I think most of us (certainly us ladies) are familiar with the joys of being on a diet. The wonderous task of counting calories, pushing to exercise and sacrificing the delicious things we love, all for swimsuit season or to fit in those jeans again.
Seeking to eliminate debt is a lot like being on a diet, don't you think? Strict budgeting, seeking to increase income while lowering expenses, giving up stuff we splurged on in, works to push us towards the goal of financial tranquility. Furthermore, just as it is in an extreme diet or fast, progress is significant but we are highly suseptible to "cheating".
In an interview by Kimberly Palmer for US News and World Report Money, JoAnne Nagler describes how she successfully paid off $80,000 of credit card debt in ten years.
"If you engage in self-deprivation, you can just do it for a few months. Learn how to live well on the cash you earn, and fund the things that make for a healthy life.....I'm not saying it's going to be fast [repayment], what you want is slow-and-steady steps."
As you saw in "Robbing Peter to Pay Paul", I now had a bit of room in my budget. I allowed for some miscellaneous spending. I couldn't have a "junk food run" every day, but once-a-week at Chic-fil-a was ok. It even tasted better now that it was a treat.
I had made my friends aware of my situation. Yeah, it was humbling, but I was touched by their support and understanding. We still planned outings and get-togethers: "Ok, so you'll bring the meat? I'll pick up the wine and she'll bake cookies?" It was less expensive but I appreciated even more the simple joy of their companionship.
I planned purchases of the things I needed. Invited to a friend's engagement party, I was going to need a "little black dress". I had $120 for both the dress and an evening bag.
As a lover of Internet shopping, I began to check prices. Boston Proper, Ann Taylor and White House Black Market were all beyond my budget. Was I tempted to splurge? Of course.
I searched ebay (the world's biggest garage sale) for a 'little black dress, size 6, NWT (new with tags)'. I narrowed the results for designer goods: Ann Taylor, Boston Proper, Calvin Klein. Aha! That's pretty! An elegant dress by Calvin Klein, retailing in stores for $140. I clicked "Buy it Now" (I never bid). It could be mine for $75 plus shipping! I had a new dress AND money for a purse!
I searched Amazon.com for "evening purse". A simple black silk clutch for $20! Ok, this wasn't a name brand, but it was pretty. As an Amazon Prime member, I enjoyed free shipping on both the
purse and a shimery silver wrap I chose (I'm always cold). My total stood at $114.
With a pair of black sequin stilletos and rhinestone earrings (recycled from my pageant days), I felt pretty and stylish. My friends noticed too.
"Look how beautiful you are! I love you're dress. Where did you get it?"
"Ebay!" I said with a laugh.
My budget also worked in emergencies. An animal lover, I had three "critters", cats Eddie and Daisy and Pansy the Pug. They were all due for their shots and Pansy needed more heartworm meds.
Daisy had not been herself for lately. While she was still a gentle "lap cat", she had been vomiting and soiling frequently, slowly losing weight. I had adopted her at nine weeks old over ten years ago. She had always been healthy.
My friend Carrie worked as a vet tech in Eastland, almost two hours west of my home in Mansfield, TX. Prices were more affordable there. I liked the vet I used locally, but the money I had set aside wouldn't be enough to cover the bill. I packed up fur babies and headed west, all the while fearing what might be wrong with Daisy.
Eddie was in top shape. Pansy needed to drop a few pounds but was otherwise healthy. I waited anxiously for the results on Daisy. Carrie had come with me. She had recently euthanized her Australian Cattle-Dog, Louis.
"There's a pet crematorium not far from here. It's really quite reasonable and they come pick the remains." She had showed me Louis' urn earlier that day.
The news was as I had feared, it was time for Daisy to go over the Rainbow Bridge. The vet was kind and sympathetic. He asked what I would like to do with the body.
"I can take it for you, but that basically means she goes in a bag in the trash," he said gently. I was sobbing by this time.
"No! no! I want to keep her with me." He asked me if I wanted to be present. I could not bear to leave her. My tears flowed freely as I petted her to sleep. I kissed her on last time, removing her purple collar. The bell jingled. I cried harder as Carrie hugged me.
My bill had come to almost $500. I had only set aside about $250, unaware that I would need to euthanize sweet Daisy. The cost of her vet workup, euthanasia and cremation made up the difference. Numbly, I realized my miscellaneous money was gone. I hadn't needed to use my credit cards, though. I had covered the bill.
Carrie drove me back to her house. I could not stop crying. How would I go to work tomorrow? I called my boss. She was sympathetic but there was no one able to cover my shift. I had to go. I honestly couldn't afford not to work, anyways. Sadly, I thanked Carrie and told her goodbye. I gathered Pansy and Eddie and began the long drive home.
The next day was mercifully slow as I cried for most of it. I had been invited to a friend's birthday party at Benihana's that evening. I couldn't afford it. I texted my good friend Adam, also the birthday girl's boyfriend.
" Do you think Chloe would mind if I just sat with you guys and maybe had a soda? I'm really short money with everything I spent on Daisy."
"Would you let me treat you?"
I wanted to say no. He was in school and I made more money. I also knew that he loved me and understood my grief.
"Thank you Adam. That really means alot." The tears came again.
I had a lovely time that night: enjoying the comfort and companionship of my friends, eating delicious hibachi, all generously paid for by Adam's father. The bitterness of my sorrow softened with their kind sympathy.
Later that night, I lay listening to Pansy's comforting snore. I had food in the pantry and my house had heat and light. In the garage, my reliable chariot, my 2008 Ford Focus, had just had all scheduled maintenance. I had not one, but two jobs. All my bills were paid and I was slowly climbing out of debt. I had friends who loved and supported me, accepting me just as I was. Eddie nestled against me, purring. From beyond the peaceful solitude of the house I heard the gentle coo of a mourning dove, calling it's mate. I was a wealthy woman.
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