[SisterIt]

I can't believe this is in reach.
A few years ago my husband and I both lost our jobs in the same year. We almost lost everything.
We sold everything we could, cut everything to the bare minimum, filed bankruptcy (Chapter 13 so we could keep our home) and prayed for the best.

Our bankruptcy will be paid off in February. I cannot wait. For the pst 5 years we have made almost $3500 a month payments to our trustee. We've been faithful. It's been really tough.

In that time we also adopted a sibling group of 4 of our foster children...making 8 children.

My goal is to end 2012 debt free and with savings in the bank. So far we do not have any savings in the bank because we've put it all to pay off our debt. After we make our last payment, we are going to refinance our home and then I can begin savings. Both my dh and I have 401K's as we both have found good employment in the last year for me and 3 for him. However, we have heard that he may be laid off soon. We are trying to prepare for that. I'm praying that he can make it until May that will give us some time to finish this and put some money away.

Any tips? We don't have any credit card debt. Our debt was medical and mortgage arrears. I don't want a credit card...ever.

[tratra]

Good for you! For sticking to your goals and for adopting those kids! I hope it all works out for you. Sounds like you have the skills and drive to make it work.

[browneyedgirl40419]

ur gonna hear coupon coupon coupon on this site, or cut the satellite, cut the cell bill, etc... my best advice is get dave ramsey from the library and really read it and follow it...

[midwestmama]

Good for you... so glad you have that light at the end of the tunnel!! Have you ever read Dave Ramsey's books? That's what kicked off our journey... we are working on paying down our debts now, although we're not as far along as you.

[mommabailey]

Suze Orman!!!!!!!!! Start watching her shows on Sat. nights .. you will be inspired GOOD LUCK

[2vette2camaro]

Yeah I have no debt but the house and once we finance it will be paid off in 7 years. it is GREAT owning everything you have!

[mcdlady1]

We also only own on the house and are looking into refinancing that next week,
My "boss" paid for us to do Dave Ramsey and we loosely followed it, bujt everything is paid off and have a nice little savings account now.
I say plan anything you can whether it be meals so you don't have to eat out or bill paying so you never pay anything late and have a plan to call the businesses you use to see if you can get a better deal for their services

[CouponKody]

First of all, not good but great for you!!! I feel bad giving advice because you are farther along in the process than me, but I have one thing that I can share that has really made a difference for us. Meal planning! I started this a couple of months ago then stopped due to business at work then realized how much it helped so I have started again. I made a list of meals (about 40) that we can rotate through. This makes it easier to shop, cheaper to shop because you know what you are going for, easier to prepare food at home thus keeping you away from fast food and my DD started helping cook because she knew what was on the plan. Good luck and I hope to be in your shoes one day.

[MillerTime710]

Originally Posted by browneyedgirl40419

ur gonna hear coupon coupon coupon on this site, or cut the satellite, cut the cell bill, etc... my best advice is get dave ramsey from the library and really read it and follow it...

I LOVE Dave Ramsey and what my family has been able to accomplish with it. I teach classes to military families and I always tell them about Dave and how great it is to follow his plan!!!

[rusfan]

I love D.R.!!!! I will be debt free in about 1 month!! My son is trying to get the Dave Ramsey on his A.F. base.

[goldie39]

Good job...best of luck to you...