How we eliminated $10k of debt in 6 months

So,I have been wanting to write this post for a few weeks now,and I feel this is a good time. I currently have alot of time on my hands because I am not working for about 6 weeks. Mike and I decided that with me working so incredibly hard for 6 months to get us out of debt,it would be fair for me to take this time off to watch the kids while they are here in Ft. Worth,and for me to just relax and recuperate. I plan to work when the kids go home,at the Massage Envy in Arlington very part time. We have also decided that in February we will move to the Arlington/Mansfield area since Mike's permanent promotion was in Arlington.

Anyways...on to the debt. Holy crap we owed alot of money. Around $13,000.00 to be exact. Between my school loan,wedding loans and being stupid with credit cards...yeah we were so far in debt we were having trouble keeping the fridge...not exactly full...but barely stocked. Mike and I realized we had to do something,because neither of us could continue to live this way. When Mike lost his job at 5 guys last year,he took a significant pay cut,and that was when our trouble really began. Luckily with his newest promotion he is back to making around the same amount,but with how much child support he pays,it's still tight. I had planned to work right away at the Massage Envy in Fort Worth,but we couldn't figure out how we would juggle schedules with brand new jobs and the kids coming here. That was when I prayed and thought about it alot,and suggested to Mike that I stay in Lubbock from Feb-July and just work as much as I could to get us out of debt and so I could take the summer off to watch them. Mike's parents were gracious enough to let me live with them completely for free,and I attribute our success with this (and the future) to them. I worked at Massage Envy for almost 3 years so I had very steady clientele and knew I could get us out of debt easily with my checks going straight to it,and Mike taking care of the bills in Fort Worth. Was it hard?Definitely...I rarely ate out,didn't buy anything for myself, lived on as little money as possible,and worked on most of my days off either at work,babysitting, or out calls. It sure did pay off though. Not only did we eliminate almost all of our debt (I only have about $1500 left on my school loan,and $1000 left on a wedding loan,) my credit score soared through the roof,and that was how I was able to get a brand new car with a 3% interest rate, (I was previously paying 9% on a 2008 Nissan that I HATED!)

So I guess I am posting this because I hope it helps anyone who may be in my former situation become inspired to take control of their finances and debt. It wasn't easy at all, I saw my husband of 3 years 4 times in 6 months...but we knew a hard 6 months would make for an easier life for years. I just encourage everyone to really set and stick to a budget,and most importantly....only use credit cards when absolutely necessary!!    :-)

Heather