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Lets look at what I've learned
Recapping what I’ve learned:I learned that you should never ever enter into an agreement with a debt counseling, debt solutions, debt settlement or debt consolidation agency (or any other name they might have).
I learned that I should have, when I realized that I could no longer make even my minimum monthly payments--- I should have contacted the credit card companies immediately and worked our arrangements with them myself. [I didn’t know this was an option until I’d already signed on with the debt counseling agency.] The credit card companies actually do want to work with you because some money is better than no money.
I learned to keep a file of every piece of paper that has to do with my finances, especially debts, and to keep copious notes of any and all correspondence (fax, voice mail, email, snail mail, phone calls) including the date and time of each.
I’ve learned to trust God more than ever before.
I’ve learned to lean on Him and depend on Him in ways I have never done before.
I’ve learned that I am not good at maintaining our budget unless I have someone holding me accountable (Mr. Steady).
I’ve learned that it is easier for me to stay on budget and keep track of all spending when we use the cash envelope system.
I’ve learned that I don’t need all those things I thought I did.
I’ve learned that instant gratification can really be a bad thing.
I’ve learned that planning and waiting and accumulating for purchases (vs. instant gratification) really makes you take stock of whether you actually need it or even want it.
I’ve learned- really learned better the value of “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”.
I’ve learned that I actually find much joy and satisfaction in living within that phrase I just wrote.
I’ve learned to pray about all matters- from the need for car repairs to come in on budget to the purchase of a pair of needed khaki pants. [I remember praying about white T-shirts- I picked up two shirts for the girls at the store but hemmed and hawed about the purchase all the way thru the store because I knew we didn’t even have the extra $8 for those two shirts- I prayed about it and put the shirts back. That evening my momma brought me a bag of clothes she had purchased at Goodwill- with 2 brand spanking new white T-shirts inside. God knows our needs- we need to ask!!]
I’ve learned that there is no real need that God does not supply.
I’ve learned that coffee ice cream is not such a need.
I’ve learned the joy of being financially accountable for our finances to my husband- no more shame, no more allowing him to be oblivious.
I’ve learned the joy of cheap date nights.
I’ve learned the joy of coming home from a vacation that was not only totally paid for but we came back with money in our pockets! [As opposed to the old me that would put about half the vacation on the dreaded credit card.]
I’ve learned that I do not miss shopping. I have not been to a mall in 3 years.
I’ve learned to pray about all purchases- yes, even groceries.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to be honest and tell others that you can’t afford something.
I’ve learned that it’s even okay to opt out of the huge family holiday gift exchange.
I’ve learned that I don’t feel guilty for opting out of that gift exchange- but relieved and light-hearted.
I’ve learned that by stepping up and having the courage to say NO to even the good things that others will be glad you did and join you. (Once I was honest with my family about not having the means for the gift exchange others totally agreed and said they’d been trying to find a way to opt out for years! Go figure!)
I’ve learned to find deeper appreciation in the small things- such as making my own iced coffee, going to a free museum, a quick car ride to watch fireworks from the driveway of a nearby field (with popcorn we hurriedly popped beforehand), bike rides, picnics and family camp fires.
I’ve learned that God is nudging me to a new level of hospitality available to me due to what He’s been teaching me these past 2.5 years.
I’ve learned a better understanding of a want and of a need.
I’ve learned to dig deeper to pursue lining up my heart’s desires with the Lord’s.
I’ve learned that in lining up those desires the blessings are uncountable.
I’ve learned that God’s ways are ALWAYS better than mine.
I’ve learned that my family can not only survive but thrive on a combined family income that is quite a bit less than $40K. Quite a bit less.
I’ve learned that money doesn’t buy happiness. [Some lessons you just have to learn for yourself.]
I’ve learned that some things are worth waiting and saving for.
I’ve learned that some things aren’t.
I’ve learned that it makes a whole lot more sense to rely on God rather than on myself or on that darn debt counseling company.
I’ve learned that God is compassionate and loving enough to help me clean up my mistakes. And better than I could have cleaned them up on my own.
I’ve learned that God has forgiven me and does not hold those mistakes against me. As far as the east is from the west.
I’ve learned to forgive myself.
I’ve learned to see the blessings in the midst of pain and adversity and to cherish those blessings.
I’ve learned the value of meeting God on my knees.
I’ve learned that my prayer life has grown exponentially these last 30 some months.
I’ve learned that the more time I spend talking with God the less time I have to worry and the less inclination I have to worry.
I’ve learned the power of key bible verses hidden in my heart and written everywhere as reminders.
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Oh my, I could just go on and on about all I’ve learned. It never ceases to amaze me how many extra lessons I’m learning along the way as God teaches me to be a better steward! And all the extra blessings to boot!
But most of all
I’ve learned that the only one I want to be indebted to is the Good Lord!
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10:45 PM, 2008-Jul-17 .. Posted by seventhheavenGood for you ! ! ! ! ! !
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12:37 AM, 2008-Jul-18 .. Posted by gabbie427I love this post. Because you not only learned so many things about the situation with your finances, but you learned alot about God and your relationship with Him as well. Thanks for being so transparent and sharing with us Amy!
God's Blessings,
Amy Jo
Thank you!!!
7:55 AM, 2008-Jul-18 .. Posted by AimeeI just needed to say thank you for sharing your journey! I have not read all of your posts but this post touched me. I am working on getting out of debt, being more honest with my husband about our financial situation, and letting God help us. We have only $6000.00 to go and we will be debt free (other than our house and car-both small). We just paid off $8000.00 this past year through settlements and it felt so good!!!!! I am on payment plans for the rest.
Just last night I was wondering how we would make it through the month-and first thing this morning my husband called from work telling me that he has been asked to work on his day off, God is Good!!!
Thanks again! We are no where near where you are but we are making small steps to be better financially. You are an inspiration and I will contine to to read your blog.
Aimee
http://journalofamomma.blogspot.com/
Thanks
10:13 AM, 2008-Jul-18 .. Posted by wstollerThanks for Sharing!!! I appreciate your posts. I need to remind myself of these same things. I to had the white t-shirt incident - I purchased them.. and later found out I didn't need to - through hand me downs given to me later - if I'd just waited..... My husband started a new job, we will have steady income, and an amount we can actually budget away! It will be good for us!!! :0)
thanks!!!!
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2:36 PM, 2008-Jul-18 .. Posted by LauraAgain, thank you so much for for these posts... letting go and letting God is the best thing, I'm just learning this for the second or maybe third time. :-( yes, I'm a stubborn learner... I'm just so glad He love me and forgives me even when I continue to make the same mistakes. And I am so grateful that He is giving me the strength to make a real change this time around.
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