With age comes financial optimism

Do you notice as you get older you feel better about your position in the world? I know we all try to hold off the aging process as long as possible, but it does come with some wonderful changes.

Like being happy with yourself. I know that I was very unsure of myself when I was younger. Oh sure, I showed the world a strong and confident young person, but inside I was a nervous twit. Always second guessing my choices and views.

I like the confidence that grows with age. A confidence that says you can think and believe anything you want. It doesn't matter what another says. You are mature enough to listen, but know what your views are and strong enough to defend them. Or not - which is just another form of power from age.

It is difficult being young. There is such a huge world out there. One that is screaming for you to come and explore and spend. You bust out of your parents protective cover and you just want to hit the world full speed ahead.

Although, that time was very exciting, it came with a price. Some of us, walked away fairly cheaply. While others of us are still working on cleaning up the remnants of choices gone bad.

I remember worrying that I would have enough food on the table, diapers in the diaper bag and keep the electric on - all at the same time. Money was so tight.

Looking back, I am so glad that it was tough. I think it makes me more prepared for better decisions today. Plus, I learned how strong I am and how capable I am at conquering any dilemma.

Today, or in the last 10, I owe more money then ever before in my life. Yet, I don't worry about food or cash flow. I know the bills will be paid on time. I don't start to panic when pulling up for an iced coffee at McDonalds. Because even with the high debt, we have a high income that allows us much flexibility for disposable income.

Yes, if we stayed focused, we could probably be 100% debt free in under 3 years. Although, we probably won't do that. We sacraficed many splurges and things that tell you, you are living in years past. In fact, up in till last year. And we aren't willing to do that any more.

Still, I sit here with a huge mound of financial optimism. I know, without a doubt, that we will be entirely debt free in under 10 years. When I say debt free, I mean we will owe NO ONE. Including having paid in full for all 5 kids college expenses. With many investments in place to actually support us and leaving us without a need for gainful employment.

I'm sure we will work in some compacity. Neither my DH or I are the type to sit idly by. Life is too short for nothing. And an idle mind and body is a dead one.

Sure, I will still dream of that debt free life and work little extras to pay down the debt faster. I just wont sacrafice enjoyment to get there faster. Thankfully, we did enough of this in years past to enable us to not have to do this now.