I Hate Debt!

Leah and I are out of debt, except for our mortgage, and have been for almost 3 years now. While we did not pay off our debt as quickly as many others do, we worked very hard at it, and we are both proud and grateful for the experience of paying off our debts. We still look at that mortgage as a boat-anchor, but it is amazing to see how much more we can do with our money now that we don’t have any car payments, medical bills, or anything else.

Having gone through that experience and now having talked with many, many folks about their financial outlook, I have come to one conclusion: I HATE DEBT. Every time I hear the pain in someone’s voice; every time I see the despair in the eyes of a young couple; ever time I notice the “I’ve given up” attitude in someone’s demeanor, it makes me hate it even more.

This post is a simple appeal to do two things. First, if you are not in debt, don’t get started down that road! Second, if you are in debt, get out, and I mean get out now.

Think with me of a few reasons why.

1. Giving. People who are in debt cannot give to the Lord like they would like to. I do not doubt for a moment that they would like to give more. Some may even feel shame from not giving, but they simply can’t. Too much of their money is going to the bank. As a result, evangelism is stiffled.

2. Charity. If you are in debt, you cannot give to others like you would like. You may give a few dollars here and there (and you should), but think about what you could do if you had no payments. You could change the lives of many people!

3. Attitude. I cannot describe it, but there is a change in your demeanor when you have no payments. Something is eased in your psyche that you didn’t even realize was there. It is simply because you are not thinking all the time about what bill is going to be left unpaid this month.

4. Marital Conflict. Money problems lead to strain in marriage, and often lead to divorce. It is that simple. When you have no debt, your income is used to build your life together, not to build a new office building for Visa.

5. Legacy. I’m not just talking about leaving money to children, organizations, and churches. That certainly is part of a legacy. However, you leave a legacy of handling money wisely. That information and example is even more powerful than any dollars you might leave.

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So, I beg you, get out of debt. It will change your life. Hate debt. Don’t give up. Keep going. You can do it, and your heavenly Father will grant you the wisdom to help if you just ask.

I HATE DEBT!

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One final appeal. I am not any sort of financial counselor, but I love to help. If I can help in any way, please let me know. That’s what I’m here for!