My Name Is Heather, And I'm A Shopaholic

The other day when I was meeting with an advisor in the Student Disabilities Department, the advisor asked me if I struggled with my finances, keeping an updated checkbook and remembering how much money I had in my bank account. I'm still not quite sure what this had to do with me having a learning disability, but it did get me thinking... I do struggle with these things. Could it be a side-effect of my disability? Either way, it's a problem.

I read "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey late last year. His words encouraged me to buckle down and start exercising some discipline. I began feeling pretty good about our financial situation for a while, but after a few months I lost sight of those goals and my instant-gratification seeking self decided that shopping was much more fun than saving. Because of this, our financial situation is a little bit worse than before I read Dave Ramsey's book.

I think the important thing for me to do in my current situation is first and foremost to recognize that there is a problem and identify it. Indeed, there is a problem. That problem would be my spending habits. Too often I lose sight of my long-term goals and focus on a single moment rather than the big picture. This isn't going to help us get out of debt!

My resolve is to keep a long-term perspective. In my church, whenever we are going through a trial we are often reminded to remember what is called an "eternal perspective", meaning a sight into the grand scheme of things rather than focusing on the turmoil we may be currently experiencing. This is something that I need to integrate into my financial situation, an "eternal perspective". Am I going to need this sweater or piece of jewelry to serve others, to be happy and to make it back to Heaven someday? Definitely not.

Right now this change in perspective may seem like the answer to my problems, but it's not. It's going to be much harder than that. It will require a change in habits as well as a change in thought processes, but I'm willing to make the change because I'm ready to be free from debt and financial burdens.

If you want to read an inspirational blog about working to achieve freedom from debt, I'd highly recommend visiting the blog Dear Debt!

What was the turning point for you to decide to get out of debt? Or, what is your motivation to become financially healthy?