills. Again, we’ll get to skip our next 2 mortgage payments, so that should help. I’ll keep you posted – as always!
The other piece of GREAT news is that my husband got a nice pay raise at work. That is such a relief and should help us get by even if I don’t get back to work anytime soon. Plus, that gives me more time to work on my affiliate stuff. (My affiliate stuff is turning into an SEO business, which I think is going to be great. I’ll keep you updated on that as well.)
So, while there are ups and down, things seem to be working out perfectly – as it always does. And it will for YOU too, if you believe it will.
Zero Debt Progress – October 3, 2010
Oct 3rd
Hi everyone! I have some ups and downs with my zero debt progress, but thankfully, a couple of more ups than downs.
First of all, I just updated my stats. Our arch enemy card is finally paid off! (Well, the payment is on the way!) Yay! We are going to call this one up, cancel it and then rip it to shreds. That also means another 2k has been paid. We are getting there!!
On the downside…
One of my cats had to go to kitty emergency the other day. He has an enlarged heart and fluid on his lungs. 
But with his hospital stay, plus his medications, that ran up one of my cards $1k.
And on the upside…
Looks like we qualify to refinance our house again, and not only will that save us $200 / month, but we also don’t have to pay for 2 months of mortgage, and we get our escrow back which is another couple thousand!
This means that we shouldn’t have to struggle so much during Christmas, AND we’re going to try and put the rest of that extra income toward to credit cards.
We’re going to be really close to paying these guys off by the end of this year.
So, looks like I could still make my goal date. Maybe even sooner than I had planned!
We’ll see what other ups and downs are in store for us.
I’m excited to share everything that’s been happening with us. Thanks for reading!
Zero Debt Progress – Finally Some REAL Progress!!!
Sep 19th
Yes! Today is a great day. I was finally able to update my stats. We officially paid off $13,134 in credit card debt as of today. Let me just say…WOOOOO HOOOOOO!
And there’s more to come. We plan to pay off our “arch nemesis” card (which is about $3k) as soon as it comes in, and then we’ll have about $8k of 401k money after that. We’ll come up with a plan at that point once we see what’s what.
I’ll certainly keep you posted.
Now, this doesn’t mean that my affiliate marketing goals have stopped. In fact, I have more motivation than ever, and new goals to accomplish.
I am ready.
I have been writing articles, finding new products to promote, updating my datafeedr store site, and my Niche Blogger site. I’m on a roll again. Pretty soon all my credit card debt will be paid off, and I’ll be bringing in significant monthly income. THAT is the real goal. Then we can breathe and enjoy life.
Thanks for reading! Come back soon.
Zero Debt Progress – September 17, 2010
Sep 17th
Well, here we are again! I just wanted to keep you all updated. We received the 401k money, and you know what? I already feel some relief. My husband and I were talking about which bills we want to get rid of first. “Get rid of” is a little weak. It’s more like kill, slaughter, murder, annihilate…well, you see what I’m saying. I really want to chuck those credit cards.
There are two schools of thoughts here. #1. take out the cards with the highest APR. You get more bang for your buck here and save more in the end. #2. take out the lowest cards first. That gives your motivation and momentum a boost, which allows you to KEEP GOING.
You know? Both methods of getting rid of credit car debt are good. It’s really just about which way would benefit you most.
For us, I think it’ll be a bit of a combination.
There’s one card that we just can’t wait to pay off and close forever. It’s not the highest APR, nor the highest payment, but it’s our biggest nemesis.
It’s us vs. the Chase card.
And we’re about to win.
Then there’s a few big cards to deal with.
Big meaning big payments due.
We have a card with $11k, a card with $13k and a card with $7k. Sucks, right?
The plan right now is to demolish the nemesis card ($3k), the highest APR card ($7k) and the $13k card.
And possibly half of the last card ($11k).
We need to leave a little breathing room for taxes, Christmas and other things.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. We’re totally not paying off these cards in the way that I planned like Amy Bass did. By internet marketing.
And I get that. That’s what I wanted to do. And I’m still focusing on that. But right now, it’s not what’s going to save us.
I’m OK with that.
I think once we get some of these cards off our back, we’ll experience this great relief, and that will help us to allow more money to come into our lives.
Listen, this is not over for me. Not even close.
I am more focused than ever. I have new goals set, and I’m ready to achieve them.
I don’t just want to not worry about money, I want to have enough to really, truly enjoy life. That’s what we’re supposed to do. I really feel life is supposed to be fun.
We’re getting there. All of us!
Zero Debt Progress – September 9, 2010
Sep 8th
Hello anyone reading this!
I just wanted to give you an update on what’s going on.
I sent in my papers to get my 401k money out. So now I’m just waiting for that to happen.
I kind of gave up on affiliate marketing for some time, but I’m getting my inspiration back. And I’m getting back into it. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to get a “real” job (hopefully working from home – something is in the works) and then I can do affiliate marketing on the side.
(I really feel like an affiliate marketer at this point!)
The “real” job will help pay for the bills, and the affiliate marketing will pay for whatever debt we have left, Christmas gifts coming up, and things like that.
Eventually, affiliate marketing will rule my world (in a good way!) and I’ll be driving around in a Porsche Cayenne.
Yea, I know I’m focusing on material things, but sometimes that fun thought helps keep me going. You know what I mean? Do you have a thought like that about a favorite car or house or other similar thing that keeps you going?
Those are the things that keep life fun – but, as I’m realizing, only when you can actually afford it!
Ok, I’ll keep you posted on all of my progress as I go along. I think we’re getting somewhere though.
Zero Debt Progress – August 25, 2010
Aug 25th
Wow, time sure does fly, right? Every time I turn around, another couple of weeks have gone by. My son is about to start Kindergarten, and my daughter is starting pre-school soon. It’s so amazing that I’ve gotten to spend the last year and a half with them and I hope I get to spend so much more good, quality time with them.
But whatever happens in life, you just have to go with it. Go with the flow and let the stream lead you to the most amazing things in your life.
Well, that’s my speech for the day. Thanks, and good night!
OK, I know I promised I would mention some major things happening behind the scenes here.
Some ways that we can pay off our credit card debt.
Let me warn you though, this solution isn’t going to be very pretty.
But, I think we can do it. Or come REALLY close. $34,000. Gone. Would you do it?
The first step is to take out my 401k. It’s exactly what every expert says not to do. But are the experts in my shoes? We are losing tons of money every month with credit card debt.
The goal is zero debt.
We will need to do whatever we can to get there. We’re paying something like $550 / month in credit card debt. That’s a lot of money!!!
We understand the penalties and taxes that will happen with using my 401k, but that’s why I said it’s not going to be pretty.
Step #2 is taking out some extra money we had saved up for the kids.
Yes, I wish that my kids have a great head start. But we want to make sure we’re ALL safe and secure and one of the best ways to do that is to take out this debt. The money for them is sitting in a savings account making NOTHING while we’re getting killed with 20 – 30% APRs.
Not pretty.
But it’s something that we can do to get rid of the debt.
And we plan to pay the kids’ money back – with interest. (How? Well, there are lots of other back-up plans to take care of this. It WILL be paid back. It has to be.)
The 401K money will be built up again. It was DOWN due to my last company’s departure from the business world. (AKA, they went out of business. LOL)
BTW, my husband still has his 401k, and we’ll keep that one going.
Life doesn’t fit into a perfect story. If it did, that story would be pretty boring, right? So sometimes you have to do things that the “experts” would frown upon. Sometimes you just have to go with what you feel is the right thing to do.
Sorry experts, but you’re going to lose this one.
And maybe you’ll be right down the road. Maybe not. It doesn’t matter. I have to deal with this moment right now. I’ll deal with the future when it comes.
We all have our different paths in life. And that’s perfectly OK. In fact, that’s perfectly perfect. It’s good for all of us to have different paths. It makes life interesting.
And, in the end, I KNOW it’ll all work out – for all of us.
My Zero Debt Progress – August 2, 2010
Aug 2nd
I know I’ve been kind of hiding out and not writing too much, but things are still happening in the background. This is what I’m doing:
1. Coupon clipping. (Something I used to say “UGH!” to.) It’s actually kind of fun! I love seeing the numbers on the register go down and down. I *might* be getting a little obsessed about it though.
2. SwagBucks. I just joined Swagbucks, but I’m already REALLY liking it. You can collect points by completing offers, and even just by searching using their engine. I mean, how easy is that?? Once you have enough points saved up, you can use them in the swag store. It’s very similar to MyPoints. Try it out!
3. MyPoints. Ok, I was already a member of this one, but I’m going to take a look again and really try to start collecting some points.
4. CashCrate. I know, I know. I complained about this one! But I’m going to take another look and at least try to get my first check! I’m going to give it another chance.
Basically, my strategy here is to find ways to spend less money. The coupons will help save on grocery bills. (I saved $43 on my bill recently! Wow! That’s pretty huge for me.) And it’s also to earn points / money in ways that I can use them on things like Christmas shopping.
Can you imagine only spending $100 of your own money, and using this FREE money that you’re earning for the rest? Sounds great, right?
Well, that’s why I want to get started now. This is going to be my Christmas strategy for this year. And if I can make enough to get through most of my shopping, that will take off a HUGE financial burden! And it’ll be fun to boot! 
Now, as far as the zero debt progress…things are about to happen in a BIG way. I’m going to let you know ALL about it in my next blog post. I think we’re going to be able to pay off that debt.
My Zero Debt Progress – July 19, 2010
Jul 19th
Hi Everyone-
Sorry for the delay! I have been busy this summer with my kids and keeping them entertained! Plus, I wish I had more of an update for you, but unfortunately, I don’t yet.
In fact, the one program where I was making a decent amount of money closed up on me. So…that kind of stinks! And, my consulting job that I had was put on hold.
But, I may also get an affiliate marketing consulting job, and I’m doing some other consulting work on the side. That is all good news and keeping me busy!
I wish I could say that money is going toward my zero debt goal, but right now it’s going toward paying the bills!
Still, we do have some ideas about how to knock down (or out) the debt, so believe me, it’s still on my mind. I realize what a huge weight it can be sometimes.
That feeling of worry and guilt every time we spend money is NOT the way things should be. We should feel good about spending money, about sharing it with others, and about having fun with it!
Money is supposed to be good! (Greed is not so good, but money is good!)
I think some of the problem is that we make SUCH a big deal out of it. And yes, i get why. You need money to do anything and everything! Still, it’s JUST money. Other things are way more important.
Health, happiness, your family, your friends, your pets, general well being…
In fact, we were driving home from Canada yesterday, going through the upper state New York, and it was some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. It was STUNNING.
No amount of money could have given me that same feeling.
So, make sure to appreciate everything around you.
Money too. (Appreciate what you already have. It’s probably a lot compared to many people.)
But really look around and see what’s out there.
There’s so much.
So much beauty and things to be happy about.
Things that have nothing to do with money.
Feel lucky to live in the world. Because I sure do!
Start Date: 3.12.10 