I wouldn't tell just anyone what I'm about to tell you — I'm only telling you because we're like family. I want to quit at least several times a week. Seriously. The thought crosses my mind, and not when things are going great. It's when I face a challenge — a tough writing assignment, a book deadline, an early-morning interview or a snarky message in my inbox.

The temptation to quit is recurring. And if the voices in my head don't give me enough trouble, other people's voices finish the job. They say: "Quit already! There are so many others with younger, fresher voices better able to reach the younger generation. You deserve a break! Take it easy on yourself. Go and enjoy your life."

This is nothing new. I've been dealing with the urge to quit for a long time. I can anticipate its arrival. And because of that, I've learned ways to deal with it before it drives me to the brink of resignation.

I talk back to myself forcefully, with confidence and conviction. I ask myself: Why are you doing this? There are so many other jobs you could be doing that would require less work and time and present fewer naysayers!

My answer changes frequently. Some days I do this because it brings me a lot of joy and I?get to be my own boss. Now and then, I conclude I'm doing this because even though I work 50 to 60 hours every week, I still enjoy tremendous freedom to choose where and how I?put in those hours.

But most of the time the response is quick and easy, and I'm back on track in no time. It's because of you. And me. Without you and all of the people who make up this audience, there would be nothing to quit. You're the reason. And I am the reason, too. I need this as much as anyone — if not more! It's my maintenance, my financial sobriety. The work I do every day keeps me on the wagon, out of debt and moving forward.

What I do here every day is the hardest work I have ever done in my life. I can't say that I've done a lot of other jobs, but I was once a process server, serving subpoenas in civil lawsuits to people who absolutely did not want to be served. And I did it at night in really bad neighborhoods.

I once had a roster of 52 piano students to whom I gave 30-minute private lessons each week. At the same time I had two babies under the age of 3. I've been more than happily married for 45 years to the same guy. And yes, that, too, is hard work.

But this column? While challenging, the benefits are greater than anyone could ever imagine. You are what keeps me on my straight and narrow path, my journey to financial freedom. It is truly the best program any recovering overspending addict could hope to have.

So thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your loyalty, commitment and diligence to living below your means, affirming the power of Debt-Proof Living and finding new ways to save time and money every day.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at [email protected], or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.