Need vs Want

So for the first time in our married life we are officially credit card free.
As in no more credit card debt.
None, nada.
and it's an amazing feeling.

I remember going into grocery stores when Jared was little and hoping that the card I was using wasn't denied. Holding my breath. Waiting for that stupid receipt to start printing.

It's an amazing thing. how little we had to start with.
Two college kids, and a baby.
Working, both of us, going to school, making no money, not seeing one another...
juggling everything.
Since then we've been trying to get our heads above water...
to rid ourselves of the burden of owing someone else money.
Making little steps forward, and then back. Like a somewhat scary dance.

It seems like a little thing. No credit cards.
But no credit cards for us,
it's somewhat of a little victory in the big picture....
but in our picture. it's a big victory.
To not even have a "little" credit card debt.

I'm trying to teach my boys,
to live carefully and mindfully
and within your means.
to try and always be aware of needs vs. wants
to be grateful and appreciative for all you have.
It's a tricky lesson.
but one in this age of excess that is so incredibly important to ingrain in their beautiful brains.
So that they never have to say they're credit card free.
because they'll have never been in debt.
I want them to be happy, not because they have things that make them happy, but because they are happy regardless of things.