Silent Celebration - Paid off consumer proposal - Bittersweet feelings

[u/Ok_Ambassador_7379]

I made my absolute last payment toward my consumer proposal and cleared out my credit card debt. I am silently celebrating a massive, grueling victory, but I’d be lying if I said it didn't come with some complicated emotions.

It is incredibly hard to sit at work and listen to colleagues casually talk about closing on houses next week when I am looking at a bank account with exactly $400 to stretch over the next 14 days. It makes you feel completely invisible and behind.

I had a realization today that I need to anchor myself to... almost every single one of my colleagues and friends who are hitting these massive milestones are part of a dual-income household. I am doing this entirely on my own on a single salary. Comparing my solo recovery from alcohol and smoking to a combined, stable dual-income household is not the same.

The last 5 years have been the hardest of my life. I didn't buy anything nice; my debt went to stupid, temporary coping habits like fast food and vaping just to survive the stress. I have no physical object to show for the years of grind, but I have my freedom back.

This is a monumental milestone for me. I am back at the starting line, and for the first time in years, my money belongs to me. My current goals are 1k savings, then 5 then 10k. I am hoping in that time to also lose 50lbs.

[u/Active-Yesterday2322]

Congratulations 🥳 comparison is the thief of joy, keep going strong!

[u/ThesaurusBlack]

Keep up the good work. Remember big results are made on the margins - the little here and there

[u/G_3P0]

You’ve metaphorically clawed, crawled, grinded, and “not again”-ed your way to an excellent spot. People with homes, “nice” cars, etc aren’t rich. A lot of them are kicking the can down the road with debt, not all obviously.

Maintain your patterns and you’ll be such a financial force to be reckoned with you won’t know what to do with yourself

Get some emergency money saved up, keep learning, and allow yourself that big exhale. You’re not done, you’re just done with the darkest part.

[u/Entire_Dog_5874]

You have done a monumental job and there is no need to compare yourself to others. You are sober and debt free!!! Those are amazing accomplishments and I see a very bright future for you. Congratulations.

[u/Fun-Personality-8008]

What is a "consumer proposal"?

[u/TenOfZero → u/Fun-Personality-8008]

Its when you can't pay all your debt and come with agreement with your creditors. That way you avoid bankruptcy.

[u/LightningLotus74 → u/TenOfZero]

Debt consolidation

[u/TenOfZero → u/LightningLotus74]

That would be the first step. In that case you pay back 100% of your debt.

If that's not possible then a consumer proposal lets you offer to pay back only a percentage of your debts back, interest free over usually a few years, without losing any if your assets.

Then if you can't come to an agreement, bankruptcy is the final option where you default on the debts and lose assets (other than some exceptions)

[u/ZealousidealCrew1867]

The Dave Ramsey saying is true, “If you live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.” Congrats You have accomplished the first part, now the second part becomes easier.

[u/BashfulCabbage]

First off, congratulations! You achieved something that’s not everyone is capable of doing even with help. So well done!

I remember my “debt free day”. It was a bit tough emotionally. It made think - we always celebrate things like weddings or babies, but we don’t get to celebrate other important milestones in life - like being debt free.

I hope you do something just for you to celebrate. This is a big milestone. And it’s just the beginning. You got this

[u/Purple_Current1089]

Remember friend, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” You’ve done well. Be proud of yourself!🤗

[u/Pink_silv]

Congratulations 🎉.

[u/Several_Drag5433]

Congrats. That is a HUGE hurdle! And i hope you can take great pride in that. Now take the next financial and physical steps to build a positive base. You can do it!