entering austerity

David and first met in Cuba. We had educational visas to go for spring break and study art and politics. I never wrote the paper- I honestly went to swim in the Caribbean- David- the political historian went to learn and experience a new country. We both have been passionate about traveling since we were little. It's what drew us together. Most of our marriage has been geared towards getting him through medical school, residency, and through the first year of his job. This is the first fall I've worked in 9 years. We've been able to do some traveling over the years- more than many, but significantly less than we would like to do.

Medical school cost us $300,000. We are down to $287,000. If we pay over 29 years as we are set to do now we will pay close to $650,000 total. This was our plan- let's not stress- let's just live and pay it down over time.

Recently one of my friends moved with her 3 young children and her husband to Morocco. He is now the principal of an international school and she will continue homeschooling. Their plan is to stay for 2 years. I've been reading her blog and seeing her pictures on facebook and I am so jealous! They're experiencing the amazing Moroccan culture- from foods, to beaches, to sunsets, to markets, to a really fun life. I don't doubt the troubles and missing him and sacrifices- but I think the gain is well worth it. I started talking about how I'd love to travel more with the kids and David reminded me anytime we travel we have to consider the $3000/month payment we are making right now for student loans.

A few months ago David said he would like to pay down the debt and I said- nope. I want to buy a new house. No, actually make that 6 weeks in Costa Rica. Actually, no, let's just buy a house in Mexico. I know- I'm a dreamer. It comes from my dad. But hey- without some dreams he would've never made the 8,000 mile trek from Detroit to La Paz, Bolivia. I think dreams keep us moving- they keep me moving anyway. I enjoy thinking up things to do with this wild and crazy life. But every time I start dreaming I hit the wall of debt. I hate this wall.

The other thing the wall represents is less options for Bentley. We have to save and consider Bentley's needs. It's part of the diagnosis- part of the reality. Not every family can do that for their child, but I feel like we can- and given the choice we probably should. 

I honestly don't want to make 360 payments to pay back a debt with an additional $330,000 in interest. I want to be free.
David and I had to live really simply and frugally for most of our years in Detroit- we know how to do it. I think the challenge is going from not making a budget to having to follow a budget really closely.

So here's the plan:
39 payments (the first three will be Oct, Nov, Dec of 2016 and will be smaller because we have to get ready) followed by 36 payments of a lot of money/ month. (you can do the math). And we'll only end up paying $31,000 in interest- gulp.

Simple dinners:
Sun: church
Mon: pasta
Tues: beans and rice
Wed: quesadillas
Thurs: eggs and potatoes
Fri: pizza from costco
Sat: soup
2 x a month date night.

This will allow us to be debt free by December 2019. I'd like to document this journey for two reasons.
1. It's going to be really hard and I need support.
2. If you're in debt and you want the extra boost or encouragement- I'm here for you!


As I think about this decision I see our heads to the ground- not thinking about the extras, the luxuries, or even the small things that add up- it's a time to focus- heads down, feet moving and boom- get out of debt- move to freedom.