Debt-Free

People who know me will tell you that I'm a bit of a tight-wad. I have known some tight-wads in my life, and I don't consider myself to be one of them. I'm merely CAREFUL with money. I don't part with large sums easily. I will consider, research, price shop and argue with myself before making a major purchase. I'm not quite as good with smaller expenditures, but I'm pretty loathe to dropping big chunks of change. (That's why I live in a tiny house, have always driven used vehicles and own only one television - a 13" TV/VCR combo.)

That said, I have been spending way more than usual the past few months. Apparently my financially responsible side was blinded by my love-sick, "lets-go-away-for-the-weekend" side. Between my kitchen remodeling, the holidays, my two upcoming cruises and my vastly improved (but also more costly) social life, I got myself into the position of being over-extended. I haven't been paying off my entire credit card bill monthly. I've been carrying over an increasingly large amount to the next month. Being a tight-wad at heart, this has been stressing me.

As of Monday morning, I will be debt free! (Except for my house mortgage, or course.) My brother, sister and I sold the home of my late parents recently. Even split three ways, it was a lot of money - at least from my lowly perspective. I got my check this morning. I immediately contacted my credit union to find out how long a hold would be put on the deposited out-of-state check. I love credit unions!! They don't hold checks. She merely asked me if I thought the check was good.

I paid off my car. I paid off my credit card. I sent $15,000 to my retirement account. I put a bunch in savings for emergencies and to cover the tax liability I'll have for the house sale. (We didn't sell it right after inheriting it and it has made a good profit over the past three years.)

My daughter is 18 and just now getting her license. I'm thinking of giving her the 2000 Honda CR-V I bought recently and buying my first-ever BRAND NEW, exactly-what-I-want car. Probably another Honda CR-V, only a NEW one. (Boring, I know, but I just don't have expensive taste.) I'm definitely going to move up to a 24" screen TV!! And while I'm at it, I think I will buy a new refrigerator - one that matches the other appliances in the kitchen and doesn't fall off the wheels all the time.

My new counter (yes, I had to pay for it...let's not even MENTION the evil Home Depot) will be delivered on Monday. Soon I'll have a real kitchen...with a dishwasher!!

I feel like I have moved up into the lap of luxury!! Ahhh...