We've crossed another threshold!

Total paid since starting this project on February 5th, 2010: $5,068!!

and my $1,000 Emergency Fund is still actively preventing emergencies from occuring. It's amazing how few emergencies happen when you're prepared.

I'm one-third of the way to my 2010 goal. I am right on track to pay off $15k this year! Maybe I can achieve a -0- net worth by the end of the year. I could be worthless! : )


Thank you so much for the comments and kudos! I think I'm a pretty average American debt story. All I've done differently is choose to talk about the financial mess I've created and the hard work and sacrifices that it is now taking to make a better life for myself and my girls. Having the support of regular readers and those just passing through keeps helps to keep me motivated, so thank you, thank you, thank you!!

metamorphosis of a blog

This started a bit over two months ago as a kind of diary just for myself.  It was private, unreadable, and could not be found by any search engine.  After deciding that there may be benefit not only for myself but also others who read it, I chose to share it with those who knew about battles with debt throughout the years; my immediate family.  Then it was discovered by a reporter from The New York Times.  It was at that point that I realized that I'm not shy about talking about these things and with the state of our nation's economy and our spendthrift culture fixated on instant gratification, chances are that many share my plight either currently or have at some time in the past.  I suspect that I know a lot more people in debt than not.

This blog started as personal accountability, but it has become motivation.  I have no idea how many people are reading, but I know there are a few.  I don't even know who they are, but someone has been looking at these pages.  Knowing that someone is taking an interest in what I'm trying to do makes me want to work harder to pay off my debt so I can post another big accomplishment.  YOU, dear mystery readers, have become a piece of my motivation.  I hope that I can inspire you, too!