Ta Da.
Here's my proof. After I took this shot I gathered up the pieces from the cards and put them in a little glass bottle - a gentle reminder to myself of my priorities.
And today's dice say, live loud.
Also wanted to say thanks to those of you that mentioned a couple great notes about cutting up cards. The first is not to cancel the cards - canceling them can actually do more harm than good on your credit rating. I had learned that in the past from consumer advocate Clark Howard. And I must admit that I did keep one card for travel purposes (since traveling for work has become a bigger part of my life). It will be up to me to be disciplined to not use it just because. I'll keep you posted on that progress.
I must say that Chris was extremely happy to come home to my pile of cards. The topic of money has been one of contention over the years. A few months back we decided to separate out our credit. We have a joint account for bills and groceries - we are on a cash grocery basis and that has helped. Together we have no debt (except our mortgage). It is just me with the debt - good old consumer debt - and it is my responsibility. He is a saver. I am a spender. I am on a new path now...hopefully.
Seriously, thanks again for all the support - great to read all the comments. It was totally freeing to cut those things up.
One of the comments I loved this morning was from Michelle. Thank you for introducing me to Kent Nerburn. I found another wonderful except from that same book (Simple Truths) here. I have put that book on my list - rather than immediately ordering it from Amazon - for a time in the future when I can get to the library or can afford to pay cash. GO ME. Interestingly Kent's home is in Minnesota and he has a connection with the school where the shooting occured the other day. His blog looks to be one that I will add to my list to read. Again, thanks Michelle.
On another note: Mom was here last night for a visit. She and Simon took off to the coast this morning so that Chris and I can enjoy some time on our little Portland adventure this weekend. I am blessed beyond measure that my parents are so willing and able and excited to have Simon stay with them. Love you guys. Have fun buddy!
Aaah. Didn't it feel GOOD?!? I've been there with the consumer debt, believe me. About 6 or 7 years ago, Vic and I did the same thing: Got rid of ALL our cards (except an AmEx), and started paying everything off. Ever since, our motto has been "If we can't pay cash for it, we don't buy it." If we use the AmEx (it's great for Delta miles), he pays it off each month. It's liberating. Do you have a Debit card? I have one and use it for all my online purchases. :)
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Way to go! I remember the first time we cut them up . . . so scary and yet freeing!
And it is a blessing to have parents to take Simon. My mom takes my son regularly--even took him to New York City--and we're working toward my daughter's first weekend with her. She loves it--goes to the store, gets all their favorite goodies, finds cool stuff to do . . . all the things my grandparents did with us. As hard as it was to let go the first time, now when she offers to take him, I'm all for it! I can only imagine the memories he'll have stored away forever :).
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Reminds me of that episode in Friends way back at the beginning when they made Rachel cut up her credit cards....love your blog by the way, you are inspiring.
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great photo!!
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Have totally loved your posts on this topic. You really touched me and so many others. I haven't cut up my cards - yet - but I'm only using cash or a debit card from now on. And I started reading Jerrold Mundis' book on getting out of debt. He's got a great program. But don't buy it; I'll send it to you when I'm done! ;-)
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Good on you about debt. It took me about 10 years to become very close to being consumer debt free. The feeling is very powerful knowing that I have the money every month to live on and then I choose what I want to spend my money on rather than just buying impulsively.
I heard not too long ago from a good source, that when cancelling credit cards, it is best to ask the issuing company to post it on the credit report as "account closed at request of customer" and it helps the consumers credit rating. If it's only posted as "account closed" other creditors can take that as meaning that it was closed at the discretion of the issuing company.
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I am with ALL the other red blooded americans that have bought into the system and have racked up consumer credit debt. We have been working for many years to stop our bad habits and eliminate our debt. We've been rather sucessful lately. We moved to Seattle, and decided that we were just going to do it, to bite the bullet and do it. I'm tempted to run up my cards on scrapping sites b/c the scrapbook stores out here stink compared to the mid west where we moved from, but so far, I've only ever used my bank card, since I've been here (except at christmas to buy my dh's presents so he couldn't tell what I bought) God bless your efforts. I do think it is His will for us to be debt free. I'm routing for you! BTW, I didn't realize you lived in Portland (I just wasn't paying enough attention), we are neighbors sort of:)
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