I am feeling truly grateful today—I do not take for granted that my ability to take a couple of months off and just quit my job is solely possible because my family lives a debt-free life. In 2016, our family paid off all our debt and we’ve lived debt-free since. Other than rent and utilities, literally everything else can be put on hold—I get to be in control. This freedom has also allowed me to save up a significant amount of money to lean on and avoid the stress of having to meet payments to anyone.
It’s all because of Dave Ramsey—who may not be everyone’s cup of tea (sometimes he isn’t mine)—but when it comes to money and hope, I cannot recommend his principles enough.
I also need to give a little credit to myself for being such a cheap tight-wad this year.