Happy New Year!

Photo by Christmasstockimages.com

Happy New Year everyone!  I had a pretty good 2010 and really looking forward to seeing what 2011 will bring.

We had a party at our house last night and really had a blast.  Nothing too crazy, nowhere near as big as my parties used to be, just a few close friends and family, music, games for the kids, beer and drinks for the adults and a good cigar to say goodbye to 2010.  With all that going on last night it meant for a rough start to 2011 but it was worth it.  Every new year should start with at least a little bit of a hangover so things can only improve as you go.

My debt story

As I have mentioned in previous posts, my wife and I are in significant debt from a business that we ran for several years that ultimately failed.  Shortly after it’s failure at the end of 2007, I was able to sell what assets we had left in the business and secure a job for me and my employees with the company that bought me out.   Later in that same year, my wife, who used to work for me, got a great job in her chosen profession.

2008 became the year we started over but we were starting over with a huge pile of debt that really hamstrung us.  We sat down, created a budget and created a 5 year plan to eliminate the majority of our debt.  We would do without most perks and focus on two things; our debt and our two boys.  2008 and 2009 were VERY difficult years but we stayed on track, stuck to our plan, tightened our belts and made it through them.  2010 was still a struggle but it was the first year where we really started making some progress.

I am very happy to report that 2010 ended with a bang, it was the first year in a long time where we had a little breathing room and could enjoy ourselves a little more while dealing with a little less stress.  The Ecommerce company that acquired my old business had it’s most successful year ever and I have been able to gain some ownership in that company.  My wife’s job continues to go well and we have much to be thankful for.

It was looking a little bleak for awhile but with the success of 2010 and the hopes that 2011 brings, it’s looking better and better that we will be able to pay off the majority of our debt by the end of 2012.

How optimistic are you for the new year?