I don't think it's unusual for a 'couple' to have one car payment. One paid off; the other with the note.... then..... that one paid off, then the 'new' one with the note; rotating as such. House notes and car notes are fairly accepted i think, regarding debt.
I charge EVERYTHING- Sonic, wal~mart, taco bell.... you know, whatever i can, get the 'rewards' on my Visa card, then pay one big ol check at the end of the month. I do not own ANY department store cards. The one gas card i have i gave to Peter when he started driving. I put fuel and stuff on that Visa. Makes it easy to track, less number of checks to write, and it's all itemized on my VISA statement. Plus... i like the rewards and it's a 'target' card so my kids school gets a percentage. Of course the 'key' is paying it off each month. I am NEVER late, and NEVER not paid in full. You can beat the system.....
I would NOT recommend this system if you could not pay it off monthly.
We financed a room full of furniture when we moved to this house. Not our usual practice, but it was 12 months interest free and then paid it in full when the 12 months was up. No interest, but gaining in our acct.
But i think Joe has a great plan in place. Keep up the good work! Remember.... there ARE emergencies that dig into that nest egg, but keep plopping $ in it a little at a time and before you know it, there's a few hundred, then a couple of thousand, and it makes a difference.
most people would fail with that plan because there is always 'an emergency' needing that money!! New AC because the old one broke... braces for the kids..... washer overflowed... it's hard to save any real money, but it is possible.
When the boys were itty bitty we had an exchange student from Sweden. Her parents wanted to visit us at the end of the school year, and they BOTH quit smoking and put the money they 'saved' weekly on not buying cigarettes aside and were able to save enough to make a difference. The best news?? they didn't start smoking again!
Taking lunch from home/whether leftovers or sandwiches etc would save 30$ a week or more on fast food out. Lots of little tricks out there.
good luck and keep us posted.!