Nearing the Top of the Debt-Free Journey
The climb to debt freedom in our household is almost complete. Very soon, we will enjoy life without the weight of debt. That feeling is hard to describe, but it reminds me of a roller coaster just before it reaches the top.
Anyone who has ridden a tall coaster knows the moment. The slow climb is nearly over. The view begins to open up. The anxiety fades, and excitement takes over. That same feeling hits just before making the final debt payment.
Looking Ahead, Not Back
By the end of November, we will reach that long-awaited peak. It took more than two years of effort, sacrifice, and persistence to get here. As we look forward, one regret stands out—we didn’t start sooner.
We wasted many years being careless with money. While we avoided major financial disasters, we failed to stay disciplined. Instead of focusing on regret, we choose to focus on growth. Every mistake helped shape how we handle money today.
Living without regret means accepting the past and moving forward. Too often, people stay stuck replaying old mistakes. A few years ago, we decided to stop doing that. We wanted out of debt, and we committed to real change.
Increasing Income Through Determination
Raising our income became a priority. I tried several part-time jobs and even mowed lawns on weekends. Eventually, I turned to writing.
Most people doubted the idea, but my wife and my mom believed in me. Their support mattered more than they knew. Seeing my blog succeed before my mom passed away remains one of my proudest moments.
Building a Blog from Scratch
Starting the blog was not easy. I had no budget, little experience, and no industry contacts. Instead of buying an established site, I launched a brand-new domain.
I purchased a low-cost theme and asked a fellow blogger to design a logo. From there, consistency became my strategy. Every day for a year, I wrote a new article and engaged with other bloggers.
Some nights stretched past midnight. Other mornings began before sunrise. Hustle became my advantage. My goal was simple: outwork everyone else.
Cutting Expenses and Changing Habits
Earning more money alone was not enough. We also had to reduce spending. At the time, we carried car loans, credit card balances, student loans, and medical debt. We lived paycheck to paycheck.
That lifestyle had to end. We set firm limits and stopped adding new expenses. If something new entered the budget, something else had to go.
We clipped coupons and planned grocery trips carefully. Movie nights moved from theaters to Netflix. I sold my truck and drove an old van. Frugality became a daily choice.
Ready for the Next Ride
Our hands are up. Our eyes are wide open. The ride ahead looks exciting—and this time, we’re prepared to enjoy it.
Source:Frugal Dad
