Hey there! 🎉 If you're feeling like debt has been your unwanted sidekick for way too long, you're in the right place. I've been there—credit card bills stacking up, that sinking feeling when your card gets declined, and the endless cycle of stress that comes with it. But guess what? There's a way out, and it's not as scary as it seems.
I'm here to share my journey from being buried in debt to living a life of financial freedom, and more importantly, how you can do it too. Ready to take control and start living your best life? Let’s dive in! 💪💸
The Early Years: Setting the Stage for My Financial Journey
Money has always been on my mind, even from a young age. My first taste of financial independence came when I was just 11 years old, striking deals with local store owners to stretch my 50p pocket money as far as it could go. I thought I was being smart and resourceful, finding ways to get what I wanted. For example, I noticed some people at the local shop didn’t pay upfront but instead put their purchases “on the book.” My 5-year-old self was thrilled at the idea of getting something without handing over cash, so I tried it myself. I asked for some sweets, told the shopkeeper to put it on the book, and walked out with my 10 pennies worth of candy.
It wasn’t long before my mother caught me eating those sweets and demanded to know where they came from. When I explained, she marched me back to the shop to pay for them and set the record straight. That’s when I learned that money wasn’t magical and that there were consequences to every financial decision.
Growing up, I realized I didn’t come from wealth. I was bullied for not having the right sneakers or the latest fashion, which made me believe that having money—or not having it—was just my lot in life. I started to think of ways to maneuver through life, like the time I convinced a furniture shop owner to let me pay for a lamp in weekly installments from my pocket money. I thought I was being clever, but when I proudly told my older brother, he scolded me for buying something on credit, saying it wasn’t the right thing to do. I felt awful like I could never do anything right regarding money.
As I grew older, I watched friends use credit cards and take out loans. I was lured into opening student accounts with overdrafts and loans, thinking this was normal. But what I didn’t realize was that these early experiences were setting me up for a complicated and often stressful relationship with money.
The Emotional Toll: How Debt Took Control of My Life
Debt has a way of creeping up on you, and before you know it, it’s controlling your life. There were times when the stress of my financial situation was overwhelming. I remember the panic I felt as a student when I received a threatening letter for not paying off my credit card. I cried, felt sick to my stomach, and eventually had to call my dad to confess my mistake and ask for help. It was humiliating.
I had fallen into credit card debt because I finally had access to money I’d never had before, and I wanted to buy things I’d never been able to afford—new clothes, shoes, and other items that made me feel like I finally fit in. But that desire to maintain a certain lifestyle quickly spiraled out of control. The clothes went out of fashion, the gadgets needed upgrading, and I couldn’t keep up with the latest trends. It felt like I was on a never-ending treadmill, running faster and faster but getting nowhere.
The worst part was not being able to account for my money. After making payments on my debts, I often didn’t have enough left for essentials like groceries or parking. My card would get declined at the worst moments, and I’d make excuses to friends about why I couldn’t go out, too embarrassed to admit that I had a full-time job but no money because of all the debt I was hiding.
The Turning Point: Finding Hope in Debt-Free Screams
The turning point for me came in 2019 when I stumbled upon Dave Ramsey’s show on YouTube. I was captivated by the Debt-Free Screams segment, where people shared how they had paid off enormous amounts of debt and freed themselves from its clutches. What struck me most were the stories of people who, like me, were living on a single income. If they could do it, why couldn’t I?
Inspired by these stories, I decided to try the debt snowball method during the pandemic. I was saving money by not commuting to work, so I thought, “If not now, when?” I created a spreadsheet, listed all my debts, and added in the extra payments I could make. Seeing the projected payoff dates was like seeing a light at the end of a very long tunnel. It wasn’t someone else’s example; it was my real-life money and debt, and this was my way out.
My Approach: Taking the First Steps Toward Debt Freedom
The first step was saving up for an emergency fund. Seeing that £1,000 in savings gave me a sense of security I hadn’t felt in years. It took me two attempts, though—the first time, I had to dip into it for an actual emergency (a smashed TV, no less). But once I had that cushion in place, I could focus on the next step: tackling my debt with the snowball method.
One of the biggest challenges was separating my money so I wouldn’t be tempted to spend it. I set up standing orders to make extra debt payments as soon as I got paid, so the money was gone before I could touch it. This helped me stick to my budget and stay on track.
Another challenge was getting my budget right. My first few attempts were way off, but I learned from my mistakes and eventually got the hang of it. Once I had a few months of budgeting under my belt, I felt like I was finally in control of my money, and it felt good—not restrictive.
Life After Debt: The Freedom to Live My Best Life
Now that I’m debt-free, my life has changed in ways I never imagined. I can plan fun outings and getaways because I can afford them. I no longer have to turn down invites unless I want to, and that freedom is priceless.
One unexpected side effect of becoming debt-free was that I quit drinking alcohol. During the pandemic, I had used alcohol to cope with the stress of the world, but once I gained control over my finances, I realized I didn’t need that crutch anymore. Now, I’m not saying you need to quit drinking to get out of debt, but for me, it was part of the journey toward a healthier, happier life.
Perhaps the most rewarding change is the knowledge that I can now help others do the same. I’ve gained so much from this experience, and I’m here to be your cheerleader, to help you break free from the chains of debt and start living the life you deserve.
Empathy and Encouragement: You Can Do This!
If you’re feeling trapped by debt, please know that this is not the end of your story. You have the power to turn things around, and in doing so, you’ll inspire others around you. I don’t know your exact situation, but if any part of my story resonates with you, know that if I can do it, so can you.
Start by setting up an emergency fund, even if it’s just a jar where you stash spare change. Watching that jar fill up will give you the motivation to keep going. Practice budgeting, even if it feels like you’re getting it wrong at first—trust me, you’ll get the hang of it.
And finally, be mindful of impulse spending. If you’re addicted to watching haul videos on TikTok or YouTube, consider taking a break until you’re in control of your finances. It’s okay to miss out on the latest trends if it means gaining financial freedom.
For me, that freedom has allowed me to build The Girl Budgets and share my message with you. It’s given me the chance to fulfill my purpose and help others break free from debt. I believe in you, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s do this together!
Key Takeaways: From Debt to Freedom
Early Financial Lessons:
Childhood experiences shape your relationship with money.
It's easy to misunderstand financial systems when young, leading to misconceptions about debt and spending.
Early exposure to credit (even in small ways) can influence future financial behaviour.
The Emotional Toll of Debt:
Debt can create significant stress, anxiety, and even shame.
The pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle can lead to overspending and deeper debt.
Hiding debt from others can exacerbate feelings of isolation and helplessness.
Turning Point:
Finding inspiration in others who have overcome larger debts can be a powerful motivator.
The Debt-Free Screams on Dave Ramsey’s show highlighted that if others can do it, you can too.
A clear, actionable plan, like the debt snowball method, can make the goal of debt freedom feel attainable.
First Steps Toward Debt Freedom:
Start with an emergency fund to create a financial safety net.
Use the debt snowball method: pay off smaller debts first to build momentum.
Separate your money to avoid temptation and stay disciplined.
Challenges and Adjustments:
Budgeting might be difficult initially, but it’s crucial to learn from mistakes and adapt.
Prioritize debt payments and adjust your lifestyle to align with your financial goals.
Life After Debt:
Debt freedom opens up opportunities for more enjoyable experiences and financial peace.
Removing the crutch of debt can lead to healthier lifestyle changes and more fulfilling life choices.
Sharing your journey can empower and inspire others to follow suit.
Empathy and Encouragement:
Everyone’s debt story is different, but the path to freedom is achievable for all.
Starting small, like building an emergency fund or practicing budgeting, can lead to big changes.
Avoid triggers for impulse spending and focus on long-term financial goals.
Remember, financial freedom brings the power to shape your future and live on your terms.
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