Comments on: Paying Off A Decade of Debt: A Reader Success Story & Quick Interview

By: Abigail

Abigail — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:21:39 +0000

I think the key for me is an end goal and that darn emergency fund. I tried last fall to plunge into repaying debt, but it didn’t work because I was doing it for the vague purpose of not feeling guilty and knowing that it was wise to live within my means.

Now that I know I want to live overseas in two years, the vantage point it provides changes everything. All of a sudden, the emergency fund is the key to being able to accomplish my goals. If I ever touch a credit card again for emergencies, I will forever be enslaved…!

By: 12 Personal Finance Blogs to Get You Out of Debt

12 Personal Finance Blogs to Get You Out of Debt — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 02:47:12 +0000

[...] Paying Off A Decade of Debt: A Reader Success Story [...]

By: Erica

Erica — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 06:01:08 +0000

This was just what I need to read/hear at this moment. I, like you, Jared, didn’t accumulate debt by lavishly spending on things I couldn’t afford. I racked up the debt paying for everyday expenses – car repairs, paying rent when I became unemployed, etc, all this while I was a student and working low-paying part-time jobs. Sometimes when I admit to people I have debt, I feel a certain sense of shame because people automatically think you must be an irresponsible spend-thrift and I have never been that. And like you, I have ridden the wave of debt – paying it down only to fall on hard times and get it right back up there again.
It took being in debt a decade plus to finally realize exactly what you realized– when you keep debt in your life, you can never truly be free. You life does not belong to you, it belongs to your creditors and you are an indentured servant. The thought of it is depressing because I consider myself a very independent person. But I now see how having this debt has truly impinged upon my quality of life, happiness, and self-confidence. I’ve been unemployed for nearly 2 years now and have somehow managed to maintain good credit and make the min. payments on my cards (the equivalent of throwing money down the toilet every single month). I finally had to give up my apartment because I realized I could not keep living beyond my means and racking up more debt. I am trying, ever so slowly, to take my life back. Thank you for reminding me that it is possible!

By: Jared

Jared — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:50:51 +0000

I’m glad you’re inspired Janet. Very true with the “if they can do it, so can I” mentality. I used to watch Dave Ramsey on Fox Tv a lot and some of the nightmares I heard people going through… made me feel a TON better.

Keep rockin!

By: Janet

Janet — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:22:04 +0000

Definitely an inspiring story. It’s reassuring to hear stories from people who in a worse position than you’re in, but they still manage to turn things around and even build successful businesses after a series of setbacks. It’s that “if they can do it, so can I” mentality that’s very powerful.

By: Jared

Jared — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:53:35 +0000

Hey Ira,

I’m so glad. You know you are NOT alone in this quest. If it makes you feel any better, my girlfriend is still back in California paying off the last of her credit card debt (while I’m in Seattle building the biz). It’s not easy for her. It’s not easy for us – but we BOTH know it’s the right thing to do.

Now going on over 6 months of being 100% debt free, looking back… it was the best thing I could do for myself and our relationship. Freeing the shackles of yes “legalized slavery”… it let’s me take more chances with my business, and also be able to fail more times than the average individuals (without selling my soul for a dollar).

Keep on rockin!

By: Ira

Ira — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 05:00:59 +0000

‘this is so inspiring.. I am really coping hard right now. It is good to know , I am not alone. I like the term used here “legalized slavery”… this is so right. Many thanks and keep goin’, were are drawing a lot of strength here….

By: Jared

Jared — Mon, 31 May 2010 14:02:56 +0000

Thanks Mr. Debtbuster. Right on!

By: debtbuster

debtbuster — Mon, 31 May 2010 06:50:45 +0000

That’s awesome! An inspiration for us all. It just goes to show how easy it is to get into debt but how hard it is to get out. Against debt slavery!

By: Jared

Jared — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:51:07 +0000

Hey Xpat… I REALLY know it can be a tough process and sacrifice at times. Hopefully being a part of Adam’s community, my story and using Dave Ramsey’s tools to the fullest extent, can help make it a lot less painful.

Keep on keeping on. Ok?