I woke up late this morning and was in a rush to get to work because I've been out three days at a conference.
So I didn't check my balance.
I got to work and spent 15 minutes waiting for my computer to boot up (yeah, it apparently was still sleepy too). I found 86 new e-mails in my Inbox, even after I spent a considerable amount of time the other day going through it so I wouldn't have a huge glut waiting for me.
Sigh.
I started to go through all the requests, demands, urgent deadlines and blah blah, but it was much too much, so I said, "I'm checking my balance."
And there it was. The Zero Balance. The triple aught. The $0.00
When I saw it, I had a reaction that I hadn't expected. I almost cried.
I think I would have cried if I wasn't sitting at my desk at work. Not a weeping, sobbing cry, just a misty-eyed, "I can't believe it, thank you Jesus," cry.
I felt a little light headed, like when you're carrying something very heavy for a long time and then, all of a sudden, the weight is gone. You feel light, but a little disoriented. It takes you a moment to feel relieved.
Wow.
I know from the tone of this post it might not sound like I'm ecstatic, but, trust me, I am!!!!!
I PAID OFF MY CREDIT CARD DEBT!!!!!!
I started this blog about three years ago in a panic. I was nearly $16G in credit card debt AND I had a nearly new car payment, new job and new expenses. Two jobs, two moves and the same car later, and I did it.
I messed up A LOT on the way.
I didn't always do the brilliant financial thing.
Sometimes I despaired that I'd never get this done.
Sometimes I didn't care if I did or not.
Sometimes I was so determined, nothing on earth was going to stop me.
Sometimes other things in my life got me so down that financial freedom was the last thing on my mind.
But I did it.
Thank you so much to everyone who's tagged along on this journey, either reading my posts and getting inspired, checking in on my sometimes and praying for me, or leaving comments to encourage me or share tips and advice.
Thank you so much! I am deeply grateful.
Well now I have a full day of work ahead of me and I hope I can focus. I'll try not to keep looking at my credit card balance over and over... but I won't try very hard. :-)
DH
CONGRATS!
Posted by: Jaylin | May 08, 2008 at 10:44 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Moscato & Shiraz for us all!!! hahahaaaa
I'm happy and PROUD of you chica!!! definitely CELEBRATING!
Posted by: BK | May 08, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I'm really happy for you and very inspired. Thanks for sharing the moment!
Posted by: Nine Circles | May 08, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Congratulations! Go celebrate! Treat yourself to something nice.
Posted by: James | May 08, 2008 at 11:32 AM
WHOO HOO!
And yes, there must be some celebrating very soon!
Posted by: HC | May 08, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Thank you Jesus! Congrats Debt Hater!
Posted by: Val D. Parker | May 08, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Congrats on killing that debt!
Posted by: K. | May 08, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Job well done!! How sweet it is!! Thank God!!
I recently paid off my cc debt (7K), so I know the thrill.
Posted by: luxuryoption | May 08, 2008 at 12:20 PM
You are an inspiration--a real one as opposed to the "I knocked out $100,000 in debt in six months and never made a mistake doing it" types. I'm SO jealous! I'd probably hate you if I wasn't so dang proud of you.
Posted by: Grace | May 08, 2008 at 12:41 PM
WAY awesome, lady, seriously. Congratulations on a job well done.
Posted by: Msminiducky | May 08, 2008 at 01:03 PM
CONGRATS!!!!! What a great photo. I can't wait until I'm completely debt free.....The green eyed monster is visiting me.
Posted by: dreamy1 | May 08, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Congratulations! That is really amazing and inspiring. I know how hard you have worked with two out-of-state moves to pay this off. GOOD FOR YOU!
Posted by: mapgirl | May 08, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Awesome! Totally awesome!!! And it's comforting to know that we don't have to be perfect to get rid of debt. Just keep working on it. :)
Posted by: Mrs. Micah | May 08, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Congratulations! I've been watching each day for this post to come through, & it was worth the wait for me; so I can't imagine how great it must feel for you!
Posted by: debtdieter | May 08, 2008 at 04:05 PM
YAY!!!!
That's so awesome! I was grinning for you after reading this post. :-D
Posted by: L@spillingbuckets | May 08, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Woohoo! Good for you! I hope you keeping blogging!
Through all the parking fines and busted food budgets you made it!
Congratulations ;-)
Posted by: Dolly Iris | May 08, 2008 at 06:57 PM
This is the best! God is good! I know how you feel knocking out your debt. And I know how hard it was, 'cause I've had to do it too. Be proud and bask in it - you deserve to!
Posted by: Sistah Ant | May 08, 2008 at 07:59 PM
HOLLER!
Posted by: budgetsaresexy | May 08, 2008 at 08:29 PM
In the words of my 3 year old cousin...
PRAISE DA LUYA!!
When are we celebrating?????????
Posted by: Single Ma | May 08, 2008 at 08:36 PM
You go, girl!!! Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Toxic Money | May 08, 2008 at 08:51 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!
Posted by: Meagan | May 08, 2008 at 09:06 PM
But the real question is - Did you do your Happy Dance?
Congratulations - you made it through! Your hatred for debt has paid off!
Posted by: Reggie, Another Kid with Good Credit | May 08, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Hi, I decided to come out of lurk mode in order to congratulate you. Good for you! I'm working on eliminating my CC debt now.
Posted by: Ang | May 08, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Girlfriend, I'm extremely happy for you, you go girl.God Bless!
Posted by: Delonda | May 09, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Congratulations! You DID IT!!
Posted by: Meadow | May 09, 2008 at 02:43 AM