Not sure how to put this. I've caught the silver (PM) bug now, and it's had a huge impact on my views of building wealth. As I learn from this forum, I'm starting to realize. I need to get rid of my current debt before I can be a serious "stacker". Seriously, why would I put money into a hobby / investment while I still have school and credit card debt hanging over me? So I just wanted to say thanks. My eyes are open, I'm putting MUCH more money towards eliminating my debt. As I'm paying things off, I'm rewarding myself occasionally with a shiny round. Source: http://www.fundchat.org/2013/12/31/ideal-thank-you-letter-went-today/
I'm in the exact same boat. I was coasting, but since I started stacking I've been doing a ton of reading and basically educating myself. It's time to pay off my debt (while still treating myself to a few silver purchases). Time to get my financials in order.
Good on you both! Getting to that point of being debt-free is actually a pretty good feeling, it's like a weight being lifted from your shoulders almost
Great posts guys, very sensible. Good luck with getting rid of your debt and then building your stack
I'm not wanting to derail the thread but the guy at work was forced to do a budget. He found he was paying almost $70 a week in direct debits for services he hasn't used in literally years. My Home and Contents insurance was due recently (Wow I've been a home owner for over a year now) and of course that was an opportunity for my insurer to jack up the premiums. I rang them up and said WTF. To and fro'ing for a a bit. A bit miffed I contacted another insurer and saved myself the equivalent of a weeks mortgage payment for superior coverage. And yes, that saving really is going on the mortgage ;-) What am I saying? That there are plenty of ways to save your dosh. "It's not what you make, it's what you don't spend. It's not what you don't spend, it's what you don't waste"
So many ways to cut back. Do you use your unlimited talk/text/web etc for your phone? Do you really need that TV package? Should you buy that 60 inch or that 42? Should I buy that name brand product or should I buy that generic? Do I really need that car wash or can I just do it myself at home? Do I really need that lottery ticket I will most likely loose anyways? Do I really need to go 10 miles more to get to the store I prefer or will the closer one do? There are so many ways to save money that will help you pay back your debt faster and get to investing your money sooner. I do this everyday.