A weird sense of freedom

[krielly]

You know, it's funny.....I see things much differently now that I am 3 years into this 13.
I generally only buy what I need now. Don't have much of a choice, but that's a good thing, I think.
I believe I am getting out of it what I am intended to get out of it. I'm learning financial discipline.

Yes, I have been FORCED to live without credit cards, but it's really empowering after you get used to it. The last 3 Christmas's especially. It's so nice to not get those shocking January bills anymore after the holidays. Even though I can't buy every thing I would like, what do you know..........life goes on, and Xmas still came and went. Imagine that

Before anyone goes off on me.............this is describing my own personal situation, and is not meant to imply that everyone is in a 13 due to financial irresponsibility.....

[Cali]

justbroke - Thanks for explaining it to me.

My CC usage wasn't the reason I had to file, so I don't see myself not using them again.

[krielly]

I know that I will use them after the 13.........I'm not TOTALLY against them by any stretch.

I just think it feels good to "take a break" for 5 years from them. It given me a new perspective on how I should and shouldn't use them, that's all

[Scott50]

I stopped using mine in October 2007 and filed a Chapter 13 in Jan 08.. Its been almost a year for me.. Another 51 months to go on this long journey and paying back 45% to my unsecureds. I have to use a corporate card for work but my plan after this over to get one credit card for emergencies.. I've learned my lesson..

[liz417]

Nazstar,
Thanks for the refreshing post...yes, living on a cash-only basis can be liberating.

Congrats!