by Ashley
Hello, BAD readers! I’m baaaaaaaaack!
For long-time readers, it’s possible you’ll bear in mind me. I began running a blog right here in February 2014, at which period I had almost $150,000 in debt!
I blogged for about 4-years, throughout which period I minimize my debt in half (increase!) I used to be very hopeful to be completely debt-free* by now (*besides the mortgage). However, in fact, life occurs.
Greatest Laid Plans…
Smash/minimize, my husband and life-partner of 16 years and I referred to as it quits and received divorced in 2018. I attempted to maintain running a blog for a sizzling minute throughout our separation and divorce proceedings, however in the end I needed to let running a blog go for that season of time.
What has occurred since? Effectively, a number of life! Each good and unhealthy.
Monetary happenings
From a monetary perspective, I’ve needed to shell out much more cash on lawyer charges than I care to think about. Not simply with the preliminary divorce, however with different household court docket proceedings since then. I gained’t be speaking a lot about this as a result of private causes, however I believe it’s essential for a debt-reduction weblog to know that some huge cash has been devoted to “authorized charges” for one purpose or one other over the previous few years.
I’ve additionally had a slew of health-related points come up post-divorce. I used to be nonetheless running a blog when the primary such well being issues arose (e.g., I had a foul case of kidney stones that result in extreme an infection and sepsis again in March 2019). Finally, I’ve been identified with power kidney stones, which have broken my kidneys, resulting in a prognosis of kidney illness. On the ripe outdated age of 38, y’all. Can’t make these things up. All of those medical points clearly have monetary implications.
On the constructive facet, I proceed to thrive at work and have had a sequence of raises over the previous few years. I really feel extraordinarily properly compensated for what I do and I stay in an space that has a comparatively low value of dwelling. I additionally love what I do and discover a lot success in it and an awesome work-life steadiness, so I’m actually blessed on this regard.
Life happenings
Extra on the non-public entrance, I’m comfortable to report that I’ve discovered love once more! My hubby and I are nonetheless in our newlywed part. We received married in the course of the pandemic in a tiny elopement-style outside marriage ceremony. The one folks current have been the chaplain, a buddy who does pictures as a passion, and two witnesses. Plus us and my ladies, in fact. It was beautiful and excellent in each approach.
There’ve nonetheless been some robust issues over time – I’m unhappy to say that I’ve skilled a number of loss of life in our household. Some anticipated (e.g., my 92-year-old grandma handed peacefully in March of this 12 months), others far more sudden and tragic (e.g., my 39-year-old brother handed away virtually precisely a 12 months in the past). These experiences have result in extra journey prices, however have additionally modified, to some extent, the way in which I view cash. After I was initially running a blog again in 2014, I assumed I’d be out of debt by now. I assumed I might put a number of “LIFE” stuff on maintain till then. Now, I’m craving far more steadiness. Life has proven me via a sequence of occasions that point just isn’t promised. We will’t all the time depend our time in years, and nobody’s future is for certain.
Future running a blog schedule
I most likely gained’t be running a blog with the identical frequency that I used to again in 2014. However I’m so excited to be again and plan to pop in not less than as soon as each couple of weeks. I wished to begin with a normal “what-I’ve-been-up-to” submit, however I look ahead to sharing extra of the main points of my present debt scenario. No, I’m not debt-free. However I’m very hopeful about the place I’m at and I be ok with the longer term. I’m comfortable to be again on this journey and look ahead to your recommendation and help as I work towards that ultimate “Debt Freedom” label!
