5 Things I Spent Money on While Getting Out of Debt
Deciding to pay off your debt is a personal decision with a path that is as unique as you are. There are no formulas that will get you the same results within the same timeframe as any one else and that’s ok.
If you have chosen to pay off your debt you may decide to be gazelle intense as some personalities might suggest, or you may choose a lifestyle that will allow you to stick to a long-term plan.
Whichever route you take, here are five things I still did while paying off debt and looking back, I don’t regret any of it!
Life Milestones
There comes a time in our lives when it seems that everyone we know is either getting married or having a baby. Watching close friends and family tackle these new phases of their life was something I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
Participating in bridal showers, bachelorette parties, wedding showers, weddings, baby showers, sprinkles, etc. is something that took considerable financial resources. If avoided, I could have been debt free months earlier than my actual debt free date, but for what?
At what expense was I willing to become debt free while missing out on these large life milestones? This was not one of them.
Travel
While excessive traveling wasn’t in question, it was a no-brainer for Derek and I to participate in trips that we both considered important. This often looked like visiting friends for big birthday celebrations, weddings that were out of state or long weekends up north to enjoy the woods.
Whatever the event, we made it happen within a budget that was predetermined while weighing all of our options to ensure the trip was affordable, while allowing us to stay on track to pay off our debt.
Happy Hour
One of my favorite pre-pandemic rituals was happy hour at the local watering hole with co-workers or close friends to unwind from the day.
To keep costs low, I was always willing to pick the location to ensure a good happy hour menu with plenty of snacks and beverages at a discount.
I think back fondly on those days as a moment in time I got to connect with friends on a micro level, which can never be replaced by virtual happy hours.
Good Groceries
Good food has always been important to me and as a pescatarian, eating grilled chicken with veggies isn’t an option for my weekly meal prep as some influencers might suggest. A healthy diet including a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seafood ensures I care for my body as much as I want to care for my checking account.
Our co-op membership was also supported while we were becoming debt free and something we valued as a couple.
Weekend Fun
Whether there is a local art fair, music at the park or a new beer release at a brewery, it was always important we had money each weekend to get out and enjoy time off of work.
Sometimes the lines blurred as we were spending weekends traveling, chasing the latest food craze or meeting up for Sunday Funday but that’s where we were flexible. As long as we were making our monthly extra debt payment we were able to choose how we spent our time and the money that was left after our fixed expenses.
The more we spent the more shifts I’d usually pick up waitressing but it truly was a work hard play hard time in my life. And I don’t regret a single moment of it.
Don’t feel guilty for spending while you are paying off debt. Society might try to tell you you’re cheap or stingy but only you get to say what stays and what goes. Afterall, personal finance is just that, personal.
