I have been using DebtGoal for a couple of years too and have learned quite a bit! I too got caught up in the stupid tax (credit cards) and knew I had a serious problem when the economy began to tank and the cc companies wanted to raise all my fixed rates to outrageous variable rates. I closed all my accounts - I know many say don't because it will damage your credit score, but I have seen no evidence of this to date in my case. For one credit card, closing it was not going to solve the interest rate issue, so I took out a loan at a lower fixed rate to paid it off. I have always had excellent credit despite the amount of debt I had accumulated, so getting the loan was not a problem, but seeing the amount in one big number was sickening.

I know the economy meltdown has been bad for many, but for me it has been a blessing. It caused me to seriously reevaluate how I saw money. It was using me and now I see it for the tool it is and have totally readjusted my thinking on spending. I have goofed up from time to time, but those goof ups are minor in comparison. I just pick myself up, change that behavior, and continue with the plan.

I have cut all my utilities by being consciously aware of lights being on, water running needlessly, etc. For TV - it is Netflix and the library...I did not watch most of what I was paying for every month anyway and use the internet for everything else. My phone has been VOIP for years...a pretty fixed bill of $30 a month for unlimited everything calling. My cell phone is prepaid, so it costs me about $25 a quarter. Lots of things like that...

I love DebtGoal..because it helps me to be in control of my $ and to see progress every month. I KNOW now that I will be debt free in the near future versus the old plan of never.