Our Debt Free Family

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Update: Settling Into Our New Home

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<p>There has not been a lot of time to stop and reflect on financial or life updates for the blog recently. We have been running around like crazy for about four weeks now preparing for a move, moving, and settling in. Finally, we are starting to have what resembles home and a new routine for our family. Here's how we are settling into our new home.</p>::Pexels

There has not been a lot of time to stop and reflect on financial or life updates for the blog recently. We have been running around like crazy for about four weeks now preparing for a move, moving, and settling in. Finally, we are starting to have what resembles home and a new routine for our family. Here’s how we are settling into our new home.

Goodbye, Atlanta!

<p>I met some truly fantastic people in Atlanta, but living there was not good for my mental health, my marriage, or my relationships with others. My husband and I started looking at homes to rent closer to our original homes again (back to North Carolina). A few weeks into our search, we decided we would probably wait until March to move so that we could be financially prepared. No more going into debt just to improve our immediate circumstances, right?</p>::Pexels

I met some truly fantastic people in Atlanta, but living there was not good for my mental health, my marriage, or my relationships with others. My husband and I started looking at homes to rent closer to our original homes again (back to North Carolina). A few weeks into our search, we decided we would probably wait until March to move so that we could be financially prepared. No more going into debt just to improve our immediate circumstances, right?

Well, the universe had different things planned.

Our tiny 450-square foot apartment got bed bugs (again – the second time in two years). Thinking about having to deal with an exterminator coming in, finding a place to go during COVID, and the multitude of other concerns on my plate, I was pretty close to having a mental breakdown. I didn’t even want to be in Atlanta anymore, why were we fighting so hard to stay?

A few things crossed my mind. “Just abandon the lease, there are bed bugs in the apartment.” “We can sleep on an air mattress for a few weeks.” “We have to call the landlord.” “Oh, God, we are in no way financially prepared for this right now.”

Help From Mom

I started talking to my mom about what was going on. She was there throughout the first ordeal with bed bugs. I just needed to vent to someone, but she offered to help pay for us to move out immediately. Who could turn that down? So, we started looking for a new home as if “money weren’t an issue,” as mom said.

Within a couple of days, we found a cute three-bedroom and two-bath house close to where my husband and I grew up. We were approved within a couple of hours of applying and mom helped with all of the deposits, moving truck, and other moving essentials. Just like that, our lives completely changed (and for the better).

The move, in general, has been an immediate improvement in the quality of life for us. We are happier, there is more space, we can see people we love. More importantly, we have so many things to keep us busy.

Shopping and Gifts

We did not bring a single piece of furniture from our apartment in Atlanta. There was no use in risking us bringing bed bugs into our new home. So, instead, we started saving every penny we could to get some small essential things (i.e. a cheaper mattress, living furniture, new towels, etc). We have furnished the house (pretty much) for under $2,000 out of pocket.

Amazon has some great buys as far as mattresses go. We grabbed our 10″ mattress for about $300. My grandmother had a box spring she did not need that we got for free. We also got a side table for the bedroom for free. The living room furniture took some more digging. We spent $300 on a futon and ottoman for the living space and used our old coffee table, TV stand, and television.

<p>Amazon has some great buys as far as mattresses go. We grabbed our 10" mattress for about $300. My grandmother had a box spring she did not need that we got for free. We also got a side table for the bedroom for free. The living room furniture took some more digging. We spent $300 on a futon and ottoman for the living space and used our old coffee table, TV stand, and television.</p>::Pexels <p>Amazon has some great buys as far as mattresses go. We grabbed our 10" mattress for about $300. My grandmother had a box spring she did not need that we got for free. We also got a side table for the bedroom for free. The living room furniture took some more digging. We spent $300 on a futon and ottoman for the living space and used our old coffee table, TV stand, and television.</p>::Pexels

A family friend came by with a glass dining table, four chairs, and two barstools. These were a gift. They need to be reupholstered, but that will only cost about $100 to $120 in total. That isn’t too bad for a dining set and stools. Then, last, but not least, my mom bought us a refurbished washer and dryer set ($750 with delivery and installation).

<p>Today, a new desk arrived for my new office space ( on Amazon). A new office chair will arrive within a couple of weeks. By February, a beautiful sectional my grandmother purchased as a gift will be here.</p>::Pexels

Today, a new desk arrived for my new office space ($65 on Amazon). A new office chair will arrive within a couple of weeks. By February, a beautiful sectional my grandmother purchased as a gift will be here.

Making This Our ‘New Normal’

Overall, as I sit curled up on my futon which will eventually be in my spare room, I can’t help but think about how very blessed we have been. There is no doubt this year has been hard for everyone, but I am feeling hopeful. It is hard to settle into this space when it feels like there is so much to do – so much to straighten up, so much to organize, so much to decorate – but it is already home.

In the mornings, we open the back door and the dog goes into our new backyard. We have a cup of coffee together, then I go into my make-shift office (photo for the laughs).

<p>In the mornings, we open the back door and the dog goes into our new backyard. We have a cup of coffee together, then I go into my make-shift office (photo for the laughs).</p>::Pexels

We are beginning to have what we never did in Atlanta: a routine. Eventually, this little place will fill up with things that depict our character. Memories will flood the hallways and we will make a wonderful life here. For now, there is still a little bit of settling to be done.

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Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which is a Better Approach to Paying Off Debt?

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<p>There is no sure-fire way to handle your finances or handle paying off debt. Each situation requires a different approach, depending on your personal financial needs. So, when it comes to being debt-free, what is the best way to handle paying off your accounts? How do you decide between a debt snowball vs. debt avalanche?</p>::Pexels

There is no sure-fire way to handle your finances or handle paying off debt. Each situation requires a different approach, depending on your personal financial needs. So, when it comes to being debt-free, what is the best way to handle paying off your accounts? How do you decide between a debt snowball vs. debt avalanche?

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche

“Debt snowball” and “debt avalanche” refer to two ways you can choose to pay down your debt. Deciding which method is best for you depends on your own personal situation. However, there are pros and cons to both approaches. Here’s what you need to know.

The Debt Snowball

Snowballing your debt is a great way to pay off your accounts in a quick fashion. To use this approach you need to begin paying off your debt in order of smallest to largest. So, if you have three accounts that need to be paid with amounts of $1,450, $6,578, and $10,755, you’d start paying as much as you can on the $1,450 account. Pay the minimums on the other two until you pay the first (smallest) account off. Once you’ve paid that account, move on to the $6,578 debt, then the $10,755.

Perks of using this method are being able to see your debt is paid off in a quick fashion. It provides a feeling of accomplishment and helps keep you motivated. You’ll also be able to free up more funds as you pay off the smaller accounts to tackle your other debt.

When it comes to comparing the debt snowball vs. debt avalanche, one con of the snowball may be that you wind up paying more in interest over time. It may also take longer to pay off your debt this way. However, it is a tried-and-true method.

The Debt Avalanche

Using a debt avalanche is another great way to pay off your debt over time. Instead of paying down debt by the total amount owed, you pay it off by the interest rate. So, if the three accounts mentioned above had interest rates of 7.9%, 9%, and 12%, then you’d want to start throwing money at the $10,755 account with the 12% interest rate first.

The biggest perk of this type of debt payoff plan is you’ll pay less interest in the long-run. You may also find that a debt avalanche approach helps you pay your debt off faster than the debt snowball approach. However, it can be harder to maintain your motivation with the avalanche method. It can also feel like it takes a longer time to pay things down.

Choosing the Best Approach For You

When it comes down to choosing between a debt snowball vs. debt avalanche approach, both will help you meet your goal of being debt-free if you stick to it. The best way to choose which is right for you will depend on your personal goals and what keeps you motivated.

If you think you’d lose motivation with the avalanche method, maybe you should try snowballing your debt first. Or maybe the thought of saving money on interest will keep you pushing forward on paying off your debt. If that’s the case, try out a debt avalanche instead.

You also don’t have to choose one or the other. Sometimes the best approach to paying off your debt is a combination of the two. Deciding what will motivate you and help you reach your debt-free goal is most important.

Have you tried either one of these debt payoff approaches?

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Debt and the Holidays: An American Story

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<p>Are you someone who goes into debt every holiday season? You're not alone. Debt and the holidays go hand-in-hand with one another for many families. Many people spend more than they have or money they simply don't have to fund the holiday season (i.e. gifts, a Christmas tree, cards, dinners, treats). However, they don't consider the lasting impact on your finances throughout the rest of the year.</p>::Pexels

Are you someone who goes into debt every holiday season? You’re not alone. Debt and the holidays go hand-in-hand with one another for many families. Many people spend more than they have or money they simply don’t have to fund the holiday season (i.e. gifts, a Christmas tree, cards, dinners, treats). However, they don’t consider the lasting impact on your finances throughout the rest of the year.

Debt and the Holidays: A Story

Growing up, I was good friends with a larger family that was fairly well-off. Each year around Christmas, their mother took out a loan to pay for gifts for the kids. Yes, a LOAN. It sounded insane to me then and it still sounds fairly crazy to me now, but I realized more people do this than you might realize.

Every single year, they would have new Michael Jordan sneakers under the tree, a new phone, a new iPod, and literally whatever they asked for. In my family, we always had a nice Christmas, but within reason. When I would visit and see how they celebrated, it would always blow my mind. To me, it didn’t feel much like Christmas. It felt more like they were showing off for someone. But who?

I’m not sure if that is true or not, but it is certainly how it felt. Once I learned a loan was taken out for it each year, my jaw dropped. How did that make any sense at all? Then it was explained to me that they would pay it off before the next year’s celebration. While, in theory, this could work and even benefit your credit score, I’d still avoid it like the plague.

Why This is Generally a Bad Idea

Of course, if you have the means to pay off the loan in a short period of time like they did, great. But wouldn’t it be even better if you used that money and put it into savings each year? Your savings can accrue interest, while your loan’s interest isn’t the desirable sort.

On top of potentially putting yourself in a hard spot financially, it is also supporting bad habits with your money. When you take out a loan to cover Christmas gifts, you are giving yourself the “okay” to do it with other things too. Before you know it, you have tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt and need a loan to be able to pay for rent, not just gifts once a year.

So, before you go over the top and think about getting a loan out or going into debt over the holidays, think about how you can better budget your money, save, and give meaningful gifts. After all, the true meaning of the entire season is the spirit of giving – that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune.

Readers, what do you think about debt and the holidays? Have you ever considered getting a loan out for Christmas or any celebration?

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How to Audit Your Home Energy Usage

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p>One of my favorite things about fall is that it presents the opportunity to save money on your home energy costs. You can open windows to cool the house down and can usually use methods indoors to avoid kicking the heat on. However, before you try to start saving money on your home energy costs, you may want to perform a home energy audit to get an idea of how energy efficient your house is.</p>::Pexels

One of my favorite things about fall is that it presents the opportunity to save money on your home energy costs. You can open windows to cool the house down and can usually use methods indoors to avoid kicking the heat on. However, before you try to start saving money on your home energy costs, you may want to perform a home energy audit to get an idea of how energy efficient your house is.

How to Audit Your Home Energy Usage 

Performing a home energy audit sounds a lot more difficult than it actually is. There are a few things you can check and fix yourself to get your home ready for the colder months.

Locate Leaks (water and air)

Reducing drafts in your home can reduce your home energy cost by 10% to 20% each year. To check for “air leaks” or drafts, ensure that your baseboards are secure and without holes. You should also check for cracks at the junctures of ceilings and walls. You can also check windows, doors, fixtures, switches and electrical outlets. If you have a fireplace, you’ll want to check that for dampers as well.

Check Your Insulation

In older homes especially, insulation can need to be replaced. Replacing insulation in your home could greatly reduce your home energy cost over the winter by reducing the amount of time your heat is running. Having better insulation will improve your home’s ability to maintain temperature without any additional energy. Don’t forget to also check attic spaces and crawlspaces to determine whether added insulation in those places will help your home energy cost. Read why you shouldn’t continuously adjust the thermostat. 

Inspect Your Heating and Cooling System

Like many other household appliances, your furnace and air conditioner get old and break. As those appliances get older, they can also lose their energy efficiency. If your unit is 15 years old or more, you should consider replacing it to maximize efficiency and reduce energy cost in your home. Additionally, if your unit is nearing its 15th year, start saving for a new unit!

Change Out Your Bulbs

A few years ago, everyone was switching to LED bulbs to save money on energy costs at home.  If you decide to switch your bulbs to energy efficient bulbs it can save you a ton of money. Lighting accounts for about 10% of your overall electric bill so switching to LED can actually make a difference.

Inspect Other Appliances

Like your heating and cooling system, other appliances in your home get old and need to be replaced. An old refrigerator, for instance, may cost more to run than a newer model. The newer model of dishwashers, toilets, and showerheads tend to use less water and, therefore, cost less to run/maintain. Consider replacing your old, outdated appliances with new, energy-efficient appliances. This can prove to help you reduce your energy use month-to-month significantly.

These are just a few of the ways you can audit your home to make it more energy efficient. If you’re unsure of your ability to check these things, you may want to hire a handyman to take a look around and give you an idea of what your home energy usage report card looks like. Either way, making the changes necessary to transform your home into an energy efficient one will prove to be beneficial for your wallet.

See something we left out of the home energy usage audit? Comment below!

Photo: Chuck Coker

Great Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

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<p>It’s no surprise that for many American families, the holidays can be a huge financial stretch. That stretch and stress can put a huge burden that may take months to pay off. That stress can be damaging financially and emotionally. This blog post is a compilation of simple ways to prevent the holidays from becoming a negative emotional weight on your family!</p>::Pexels

It’s no surprise that for many American families, the holidays can be a huge financial stretch. That stretch and stress can put a huge burden that may take months to pay off. That stress can be damaging financially and emotionally. This blog post is a compilation of simple ways to prevent the holidays from becoming a negative emotional weight on your family!

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How I’m Throwing A Cookie Decorating Party on a Budget

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How to throw a cookie decorating party Pinterest graphic

Every Christmas, I throw a cookie decorating party. Generally, I have a few of my friends here, along with their children, and we decorate cookies, do Christmas crafts, listen to music, and watch movies. As you can imagine, this kind of get-together can get costly fast. You have cookies, icing, decorating tools, a table cover, food, etc. However, I never break my budget when it comes to throwing this party. Here’s how I’m doing it.

Go To Aldi

Aldi has the best prices around where groceries are concerned, there’s no doubt about that. Sometimes heading to Aldi isn’t as convenient for me, but if I’m throwing a get-together, I ALWAYS head there. For this party, I’ll be making a couple of grazing boards to snack from. Things like salami, pepperoni, veggies, fruit, and cheese are all reasonably priced at Aldi.

I’m also going to snag everything I can for the cookie making at Aldi (flour, sugar, baking soda, confectioner’s sugar, etc.). Again, things are just cheaper there.

Hit the Dollar Store

The next store on my list to hit for the party is the Dollar Store. There are a few things I will pick up as party favors and other craft materials there. Many Dollar Stores have fun Christmas mugs throughout the holiday season. Everyone attending the party will get one to put their hot chocolate in and they can take it home. For $1, that’s a steal and a great little party favor!

They also have ornaments that we will paint. Again $1 for a set of ornaments to decorate is a steal. I’ll also grab other things like a table cover to protect my table during the decorating, a pack of festive plates, and a little candy to go into their gift bags. We also do small gifts (under $20), so I’ll grab a couple gift bags too.

Planning for Cost

The biggest thing about throwing a cookie decorating party, or any kind of gathering, is knowing what your budget is ahead of time. Know exactly how much money you want to spend or are willing to spend on the event. Pinterest is a great place to find DIY and budget-friendly dupes and ideas.

All of that said, having a decorating party like this has become a great tradition for us. It is somewhere between Friendsgiving and Christmas – and we love it. Even if it’s fancier some years than it is others, it is something we can always look forward to. Whether we spend $20 or $100, it is something we can enjoy every year.

To me, that is the best part of it all – I could buy a package of pre-made sugar cookies and icing and we’d still be able to carry on with this tradition.

Readers, what are some of your holiday traditions and how do you plan to cover the cost each year? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 

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Happy Holidays! Here Are Our New Year’s Resolutions

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<p>Christmas was extremely successful in our home this year. We managed to keep everything low-cost where presents were concerned. However, many of them haven't gotten in the mail for our relatives out of town (whoops). Christmas Day we went to the dog park with our baby (Enzo) and made homemade lo mein instead of ordering takeout Chinese. We ended the holiday looking forward to creating a vision board for 2019 and setting some New Year's resolutions.</p>::Pexels

Christmas was extremely successful in our home this year. We managed to keep everything low-cost where presents were concerned. However, many of them haven’t gotten in the mail for our relatives out of town (whoops). Christmas Day we went to the dog park with our baby (Enzo) and made homemade lo mein instead of ordering takeout Chinese. We ended the holiday looking forward to creating a vision board for 2019 and setting some New Year’s resolutions.

Setting Family New Year’s Resolutions

My other half and I have a lot of goals for 2019. This year will be our first year creating a Vision Board together. It will include financial goals, of course, and personal goals for us both. On the personal side of things, we would both like to get married next year. I would also like to train for and run a 5K and lose the last 40 pounds I have to reach my weight goal.

Financially, we both have the same long-term goal: be debt-free. However, to hone in on what we need to do in 2019, we’ve made a list of our debts and plan to snowball it starting January 1. Here’s what we’ve discussed so far…

  1. Pay off “small” debts by March. The other half’s car will be paid off by March. We will also have our credit cards paid off by then and a small medical bill ($242). Having these things paid off in full will leave us room to pay off other debts, including new tax debt.
  2. Focus on tax debt while making minimum payments on other accounts. We owe a little over $9,000 and have established a payment plan with the IRS. With my other half out of work last year, we weren’t able to put taxes aside as we normally do. After we pay down the smaller accounts, we will use all of our extra cash to pay this off. Once it is paid we are also going to begin putting big chunks of cash aside for future tax bills.
  3. After tax debts are paid, we will be making extra payments on remaining accounts. Once the IRS is paid, we will start throwing extra cash at the remaining accounts. We will still have our Conn’s bill (about $2,000 remaining), student loan ($22K), car loan ($20K), and the tool bill ($10K).

Creating a Vision

New Year’s resolutions are overrated for the most part. Many people abandon them by the end of March. For us, creating a Vision Board is more important than resolving to change in the new year. Instead, we are focused on large goals we’d like to reach by the end of the year. Each of the steps above will be part of reaching that vision and creating a life we want to live.

What about you? What are your New Year’s resolutions? Do you create a Vision Board?

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Why Debt-Free People Should Look To Online Marketplaces To Save Money During The Holidays

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saving money shopping in online marketplaces

I’m not debt-free yet, but I am always looking for ways to save money, especially around the holidays. This year, I really needed to get a new dining table. My other table was getting unsafe with my baby around it and we genuinely hated it. So, that sent me on a search for something affordable. I landed myself on Facebook Marketplace and if you aren’t already using platforms like this, you’re missing out. Here’s why.

The Table Story

When we moved back to North Carolina two years ago we didn’t have anything. We slept on an air mattress until we could get a mattress here and I stacked up boxes to serve as a desk until I could afford to buy a new one. Thankfully, some people came through with some free furniture to help us get by.

Unfortunately, the furniture definitely wasn’t our style (but hey, it was free). It served its purpose, but once we had a baby, we noticed that the furniture wasn’t only an eyesore to us, but it started getting dangerous for the little one.

My toddler nearly pulled the glass table down on herself one day and I’d had enough. It was out by the curb the next day, but we had a dilemma. Now, we had no table, and I’ll be hosting Christmas Eve in a few weeks. Yikes!

One of my good friends mentioned looking on Facebook Marketplace. After having dealt with bed bugs a few years ago, I’m weary about buying anything secondhand or from garage sales. However, she assured me we could check things out before we paid for them and take everything case by case.

So, I started looking around and we found a table that looked like it would be perfect for us. It is a four-seater with a leaf in the middle, making it easier for when we have guests. Best of all – it was only $150! Now, I’m a huge fan of marketplace sales and giveaways.

My Favorite Online Marketplaces

Of course, Facebook is one of the main marketplaces you can find things for sale (or free). Here are some of my favorite ways to find things on that platform:

  • Get into local groups. Here in Indian Trail there are local “buy, sell, and trade” groups for all of the neighboring towns and cities. These can be awesome spots to find things for cheap.
  • Mom groups are good too. I have seen a lot of great things being given away in “moms giving to moms” groups. If you are searching for toys, household items, clothing, etc. these can be great places to look.
  • Check the Marketplace itself. Facebook has a marketplace section on its app and you can search locally for specific item like a kitchen table.
  • Post an ‘ISO.’ Facebook is a great place to share an ISO (in-search-of) post. This helps people recommend places where you can find what you are looking for or, if you’re lucky, someone on your friends list may already have it on hand.

Facebook isn’t the only online marketplace where you can grab used, budget-friendly items either. You might want to check these platforms too.

  • OfferUp
  • Mercari
  • eBay
  • Craigslist

No matter what marketplace you decide to peruse for your items, be sure you protect yourself against any scams. Don’t pay for anything before you have seen it and, if possible, make sure the seller is verified.

Readers, what are some of your favorite online marketplaces? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to check them out.

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Tips To Stay Calm During The Busy Season

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Tips to stay calm during the busy season

This is a busy season for most of us. There is pressure to keep up holiday traditions, put well-thought-out gifts under the tree, and roll out a feast for your family. I’m here to tell you it’s okay if it doesn’t all get done.

That’s right. It is okay if everything on your holiday to-do list doesn’t get done.

Saying this to myself has helped me manage my stress around the holidays a lot. After all, I put all of these expectations on myself. No one else is asking me to cook Beef Wellington on Christmas Eve – that was my dumb idea. That being said, we could all use a little help getting through our busy seasons.

Here are some tips and mantras I’ve been living by to get me through – and I hope they help you too.

Traditions Don’t Make You Go Broke

Recently, I’ve seen a post going around on social media stating something along these lines:

You don’t have to keep up any traditions that make you go into debt, spend all of your money, stress you out, or cause you to be unhappy.

That was a break-through moment for me, honestly. I never thought about simply not taking part in the traditions if they caused me anxiety or stress. We did these things every year, we have to do them, right?

Wrong! You can pick and choose what you want to do. If you struggle with depression and anxiety during this time of year, that may be doing the absolute bare minimum and that’s okay. No tradition is worth your peace.

It’s Okay To Say No During Your Busy Season

On top of that, it is okay to say no to things. Oftentimes, during the busy season, we overload our calendars with fun, exciting things to do without taking our own mental health into consideration.

It’s good to remember that many of these events and activities won’t be as much fun if you are stressed. If you are worried about making it to every single thing you’ve been invited to, you won’t have a moment to breathe. And, if you’re like me, you’ll get burnt out and sick fast.

So, learn to say no to some things. It will be better for you in the long-run.

Not Everyone Deserves Your Presents or Presence

This point goes hand-in-hand with not breaking the bank, or your back, for traditions. Just because someone is family or has been around for previous holiday celebrations doesn’t mean they deserve to be.

Our generation is breaking a lot of curses and one of them is not feeling pressured to be around people you don’t want to be. We surround ourselves with family and friends who bring love and light into our lives. Not everyone is deserving of your presence or presents. Remember that.

Readers, what are some mantras or things you do to help you get through the busy season?

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Why A Full Heart Will Keep You From Going Into Debt

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Why a Full heart will keep you from going into debt Pinterest graphic

Recently on the blog, I’ve been reflecting on different things around the holidays. Many of us go into debt trying to create the perfect Christmas. You have to spend $100s on family photos and matching outfits. Let’s not forget small gifts for every single person you meet during the holiday season. It’s stressful and, honestly, it’s not something I’m subscribing to anymore. It doesn’t serve me.

Instead, I’m going to focus on all of the things I have. I will focus on things that give me a full heart. Here’s how you can do the same.

What Does it Mean to Have a Full Heart?

For most people, having a full heart means that you feel satisfied and complete in your life. Depending on who you are, that can mean different things. Some people long for a big family. Other folks might want to travel or experience new things with the people closest to them.

Having a full heart isn’t about material things though, which many people focus way too much on at this time of year. It causes financial problems and so much unneeded stress.

You are not obligated to keep up any tradition that is going to leave you broke, tired, or stressed out.

Having a Full Heart Will Keep You From Racking Up Debt

As you can imagine, when you feel happy and fulfilled by the people and things around you you are less likely to spend money on material things. Consumer credit card debt is at an all-time high and it will undoubtedly be even higher following the holiday season. This only brings additional stress. Avoid it by focusing on the things you really care about.

How You Can Have a Full Heart

When it comes to feeling like you have a full heart, it is really all about what means the most to you. Make room in your budget and in your schedule for the things you really care about.

That does not mean trying to fit every little thing into your schedule. However, it does mean setting aside time to cuddle up with your kids and watch Christmas movies or drive around to see Christmas lights.

It also doesn’t mean buying a slew of Christmas gifts for everyone you know. Instead, think about purchasing or making meaningful gifts for your close circle of friends and family. It will be less stressful on you and mean more all around. Again, you are looking for something that truly serves you, makes you happy, and makes your heart full.

Readers, do you think having a full heart makes a difference in how much debt you accrue? What does having a full heart mean to you personally? Let me know in the comments!

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