Normal to feel stuck/depressed because of debt?

[RoadToRiches]

Listen, I know how you feel. I am on a same boat, but I tell you, YOU need to change YOUR way of thinking. Don't think of this as something bad. Yes it sucks bad now, but just think how awesome it will be once you are done. That's what I am doing. I put myself on a crazy plan to pay off my stupid credit cards. I will be done by december of this year. I have 17k worth.

I used to try to be "smart" with my money and track every single penny to see where it's going with some fancy Quicken or MS Money software. I would track EVERY PENNY. You know what? It got so tiring and I never really got ahead because I was still spending. The only difference was that I knew where it was going, but I didn't change my ways.

I went with total envelope system. It's great! I go to my bank IN PERSON, after each payday and I take out money that I allocated to put in my envelopes. I gave myself money for groceries, car gas, household and little bit for fun. I gave myself enough to not to be tempted to take out more money. That's the trick! You need to KNOW how much you will need. Make it fun! I created a spreadsheet with all my bills and I have every dollar going towards something. It's fun to see my credit cards on my spreadsheet just get smaller and smaller.You would be amazed how much money you can find.

I went from paying 140 bucks for TV and internet to 30 a month. I canceled my TV. I canceled everything that I was spending money and just paying and paying for things without thinking about it. You know what's my motivation is? January 2012. Because that is the day, when I will have 2 grand a month to save up and put in some smart investments. Just think about it.. 2 grand! Cash! Every month! Think about how much money you will have!

Start reading some books about personal finannce so you are ready when that day comes that you have all the money, you know where to put it.

But first you need to change the way you think! You can have your SB coffee.. just not every day. Budget for it for like twice a week or something. You don't have to deprive yourself from little fun. You just can't continue spending like you were spending or else you will never get out of it. You can't be doing same thing and wanting different outcome.

You can do it! If I can, believe me, anyone can.

[Jake 48]

Welcome Val, I have learned so much from this board, you re in the right place, karma for you