I've come to the point where I have decided to discontinue this blog. I have come full circle (kind of, not really, as I got off the 360 full-circle loop on a way more positive place than where I began) and although I used cash only living for the past few years, I am actually now a full fledged credit card using, credit card holding member of society these days. But going cash only did serve its purpose and got us out of debt, a fact which I will forever be grateful for.
Looking back over this blog, it really is amazing to see where we began and how far we've come and where we ended up (Vegas baby!). Seriously, if someone would have told me ten years ago that I would be debt free and living in Las Vegas I would have laughed them out of the room.
I started this blog in a fit of angst on October 17, 2009. At the time I wanted a new life that didn't include debt (the first post is here) and then I set some goals (found here in the second post). I am happy to report that since those first two posts, nearly all of the goals I set have been met. Who would have thought that the goals that I set nearly five years ago would have been achieved, often in such an unusual way? Although we never did pay cash for a new car (we are still driving our old but trusty, paid off van) we did pay off the house and the home equity loan (by selling the house which wasn't even in the plans when I wrote the list), we paid off all of our credit cards, set up an emergency fund, and did get to travel, travel, travel (after selling the house and nearly everything we owned, we vagabonded our way around the country and through Asia before serendipitously stopping by Las Vegas so hubby could play in a poker tournament). We ended up buying a newish house, for a quarter of the price of our previous house, just ten minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
We are now happily retired, living on a small fixed income (with some occasional jobs and freelance work thrown in for extra cash), and enjoying every day doing interesting and exciting things in our new city. The frugal measures we used to dig ourselves out of debt are now ingrained habits and I am happy to report that we haven't been on the IRS's speed dial list in years (in fact we have been happily receiving annual tax refunds for the past few years which I am always thrilled about).
And if you know me, you will know I always have new projects in the works. More on that later...
Oh April, I will miss your posts. I hope you start a new blog eventually. You've been such an inspiration to me since I found Cash Only Living at about the time you were selling off all your possessions and then finally, your house. That scared the heck out of me, but it made me realize that big changes can open new doors. Tomorrow marks a year since we moved to AL after selling our big house and downsizing to a cottage. Without your example to follow, I doubt I would have taken that leap. It's been a tough year, but we're getting by still have no debt which is great. We want to get or own little place soon and hopefully pay cash for it. Please let me know if you start another blog. Meanwhile, I will continue to follow you on Twitter and Tumblr.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorraine! I am putting a new blog together on a different topic. I started sounding like a broken record here with frugal tip after frugal tip eventually being repeated and repeated. I have been avidly following your blog as well and will keep it on my new blog list!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your blog so much and watching you and hubby...
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Wow, kind of sad but completely understandable. You have met your goals and live your life the way you set out. So many never get it - good for you! I agree with Lorraine, I will miss your posts!
ReplyDeleteI will miss your posts, too! It's been great for me to have regular frugality "pick-me-ups" from your blog. And I like hearing what life is like in your part of the world. I look forward to your new projects!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!!! I check it daily. I hope you don't discontinue it. I live in Henderson and was so excited to find a local blog. I really appreciate your content and common sense. I've learned a lot from you. I never comment because I'm not a blogger. I notice you don't have contact info on your blog and I'm not on social media. Thank you again for the enjoyment you provided to me! I'm sorry I didn't comment and convey my appreciation sooner. I hope you give the address of your new blog if you continue on another site.
ReplyDeleteI just love your blog, your attitude towards life. I found your blog when you were thinking of changing your life and moving forward. I was going through a massive change myself, leaving my job, independence and moving back home. Your blog is the second one I started reading, the other was saving4later, which is no longer continued. You are an inspiration in downsizing and living life your way. I wish you would continue a blog whichever topic you choose and take us with you for the ride. I hope you post the address of your new blog here if you write. Whatever you do, Best of Luck and keep marching to your own drumbeat and your hubby's too.
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