I've been hunkering down since 2002 when I sold my house. I got way more then it was worth, but I could have waited a year more and probably gotten even more. The houseing market was just out of control and I felt that if I didn't sell when I did, it would start to drop in what I could get for it.
Since then, I've been on a cash only basis with the credit card for emergancies. I started two companies that didn't work out, then this third one that is doing good. The credit card came in handy for living expenses when the work was slow, and probably will again in the future. It's my insurance so to speak.
I'm booked up for the rest of the year, but so far, nothing in January yet. That always makes me nervous, but the phone is ringing and I'm meeting new people all the time, so I'm not too worried. Just don't like the idea of going into debt when my future is always based on a few months worth of work.
We did just buy a new car for my wife. One of those deals that we couldn't walk away from. No problem on the loan either. Being self employed made me a little nervous, but my credit score is 780, so it was a quick and easy process.
Eddie