I've spent all of my adult life on this roller coaster of spending, getting into debt, returning things, spending more, feeling guilty, and so on.

The past two months I've been making strides in beating this... what do you call it?? Lifestyle? Addiction? Condition? So, even through the holidays I'd improved my ways (with the help of this site and a reality check brought to me by dh...) which is hard to do b/c, well, they're the holidays!

But, now the results are in for January (which is what a typical month for us will be). Dh's eyes were popping out of his head when he went online to see our credit card statement and some other accounts that are usually flashing RED RED RED!!!! We are BACK IN BLACK baby!!!! He was amazed at how much we have left over... truly amazed. We are usually $2,500 - $3,000 In The Hole each month. We usually have to juggle accounts, transfer funds from savings to cover our arses each month. Well, not only did we not have to transfer anything, we had $1,600 left over! That is a lot of money, and now that we know it is possible we are elated!

(of course, we have worries now about two of our kids, but at least the finances are ok!)

<<<big sigh>>>

Just wanted to post something happy and positive. :rah rah:

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"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

I am so proud of you! I know you have been working really hard at this, and as a fellow "recovering shopper" I know it's not easy.

You are right to be proud. Thanks for posting a great success story!

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

Congrats on the finances!!!

Hey...what's going on with the kids? Is everything okay? <worried>

Wow! That is terrific! And I'm guessing (based on your surprise) you didn't even MISS the spending! That is AWESOME!

That is so great kellytime, hope the kids are ok

Congrads!!!!!!!!!!! It is so wonderful when you can see the things change.

Congrats! Can we get some detail on on what you did?

What's up w/the kids?

Is this all on here and I just have a short memory?

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Hurry! Deadline is Near way before Santa comes!

Congratulations...I know it wasn't easy, but what a great feeling to know that you CAN break the cycle. Good job!!!

That's wonderful, congratulations! Good Job, I know it's so hard, I'm a recovering shopper too!

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt

Yeeeeha! Great work! I bet the feeling you got when you realized you kept everything in check, was much better that the "high" you got when shopping. Now that you know you can do it, it will be so much easier and rewarding now.
Keep up the good work!

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Children Learn What They Live, And Live What They Learn.
What have you taught your child today?
When life throws you a curve ball...it's up to you how you catch it!