So Sick of Debt

Well I don’t know about you but sometimes I get sick of focusing on what I need to pay off, to whom and in what order … sometimes I like to look at things in a `glass half full’ kind of way.

Though it might seem crazy to some, I sometimes like to make a list of exactly how much money I’d need to find/make/win to to be debt free and comfortable, but not go too crazy. It’s kind of like playing `if I won lotto’ but retaining a sense of reality (eg I’m not looking for a $5m mansion and a luxury world-trip):

To be comfortable and have a little fun, I’d want/need:

- $6500 to pay off debt to family (the whole hog, in cash)

- $14,000 to pay off car debt

- $350,000 to buy a modest home outright

- $10,000 to furnish the house 

- about $15,000 to cover my final interest-free student debt once I finish uni

- $4000 for dental work

- $5000 to fix our clothing crisis

- $15,000 to go on our dream trip to Italy and France

That sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

So, added up, we’d need about $420,000 to feel like the world was ours, to feel like I imagine a millionaire does. This kind of money would mean we’d still need to save up for our next car, put money away for our retirement and pay the bills as they fall due, but it would be an amazing head-start in life.

It’s not going to happen but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream! And to be honest, it doesn’t seem like that much to shoot for (much easier to achieve than $5 million).

I know it’s stupid but I always feel good when I play this game so I thought I’d share it! Indulge me a little!

Have a great week everyone.

This photo shows off the beautiful coastline my town is situated on. It’s a beautiful spot, but it always surprises me how little we use it, especially since we are trying to save money. Here we have this beautiful free spot to go where the sun always shines and it’s virtual paradise, but my hubby and I seem to stay indoors all the time (on the plus side, it’s weather like this that keeps our yearly clothing budget down! ). A lot of our homebody existence has to do with my rigorous study timetable, but a fair bit is pure bad habit too. If you want to keep living life but are trying to save money, make a list of how many free or cheap places there are nearby. Those with kids might even find this easier, as they’ll love free museums, swimming holes or even the local park.  You may even be surprised how much fun you can have on the cheap!