Hello!
I believe in living a debt-free lifestyle. I am passionate about budgeting and believe that budgets are not just for broke people. They are a way to ensure that you tell your money where it should go and what it should do.
I had always assumed I was good with money since I didn’t spend lavishly, I budgeted, I didn’t go out partying or spend on designer items, and I saved 10% of my salary…. so you can imagine my shock when I found myself broke and in debt.
I had just turned 30 and was drowning in consumer debt and struggling to pay off my student loans. My first post grad school salary was barely enough to cover my bills, and my diet consisted of instant noodles and whatever was on sale.
I lived in shame, because I didn’t want people to know that I was struggling. I also kept up appearances, which meant I piled on more credit card debt. I told myself I would pay it off each month (I didn’t) and at least I was getting the points and cashback (was I?).
I was constantly worried about money and finally decided to do something about it. After countless hours of searching, I discovered andthenwesaved.com (but then it was and then she saved). I was intrigued by Anna’s Spending Fast. Shortly afterwards, my church hosted a Financial Peace University Class and I was introduced to Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps.
The journey to becoming debt-free was long and hard and sometimes extremely lonely and painful. But I did it. I made my last debt payment, my student loan, in the summer of 2017 and I immediately felt like a heavy weight was lifted off me. I was free to enjoy my life knowing that I didn’t owe anyone.
It took me a while to get back on track, and I’m very excited to share what I have learnt during my journey to being debt free with others!
-D