To be excited by something so sad

[Fluffyears]

I will start with some background. I grew up in a skint household with an alcoholic parent who drank all our money. I had very few clothes, none of the right clothes, no money to go swimming or to the cinema etc and found it hard to fit in.

When I finally got a job and access to credit I thought ‘this is amazing!’ I could buy what a wanted and go where I wanted. This spiralled and I ended up £10k in debt eventually. I was naive and a bit ignorant about how credit worked. I then met DH who had his own home at 24,has some savings and no debts apart from our mortgage. We sorted out my finances and I got a consolidation loan. I have used my card occasionally but pay it all off.

What I am excited by is that on Friday my Loan will come to and end and I will be free of debt apart from the mortgage. I will actually be able to build some savings, I will actually have ‘fun’ money that is not credit. If anyone is in the same position it is possible to get free but it does take time. I actually want to do a wee jig of excitement....that is sad isn’t it?

If you are used to living without the money that is usually going towards the debt, perhaps keep half to loosen up a little and put the other half into a savings account/on the mortgage/any other investment.

You will still feel a bit 'richer' but even a tiny amount put away each week/month adds up eventually.

‘Iamnotawitch’ that is my plan a bit saved and a bit of extra spending money.

That's amazing OP!! I'm so glad it's working out for you and you have every reason to celebrate - woohoo!! 🥳 🎉 🎈

Congratulations! That’s a huge achievement and deserves a big celebration on Friday!

Congratulations OP, that's huge!

Brilliant!

I think you should buy/do something nice for you & DH.

...and you need to play this on your birthday!

m.youtube.com/watch?v=BMSIvMLtUyc

I think we are twins OP! I'm in exact
position. I'm so excited to be debt free in the Summer after being 60k in debt. I was suicidal at one point but pulled through it. I grew up poor etc and the min I got credit I spent loads of money. A lot of bad financial advice from parents. They are still encouraging me to go back into debt. They owe a lot of money on a pension. I've learned lessons and raising my kids more financially aware. In the Summer I won't owe a pound! Bar the mortgage. Let's celebrate. I'm nearly 39. 🎉

Well done!

@salemshadow, wow £60k well done on getting that paid. I can’t wait to not worry about birthdays, the car breaking or unexpected expenses (like £80 at the dentist last week 😢😖). I’m going to save a buffer. DH paid the dentist bill for me as although i’m Surviving I am just keeping my head above water. Once those repayments are gone i’ll be able to save for rainy days.

Fluff, I've never been in debt since my twenties. (Now mid fifties) I've accidentally been overdrawn about three times since then and sorted it within 24 hours. It's such a freedom to know your income is YOURS to do what you need and want with.

I have no store cards. I have a credit card I never use except for big one off payments online to protect the payment (eg flights/holidays.) For day to day life I only have a debit card or cash.

Congratulations! Get yourself a treat then enjoy your new savings. I know how exciting it is to become debt free!

We're two years and 4 months away from paying off our consolidation loan! Hoping it'll be closer to two years now I've managed to find a job that works around childcare. I cannot wait for that day!!

I'm so happy for you, you will value and enjoy every extra penny you have so much more for having had to be sensible for so long.

That's not sad at all! Well done you and well done for such a supportive DH. Treat yourself to a nice cuppa and a BIG piece of cake on this huge achievement!

Fantastic news op. Enjoy feeling 'free'.

Get saving now . You can set up separate savings accounts with your bank so you can easily move your money from your current account. I have 3 savings accounts, one for general savings, one for Christmas that gets £50 a month and one for car expenses that also gets £50 a month. I find keeping it separate helps me keep track of everything. There's nothing more satisfying than getting a bill - car insurance for example - and knowing that the money is there waiting rather than having to come out of that months income.

MSE is great for budgeting advice. It can get quite addictive.

That's not sad OP, it's fabulous. Well done you!

books I setup a wee saver account linked to my main one. I normally put £50 quid on it when. I get paid as a ‘buffer’ so if I end up skint or something comes up I do have some money.you’re right it gets quite addictive i’m Also paying attention to prices and if i’m Buying something ‘do I need it?’

And....it’s gone!

Wonder if you'd consider doing financial education at school/after school clubs etc for parents or for teenagers. Debt is a millstone and that you've cleared it says masses about you (all v positive).

Dance hard. You've earned it. Literally!

Well done it's not sad at all.

You grew up in an abusive environment and were unable to learn how to handle money/credit. You father showed you a cavalier approach to money - spending on what you want first without another thought to your responsibilities- so your reaction to a newly acquired CC and the easy access to money is hardly surprising.

I totally get the "my debt, my problem" but you've cleared it so now you and your DH are equal partners. Things like Dental fees should come out of joint income.

🥂🍾

Well done

I don't understand why anyone would think that is 'sad'. You've worked hard, you've paid your debts because of your hard work, of course you want to celebrate.

@IAmNotAWitch sums up my feelings too

Well Done to you OP .

🎉 a huge well done, OP!

Well done OP!!! 🥳