Michael Lynton

We’re Debt Free!

I started writing a post about change a couple of weeks ago and didn’t get back to finishing it completely. The first item of business still holds true - I am starting a new job tomorrow. I worked my last day with Xcentric on Friday, after 5-1/2 years with them. It was my first real job and my time there will not be forgotten. They have great leaders - men who I aspire to be like.

I am excited about my new job and look forward to growing and the future ahead. The new job offer came at a very interesting time - right as we have been on the heels of paying off the remainder of student loans. This will be a new season, if you will - being debt free (except the house) and changing the workplace scenery.

The initial target date for paying off the loans had been May 31st. But God, had a better idea. How about April 30th? Yes indeed, we we able to make the final payment ahead of schedule - Yesterday! Bless God for seeing our diligence and blessing us through the process. It is pretty amazing what happens when you discipline yourself and steward your money well.

Only 7 years after graduation, 3 years of school at Baylor is now paid off. I was adding up the numbers today, and let’s just say it was closer to $100K than $50K. If only I knew then what I know now. We didn’t start going “gazelle intense” on the loans until about 3 years ago (only minimum payments were made before that = interest only). All things considered, I think that 3 years is a good record.

I have to thank Dave Ramsey for all of his wisdom and the Debt Snowball. I know that Sarah sometimes wishes I would go easy on the Dave-isms, but she is definitely ecstatic to be in this new place. Monday at work will feel a little different - we both get to keep our paychecks and not expect one to go out the door as soon as it hits our bank account.

I don’t know if we will get through to Dave on the air next Friday, but he can expect an attempted call from us.

Change

There is a good amount of change going on in our lives these days. The big two are that I am starting a new job on May 2, and our goal is to be debt free except the house by the end of May as well. These are two big life changes. I have been working with my current company for what would have been 6 years this coming September. In todays market, this is a long time. I definitely feel “known” here and many of the people feel like family. It is hard to think that in a way you are letting people down by leaving a void in the workflow, especially at a smaller company where people wear many hats and job functions skew.

Another April 5th

Today is my 29th birthday. And today is the earliest that I have ever woken up on my birthday. 4:38am. I’m not tooting my own horn here, but I’ll still say, that that is pretty early. Sarah and I usually go to Cycle class on Tuesday mornings. I debated whether I wanted to go today as well, but I figured why not. It’s a great way to start the day, and I hadn’t run/been active since Saturday.

As we were driving to the gym this morning, I was reflecting a bit on the day and the past (almost) 4 years of marriage, as well as the days to come. The main thought I had was: “We are not that old”

I know it might sound crazy, but the last 4 years it has felt like life has been on hold, and that we just keep getting older. Mainly due to paying off debt and trying to be disciplined in the little things. And, we don’t have any kids yet, when many friends around us are having kids left and right. But today I was just encouraged by what is ahead. We are about 2 months away from being debt free (except the house), and will never face student loans again. We will be able to keep our money and put it to work for us. We can save for a baby (I already know what running stroller I want). We can save the 3 to 6 months emergency fund. We can sow into our future. And, we can be led to give generously to those around us. I believe we will be given much because we have been faithful with the little thus far.

We have a lot of life ahead of us, even though sometimes it has felt like we’re “behind” or missing out. Today is a good day.