How did you get out of big debt

[flowerseverywhere]

but once I got on the road of living simply, my priorities changed. I really value the extra time and energy.

pretty much sums it up for me too. And we still have a much higher standard of living than most of the world, even living as simply as you can imagine. nice post.

[Spartana]

Spartana,
(I had read some of your posts on this forum and was amazed at your budget.)

It's funny that when I owned my first home I was actually able to live on very little once it was paid off. Maybe $500/month for basic expenses (utilities, prop tax and insurance, food, etc..) but now that i rent my expenses are much higher. Of course I do have that home equity from the sale in the bank earning (a tiny amount )of interest to off-set my higher monthly expenses. If interest rates were higher then it would be a bit more even. But for me, being Lazy Lindi ;-)!), I really enjoy renting compared to owning so the extra expenses (for now) are worth it and I don't worry about the endless maintenance, repairs and potential costly future expenses that home ownership requires.

[awakenedsoul]

pretty much sums it up for me too. And we still have a much higher standard of living than most of the world, even living as simply as you can imagine. nice post.

So true flowerseverywhere. Thank you. As a neighbor of mine with a very green thumb once said, "You can't put a price on the garden." For me, that alone makes me feel like a millionairess. From your screen name I'm guessing you have a beautiful garden, too. People in other parts of the world woud be ecstatic with my tiny cottage and rectangle of flat, fertile land. I have the time now to appreciate it and enjoy it.

[fidgiegirl]

homemade cafe au laits on my porch.

This image has really been sticking with me the last few days!

Also the idea the flowers brought up that a bare-bones US existence, for many, is still richer than what many millions in the world have.

Thanks all, for continuing to share this wisdom . . .