1.  It just feels good to be debt free.  I’ve been debt free for more than than two years.  I cannot express, in words, how awesome it feels to live without payments.

2.  Every dollar that I bring home belongs to me.  I can choose to spend my money, save my money, give my money, invest my money, or waste my money.  Those choices are my choices to make.

3.  My kids will grow up in a home that is credit-related stress-free.  This should be a huge motivator for all parents.  Imagine if your kids NEVER had to hear you and your spouse argue about money.

4.  EVERY conversation that I have with my wife about money is POSITIVE, ENCOURAGING, and UPLIFTING.  Instead of talking about how we are going to pay for the mistakes in our past, we talk about our plans for an awesome future.  ALL of the stress is gone.

5.  I never have to worry about late payment fees, interest rate hikes, minimum monthly payments, or annual credit card costs.  Never.

6.  If the market goes up, I’m cool  If the market goes down, I’m coo.  I have time on my side.  Living without payments allows me to take a long-term view of the market.  In other words, I don’t have to hit it big in hopes of bailing myself out of past mistakes.

7.  I can fully-fund my retirement accounts, my wife’s retirement accounts, several education savings accounts, and still save for future major purchases.

8.  When I choose to conserve and save money, I do so for a particular purpose.  Instead of saving and scrimping because I owe some creditor, I can save and scrimp because I want to buy something cool or go somewhere fun.  My sacrifices benefit me, not some credit card company executive.

9.  I can give to worthy people and worthy causes.  It’s SO much fun to be able to help others - and not worry about missing a payment or slowing my debt reduction.

10.  I sleep soundly.  If something were to happen to me, my wife and kids would be just fine.  Instead of worrying about how to deal with a mountain of debt, they could care for each other.  As a father, it feels good to be able to provide my family with this added measure of security.

When I started this blog, my primary goal was to get of of debt.  It was only after achieving my goal that I realized all of its benefits.  I strongly encourage you to get serious about your debt reduction.  Why?  Because, being debt free rocks!

For more on this topic, consider reading Get Ready For Some Serious Debt Reduction.