Inspiration at 33%

Hey I found a new podcast today, and I’ve listened to almost all of the new, 2008 podcasts.  It is called “No Credit Needed, or NCN for short.  I liked the name so much I just had to listen.  It’s basically an informal, humorous podcast by a normal guy who has worked his way out of debt and likes to talk about personal finance.  I’m not sure what his name is – online he seems to go by “NCN.”

The No Credit Needed website:  www.ncnblog.com

I like that he uses the same principles that Dave Ramsey teaches, so it’s nice to get another perspective to help balance things out.  It also helps that he’s willing and able to laugh at himself; in fact, even though he offers much of the same advice that Dave Ramsey teaches, the light hearted nature of his podcast is a welcome change.

Something he provides at his website is that you can sign up for a chart to show how much you’ve paid off, or towards a goal.  It inspired me to take a look at where I’m at – actually how far I’ve come would be more accurate.  I added up all the debt I had in 2007, in order to see what percentage I’ve paid off so far.  I had thought I had paid off more – but in fact, I have only paid off 33% of the total so far.  At first I was a little disappointed – I mean, only 33%?  But considering the time goals I’ve set for myself – it is right on target.  And hey, that 33% represents a considerable chunk of change.  I know in my heart that I’ve done everything I could to pay as much as I could since I started – so aside from a serious windfall, it’s the best I could do.  I have plenty of reason to feel good about where I’m at – and more importantly, that I’m still on-track and well on my way.