Real Housewives is in the background while I log onto greatlakes.com. I’m laying in my bed with a bottle of water and ramen noodles on the nightstand. My computer is at 20% but I’m sure my charger is arms length away. I’m signing in like I’ve been doing every 14 days for 5 years (give or take a couple moments). And even though this is my 130th time logging in I’m still not ready for the security check. I see my phone just out of reach, so I strain my left arm feeling a stretch deep into my lower back. My balance is $1,542 and I noticed because of the missed brunch and extra dollars I save this month, I have enough in my checking to pay it. Instead of selecting “pay minimum payment” or “pay other amount” I’m about to select “pay remaining balance”. I do a silent twerk in my head. I click submit, and thats it.
There wasn’t a standing ovation or pause, just a confirmation and a “thank you for scheduling your payment.” Paying off my student loans had been such a goal from me ever since reading the book Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I knew I was doing something special for myself, but submitting the payment was a little lack luster and anti-climatic. I had honestly been on autopilot for the past 6 months that it felt like just another payment.
It wasn’t until the 7th day, when I got paid again. For the first time, I asked myself “what do you want to do with your check.” The next week, I was asked to go to a bachelorette party, and paid for the trip and hotel in one week. I signed up for a trainer at a gym. It was like my thoughts switched from defense to offense (from a “i have to” to “I’m going to”). I didn’t feel like I was going to work because I had to. I encourage anyone to choose a debt they have and pay it off. The shit feels good 🙂 Currently, I’m deciding the best way to learn some tech skills and and start my own business.
CocolaBridge 