Do I still wrestle with money? Absolutely!
Do I still have days where I wonder where it all went? For sure!
Do I still often think it would just be easier to buy the nice things I want and let the future sort itself out? Embarrassingly, yes.
Getting our financial house in order has taken a lot of work. And recently, when my car died and my wife’s car needed some costly repairs, it wiped out nearly every cent we had saved.
**Nine months of hard work, gone in an instant.**
It was devastating to see all of our hard saved money evaporate into a new car. Sure, it’s nice to have a new car that runs well and has air conditioning, but we weren’t planning on spending the thousands to make that a reality for a couple more years. It just goes to show, you never know what life is going to throw at you, or when. And it pays to be ready.
I have learned a lot since we paid off our credit cards, got student loans under control, made a plan to pay off medical bills and started savings a large part of our income while donating another sizable portion every month.
It’s been a long road and it’s nowhere near over.
Financial control is a journey, not a destination. There is never an end to the struggle and saving. There is never a point where the money starts replicating itself tenfold and all your worries are gone.
Keeping your finances under control is an ongoing endeavor and one I’m happy we’ve done.
There is an amount of peace and security that comes from saving for the future. I’m a calmer person knowing there is money going into savings every pay check.
I am happy to contribute to my 401k and pay Future Carl. He is going to appreciate the efforts of Present Carl one day.
I am happy to be able to pay down our debts and student loans. I am happy I know we have the money to live comfortably while making this happen.
I am happy we’re able to donate 10% of our monthly income to the church because I know it goes for good things. I don’t care where you stand on religion. I’ve been on both sides of the debate in my life.
But for now, I am happy where I am. I feel the religion I am living is mostly in line with my views. I am part of one fo the largest humanitarian aid organizations in the world since the church has a worldwide network of people and communication in place ready to act and serve when the need arises.
I didn’t think there was any way we could contribute to a 401k, put aside money in savings for ourselves and donate to the church every month.
But we do. We can. We are.
And I feel better because I know where my money is going and I know what it’s being used for. Can I afford to buy myself new gadgets, games and other toys at will? No.
But I know the difference I am making in my life as well as the life of others is well worse the sacrifice and hard work.