Are you ready to make a change?

When I was in the throes of the debt chaos, I felt desperate, scared and overwhelmed. It was constantly on my mind. It felt like I’d never get ahead. I was trapped.

I resorted to paying by credit while I kept thinking, once I make more money, I won’t need to use credit card as much. What kind of a role model was I for my daughter? The shame kept whirring and whirring around my head, keeping me awake at night.

Sure, I’d put a few items on the credit card. Ok, maybe more than a few. An item my daughter needed for school, a new white blouse for work, a meal out...a new couch. As the debt grew so did my anxiety. Have you ever been at the cash register and think “Oh I hope I have enough room on the credit card.” It’s a terrible feeling. Many times. There were times when my card was denied. And sometimes the bank would let me make a purchase even when the card was maxed out, then charge a fee for going over the credit limit. Talk about stressful. And expensive.

As the debt grew so did my desperation. During this time, I received a lot of credit card offers for 0% interest balance transfers, for a limited time and a fee. I would transfer a credit card balance to the new 0% interest rate. For a few months I’d feel better because I was saving money by not paying interest. Eventually the 0% interest rate would end on the new credit card and I’d be charged a high interest rate on the new credit card. It was a cycle of debt, fear, transfer debt, feel better, more debt …

Have you ever felt like what you were doing isn’t working? I certainly have.

I got to the point that I could not go on like this. It was taking a toll on my health, my relationships and my self-esteem. I had to make a change. I finally did. Will tell you about it in the next post.

Does this sound familiar? I’d love to hear your story.