I prayed for the moment when I could call up the bank rep and confirm my final credit card payment. "$1,884.28." That’s what she told me after I said this would be the last payment that would make me debt-free. I would’ve paid it online, but I wanted to make sure that the last of the interest was accounted for. I wanted to see that account balance at zero when it was all said and done. I wanted to truly be free.
Over three years, I paid off a total of $46,217.24—eight credit cards, one personal loan, and a pesky bill from the dentist. It wasn’t just a financial accomplishment but a personal victory that taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, sacrifice, and financial discipline. This journey wasn’t easy—it was filled with setbacks, emotional roadblocks, and countless hours of hard work.
The truth about money is that it’s more of a mental game than anything. You have to believe you deserve better and that you’re capable of living a life that others only dream about. Then, you have to put in the work to bring that dream to fruition.
Here’s how I paid off my debt and five essential takeaways that can help you on your path to becoming debt-free.
Takeaway 1: Start Small, but Start
My journey began in October 2017 when I was living in a tiny bedroom in Los Angeles, sharing a house with six strangers. Despite juggling multiple jobs, including freelance writing and catering, I found myself drowning financially. I had tried to get out of debt before, but without a clear strategy, I never made much progress. That’s when I discovered Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover, which introduced me to the concept of “baby steps.” I quickly saved $1,000 and began paying off my debts from smallest to largest. The progress felt encouraging, but the reality of my situation would soon hit hard.
One of the most significant challenges in tackling debt is simply getting started. Begin with small steps, like saving an emergency fund or paying off the smallest debt first. The momentum you build from these small victories will keep you motivated as you tackle larger debts.
mapodile/Getty ImagesTakeaway 2: Prepare for Setbacks
As the winter season approached in Los Angeles, my catering gigs dried up, leaving me financially vulnerable. I worked through the holidays, sacrificing time with family to earn extra money. But by January, after multiple job rejections and no income in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., I decided to move back to Atlanta. The transition wasn’t easy—months of unemployment, draining my savings, and relying on the generosity of my grandparents took an emotional toll. Despite these challenges, I remained focused on my goal.
Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. Whether it’s an unexpected job loss, a medical emergency, or a family crisis, having a plan to navigate these challenges is crucial. Build a safety net that can help you stay on track even when things don’t go as planned.
Takeaway 3: Sacrifice for Your Future Self
In July 2018, I resumed my debt-free journey with renewed determination. I took on side hustles like Uber Eats and freelance work in addition to my 9-to-5 job to increase my income. I drastically cut my expenses, forgoing luxuries like hair and nail appointments, dining out, and vacations. Every extra dollar went toward my debt.
By 2019, I sold my leased car to eliminate the burden of car payments, insurance, and gas. At the time, I lived within walking distance of my job and was in a walkable part of the city, so while it wasn’t optimal, it wasn’t a huge inconvenience to not have transportation. The journey was long, and at times, I felt isolated, especially when friends and family continued living lives that seemed carefree in comparison. But one thing I learned was that a lot of people can’t truly afford the lifestyle they share on social media. I often had to remind myself that short-term fun wasn’t worth long-term strain.
Paying off debt requires sacrifices. Whether it’s cutting back on dining out, skipping vacations, or taking on extra work, these sacrifices are temporary. The freedom you gain from being debt-free is worth far more than the short-term pleasures you might give up while on your journey.
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Takeaway 4: Focus on Your "Why"
As I paid off more debt, I faced emotional exhaustion. I lived in a noisy apartment that made it hard to sleep, couldn’t afford to move, and felt the strain of watching others enjoy luxuries I couldn’t.
However, I reminded myself that my sacrifices were paving the way for a better future. I wanted a life where I could buy things and go places without worrying about a bill waiting for me when the dust settled. I wanted to have the freedom to do work that I cared about without worrying about how quickly the money would come back to me. I wanted to be in the position to take care of my mom and grandparents—pay off their homes and ensure they have the best care so that they could actually enjoy their later years.
I wanted to build wealth for myself and my future family so that one day my kids could live a life and choose careers that they really wanted, not just random jobs for a paycheck. I wanted to be able to give and invest without wondering how I was going to be able to provide for myself, to support my church, my people, and my community.
In short, I wanted to live a life that many people never lived, and I didn’t want to wait until I was near my 70s and retired to live it.
When the journey gets tough, and it will, remind yourself why you started. Whether it’s to provide a better future for your family, achieve financial independence, or live a life free from the stress of debt, keep your “why” front and center. It will help you stay committed even when the road seems never-ending.
Takeaway 5: Celebrate Your Wins
In the last six months of my journey, I allowed myself to enjoy some small luxuries again, like moving into a better apartment and taking a couple of trips—paid in cash, of course. While I might have paid off my debt sooner without these indulgences, they were essential for maintaining my mental health. On July 15, 2020, I made my final payment and crossed the finish line as a debt-free champion.
As you make progress, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, big or small. Whether it’s paying off a credit card, saving an emergency fund, or finally becoming debt-free, acknowledging your achievements is important. It reinforces your progress and keeps you motivated for the next goal.
Paying off $46,000 in debt was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. The journey taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of staying focused on my long-term goals.
Recently, I was asked for my advice to someone who is on a similar journey. My answer: Stay prayed up. Stay focused. Surround yourself with people who support you and don’t drain you. And if you don’t have anyone, find them in other communities—your church, Facebook groups, YouTube, etc. Know that you’re not alone on your journey. And when times really get hard, remember why you started. You’ll be grateful that you didn’t quit once you’re on the other side.
Want to read more about my debt-free journey? Check out the original post on Write On Kiah for the full story and share your own experience in the comments!
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