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Thanks to MariRDH...

April 6th, 2008 at 04:24 am

Thanks to MariRDH's post about the free site for watching the Maxed Out documentary, I have some more motivation for my financial journey.

I have to say, I am more motivated than ever to save and pay down my debt. Seeing how those college students killed themselves over their debt, or that older woman breaking down because she was losing her home, that is so horrible.

It really makes me feel scared, like my heart beating faster. All I could think about was my remaining credit card balances, and the "who knows what" that is going on behind my back each time I mail in a payment.

I used to feel embarassed when being particularly frugal, like choosing to eat lunch that I brought from home while everyone else is eating out. But now, I feel like my priorities are much straighter.

I know this might sound a bit dramatic, but that documentary really made me feel as though you can't trust anyone anymore. I thought the FICO score was the most sacred thing in the financial world, and then you watch the movie and find out that unless you're an "important" person, they don't even care if your credit report is right.

Along with this feeling of distrust comes a deeper feeling of self-reliance. Especially in an economy like we might experience soon, it feels like the wolves are gathering, and we need to circle the wagons around our families and finances.

It's funny because I think this feeling of uncertainty has translated into our culture in more ways than one. Not only are people a little more hesitant about the economy and investing, but I have actually noticed MANY more people doing their own gardening this year. You would be surprised at the number of people that have always gardened for fun or a hobby, and now they are doing it to save money and have security.

Amazing, and scary.

6 Responses to “Thanks to MariRDH...”

  1. njdebbie Says:
    1207483168

    I watched it too after her posting. It really was an eye opener. I'm waiting for our spring break so that I can watch it again with my sons.

  2. pjmama Says:
    1207487161

    I'll have to look into this documentary. Another good one to watch after that is "Invisible Children." Not about finances, but certainly makes you appreciate what you have (a box of tissues included in that). It's also free on the net, and a real eye-opener.

    I think setting priorities is probably the most important, and in some ways, difficult thing for us to do-- especially for us college or recent grad kids. So kudos to us for realizing that we'll be better off in the long run if we get rid of this debt and can still be happy without spending money on silly material things left and right!

  3. Carolina Bound Says:
    1207487915

    Also read "Nickel and Dimed" if you haven't already. Another eye opener!

  4. Amber Says:
    1207488513

    I just watched it, very interesting

  5. MariRDH Says:
    1207514986

    Thanks for the shout out. Big Grin
    I'm glad you had the time to watch it. It really is an eye-opening, jaw-dropping, heart palpatations kinda film! Amber mentioned on my blog that this type of info on financial responsibility should be required in high schools. I could not agree more. I bet if this film in particular was required viewing our HS grads would be much more apt to pay attention to their finances and take better steps to stay out of debt.

  6. sillyoleme Says:
    1207534669

    I agree with showing it in high schools. You can bet those college freshmen would at least think twice before signing a credit card application to get a free t-shirt.

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