We’ve experienced both highs and lows on our road to debt freedom and today I want to share with you some of the fun and unexpected things that have happened on our journey.
- Less mail and far fewer bills in my mailbox. Most days there’s nothing in there. And I kind of like that.
- Surprise expenses are only annoying now and not fear inducing. When we took our son to the emergency room last winter we weren’t afraid of the bill in the same way we would have been before our debt free journey so we focused more easily on making sure he was getting the care he needed.
- Budgeting has become a fun game for us. At first making a budget is confusing and frustrating. But as you see progress it gets fun. Trust me. (If you haven’t started yours here are two blog articles that might help you: How to Make a Budget That Works over at BeingFrugal.net and How to Make a Budget over at ChristianPersonalFinance.com)
- As we’ve gotten closer to debt freedom we are getting giddy about making plans for our money instead of our debt making the plans for us.
- There are almost no arguments about money in our house. I can’t recall the last time we argued over money. (Underwear and socks left on the floor, yes. But not money.)
- I’ve learned to cook some great fun food, like homemade pizza. Eating at home is healthier and we don’t need to leave a tip. When we do eat out it really does feel like a treat because it is.
- My kids understanding of money has improved greatly. And I’m very motivated to make sure they don’t travel the debt road we have.
- Vacations planned and paid for in cash are FAR more fun because you can truly be in the moment. I love knowing on the ride home that I will not be getting the bill in the mail. The memories stay more golden for me this way.
- My five year old walking around hollering “Freeeeedooommmmm!!!!!” or “I’m debt free!!!!!!!” from listening to Dave Ramsey’s free podcast with me in the car or while I’m on the treadmill is hilarious. But clearly he’s listening.
Comment Worthy:
Add a 10th thing to this list! What has been a fun and unexpected result of your debt freedom journey?
Ms. Practicality
rice & beans life 
My tenth thing would probably be finding joy in the little things! My husband and I will get giddy over being able (financially) to walk to a gas station and buy an ice cream treat with our pennies! We view it as a date! How often we go on dates seems to have increased because we can view the little opportunites as quality time, to enjoy each other 🙂
btw, I LOVE number nine!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
This is a fantastic #10! We do that kind of thing too. Matter of fact, we’ve had “change” dates where we take whatever change we can round up and use that for an ice cream cone or soda or coffee. Isn’t it wonderful to redefine quality time this way? Great addition! Love it! (and number nine is my favorite too. The first time he did it I said-“excuse me?” because I thought I’d heard him wrong).
This is an excellent read and we’ve experienced all of the things you’ve written in your post. My favorite is #5. When you’re in control of your finances, money arguments vanish.
I like that one too Michael. Arguments over finances are legendary for being a cause of divorce but I’ve never heard of anyone divorcing over dirty clothes left on the floor!