Sometimes in the midst of paying down debt, one can feel a bit melancholy about the whole thing. It seems like you are paying down this and paying down that. You are trying to keep your head above water and remind yourself that you are not sinking, but swimming towards your future. Sure, you can’t go out all the time to restaurants and drink $10 margaritas like it doesn’t matter because you know that money could be applied to something more worthwhile, like towards debt.
When you feel sometimes financially unstable, it helps to focus on what’s going well. It helps for me to focus on the positive things monetarily and not skew my thoughts and views into negative “woe is me” land. I know there is a light at the end of this financial tunnel.
What I’m doing right:
I have an emergency fund. Thank goodness for PF blogs, seriously! When I first started reading personal finance blogs, which now seems a gazillion years ago, they all talked about the importance of an EF. It is important, and I am glad that we have one in place.
I have health insurance. Not everyone does unfortunately, and I do not take it for granted, especially when I have a little one. One of my friends does not have health insurance and I know how hard it is for her.
I am always learning. There is no set way of reducing one’s finances that works exactly the same for every single person. I am always learning new ways to pinch this penny, and save that dollar. All sorts of people dispense advice and I always want to know more. Figure out how to save on bills, stretch out meals, re-purpose things I already have…I am like a sponge, ready to learn more.
And I won’t give up.
I think one thing to add is that you’re also paying it forward and sharing with others – I think your groceries challenge with a one month meal plan is really smart, and I’m trying to adapt it (though trying a two week menu plan for the time being). So, thanks for that.
I really appreciate what you said, I really do. Your comment made my day 🙂
Good post Mackenzie! Personally speaking, I know it can be easy to get down on yourself when it comes to the issue of paying down debt. That’s why it’s important to remember the good things you’re doing. Having that E-Fund, for example, is awesome and puts you ahead of 90% of others out there.
Thanks John. It’s hard to not get down in the dumps about paying down debt. Most days, I’m rockin’ it, but other days, it makes me sad that I got into this position.
I think you are doing awesome!
Thanks Holly!
YES think positive!!!!! It’s also nice to be able to relate to people that are doing the same thing – luckily for us we have the PF community 🙂
I try to think positive, but some days it’s hard. And yes, thank goodness for the PF community! I would be lost without them.
You are doing so many things right, Mackenzie! The money will come, I promise.
Thanks Kathleen 🙂 I’m trying to hang in there.
I love your perspective, and yes for me I’m sad about the cost of treating my arm, but I DO have an emergency fund for those reasons, and hopefully I won’t be taking out too big of a chunk. I’m really grateful for all the tips out there in the PF community as well. Great attitude!
All would be lost without the PF community, honestly! They keep me going 🙂
I can get stuck in what we did wrong or what we could do better. I need to concentrate sometimes on what we did right. Thanks for reminding me.
No problem! I think we all do it from time to time.
You’re doing great, that is a lot of positive! It is so easy to beat yourself up for not being perfect, unfortunately that will not take you anywhere. The good feeling on the other hand will help you build momentum!
I try to think positive, but there are days where that can be difficult. I have to remind myself how far I’ve come and that is an accomplishment in and of itself.
That’s what I love about reading financial blogs for fun….you are what you think about, right? I find I often now think about being efficient with savings, spending and my budget.
You are right: you are what you think about. PF blogs definitely change how you think about and view money, that’s for sure.
I think a lot of people undervalue or underestimate the value of having insurance. I have a friend who broke his leg in 3 places when he was little (slipped and fell on ice). His parents had no health insurance and it basically bankrupted them. They had to sell their house. It was horrible and such a huge life lesson for me. Insurance might not be fun or glamorous but it’s so important.
Wow, that’s terrible what happened to your friend’s family…
Health insurance is so important and I am grateful to have it.
You have a great attitude Mackenzie. Change isn’t always easy but the changes you’re making are actually going to give you more financial freedom to spend your money on what matters most. I’m glad you have an emergency fund too. So, so important for when those little unplanned things pop-up! Great post.
Thanks Shannon!
Yeah, I try not to get down about our situation so I fugured if I wrote out what is going well, it would help in seeing the big picture.
[…] What I’m Doing Right- The Random Path […]
[…] forget what you’re doing right. The Random Path looks at all the things she is doing […]