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Home > $20k Credit Card debit to pay off!

$20k Credit Card debit to pay off!

June 14th, 2006 at 08:13 pm

Starting yesterday I am going to try my hardest to pay off my $20k in credit card debt. I figured that we can pay at least $1000 a month, so my goal is to have it paid by 4/2008. I know that is a long time, but it is a lot to pay off.

I also have two more goals: don't over-eat and don't over-spend.

Not that I am overweight, but since I got married in 2003 I went from a size 4 to a size 8. Yuck! I say I over-eat because I get "big-eyes" and want to order everything on the menu to eat and then end up sickly stuffed at the end. I don't exercise or diet.. and I don't plan to really for now. Yesterday at Arby's I ordered a Medium roast beef with cheddar and a medium Pepsi. Usually I would get a large sandwich with fries or potato cakes. But the one smaller sandwhich was plenty. This is also good because I am saving money eating less!!! Another thing I am watching out for is pop. I am not giving up my Pepsi, but I am only going to have it with meals. And when ordering out, always a medium (20 oz ish) or smaller. I find I do not need more than that.

Over-Spending.. I am the worst at this. Again, yesterday I started working on this. I go to Target often and buy misc. BS and end up spending $50 on one bag of things. So unfufilling, but I still do it! Yesterday I went in for a container to hold my bird food. I walked by the DVDs and saw a movie I never heard of but looked interesting. It was $19.99, not on sale. I picked it up to buy, but at the last minute in line I decided not to. I am so proud of myself for this because this is exactly what leads to my over-spending. Hmm.. I need to try to stay away from Target all together. Oh! Thought of a new goal!

Goals:
* Pay at least $1000 a month to Credit Card.
* Only eat what makes me content, not stuffed.
* Only purchase things I need or have slept on. No impulse purchases.
* Go to Target only once a week. Make a shopping list for the weekly trip.

10 Responses to “$20k Credit Card debit to pay off!”

  1. ima saver Says:
    1150316472

    I make it a habit to only go to Wal mart's 3 or 4 times a year. I spend too much. Lucky for me, it is 50 miles round trip to go there.

  2. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1150316943

    I often do a reality check before checking out....what did I put in the cart that I really dont need, can I get it cheaper or free somewhere else, do I NEED it or just want it. If I am undecided, Ill put it back and if I am still thinking about it (which never happens) a day or two later, I can go back and get it.

    I think you are wise to scale back rather than eliminate. You have a much great chance for success this way! Good luck with the new 'rules' !!

  3. veronak Says:
    1150321443

    Impluses shopping is my enemy, I have worked on it over the last few months so I am proud of my self. I f you stick with your plan I am sure you will succeed. What I did was taped " is it a need or want" on all my cc and the front of my check book when I first started with trying to pay down debt
    Good luck

  4. boomeyers Says:
    1150322457

    Your goals sound awesome. You are already doing something by acknowledging you have a problem. I am going to be 40 and I have always had the exact same kind of spending habits. I really have to stay pumped up to stay on course!
    Did you cut up the card with the big balance? If not, do so now!! Don't count on your will power! Is your husband on board with you?
    Good luck!

  5. dmontngrey Says:
    1150334101

    I had to completely ban myself from Target. I am so addicted to those stupid red clearance tags! I used to go there ever other night. I stayed away for quite a while, but lately I'll stop there once every month or two to buy something I NEED. That store is addictive.....

  6. jodi_m Says:
    1150340979

    A quick note on the fast food meals - I have found that a kiddie meal fills me up fine (or ordering just a burger and fries off the $1 menu). This after years of buying the meals because it seemed like a better deal, when really it's just more fat and calories than we need to be full. Sounds like you are off to a great start already Smile

  7. MsSharkBait Says:
    1150343654

    Thank you so much for the replies! jodi_m - I did that exactly today... I bought a kids meal, and then barely ate any of the fries. It was perfect.

    I can't imagine only going to a Target/Wal-Mart once a month or less than that! I always think of something I need or want there. I think my goal of once a week is really good for now. MAYBE later it can go to every other week - we'll see. Smile
    My husband will be on board when I talk to him this weekend. I think he will be very pleased that I have set up these goals.

    Thank you again everyone for the replies and encouragement. I really didn't expect anyone to respond!

  8. LuckyRobin Says:
    1150447391

    When I first started blogging, I made it my goal to stay out of Costco for a month. It was hard! But I made it. As soon as that month was up, though, I hit that store, fortunately not hard. Now I know I can do it. I had no idea I could actually stay away from it at all. Baby steps. You know yourself best so if only going once a week is a goal you think you can meet than that is what you should try for.

  9. melissa Says:
    1203224540

    HI, I was in the same place as you, then I found a way to make a minimum of $20k a month in real estate. If you have any interest in doing the same thing, e-mail me! =) Otherwise, Good luck!

  10. Aaron Says:
    1219358995

    Just wondering how you are doing??

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