I received this email from Debra recently and I thought it might encourage some of you. Her email shows how working hard to become debt-free can really pay off when you have unexpected expenses and opportunities arise:
About three months ago, my husband and I reached our goal of being debt-free — with the exception of our mortgage. We had three+ months salary in a savings account, and a small amount in a car savings account. We were so relieved and proud of our hard work and sacrifice to reach these goals.
Then, over the twelve weeks that followed, we were challenged financially by some unexpected blessings and expenses.
Our 1st expense:
We were notified by the state that our name had been drawn out of a lottery to receive state funding for a safe room (storm shelter). This was a blessing because living in Oklahoma and not having a cellar or safe room meant worrying every time tornado season rolled around.
The funding would pay a little less than half of the cost of the safe room. So we proceeded with purchasing the safe room, tapping into our savings just a bit. What a blessing is was to have the shelter during the month of May; it was rough here in Oklahoma!
Our 2nd expense:
Our church was sending a group to Russia for a mission trip and both my husband and I felt like he should go. The cost of a ten-day trip to Russia including all air and land expenses was a hefty one.
Without fear we proceeded forward, knowing God was calling him. While saving up in the weeks prior to the trip, an anonymous donor paid $1,000 of each team members expenses; about 1/3 of the total cost. What a blessing!
Our 3rd expense:
We had our van in the shop, undergoing several repairs to the tune of $900. On the way to pick up the van, in my husband’s car, we were hit from the behind. The impact pushed us into the truck in front of us — so our car had rear AND front end damage.
The car was over 10 years old and had very high mileage, so the insurance company totaled it. We weren’t ready to purchase another car and were worried that even with the insurance money we wouldn’t have enough to purchase another vehicle with cash only.
We prayed that God would lead us to the right vehicle and He did. We were able to purchase a used small crew cab truck for my husband paying cash; using the insurance money, car savings fund and a little from our checking account.
All of this has taught us to be faithful and patient and in each situation God worked out a way for us to pay cash!
Debra is a stay-at-home mom and mother to three boys; Kalen age 10 and Jordan and Josiah (twins) age 5. She does some contract work from home and teaches a few fitness classes each week at my gym. She is passionate about being frugal and saving money.
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