Debt free -- finally

Today, I sent off my last payment on the last debt I owe. I feel like shouting! Actually, I feel like going out and spending money.

That scares me.

The truth is, I will need to spend some money soon. I need some new work clothes. My vehicle needs some stuff too, like new tires, shocks and a windshield (the current one has had a nasty crack for more than 9 years). But I am thinking within the next year or so I will trade up to a new used car, and putting much money into my truck isn't going to add much, if any, value to the 19-year-old vehicle.

Then there is a list of stuff I want. Small stuff. Big stuff. Expensive stuff. Cheap stuff. Some may nearly be necessities, like new eyeglasses. Some are nothing but luxuries, like a new iPod and digital camera.

I've spent 4 years and 1 month so focused on putting every dollar I could find into paying off debt. It's become a habit. Now I need to learn some new skills and build some new habits, like learning to prioritize purchases to get the things I need and enjoy life a little while also saving money for emergencies and a replacement vehicle. I'm thinking a may even want to buy a house. Some day. Maybe.

I had stopped putting money into retirement for a while, but I have that set to restart. That may not directly fit Dave Ramsey's prescribed baby steps, since my emergency fund is not yet funded, but retirement feels a lot closer today than it did 4 years ago.

Debt freedom feels great, but it hasn't really sunk in yet. I have not yet had an opportunity to see money going to the savings account instead of out as a payment to one (or more) credit card accounts.

I wasn't sure I was ever going to get here, even as I saw the debt shrinking more and more, month by month and year by year.

I did it and I am proud of that. You can do it too.