Dear Debt, I Am Shutting You Down

Today’s dear debt letter comes from Nicole. Nicole lives in the Boston area, and is working toward paying down her debt from earning her Bachelor’s degree. She has many hobbies, including sewing, running, and of course, fix-it-yourself projects. Visit her and follow her progress at www.debtdungeondiaries.com.

Dear Debt,

There’s an old expression that describes a deceitful person as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Picture a wolf wearing a sheep skin, pretending to be all sheep-like until gobbling up every little lamb in sight.

I’ve been deceived a number of times in my life, Debt, but you are a real wolf in sheep’s clothing.

“We have such low interest rates!”

“You won’t find another private loan with rates like these.”

“It’s worth it for a good education, and it’s a really good school.”

These coaxing, cooing words filled my naive, 17-year-old ears. What was I supposed to do? NOT go to college? I was in the strangest of dilemmas. One moment, it felt like I had a million choices in my hands, but when I was sitting across from that loan counselor, it suddenly seemed like I had no choices at all.

In the end, Debt, I’m glad I knew you when I did; if we had never met, I would never have moved to the Boston area, and would never have met J and his family. I also would never have experienced any of the incredible professional development opportunities that I’ve had. But I’ve wasted too much of my time worrying on you.

I am in control now, and I am shutting you down.

Sincerely,
DDD (Debt Dungeon Diaries)

P.S. Just to spite you, when I start graduate school next year, I will not take out one. Single. Loan. How ya like them apples?!

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Melanie

Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, Dear Debt. Through her blog, she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat, which helps bold women face their fears, own their dreams and figure out a plan to be in control of their finances. She is passionate about empowering women, helping others get out of debt, and focuses on the intersection of debt and mental health. Every September she organizes a Suicide Prevention Awareness Blog Tour, to help share resources for those struggling with debt and suicide. In addition to her love of personal finance, art and music, she is also a karaoke master and a cat mom to Miles and Thelonious.

Latest posts by Melanie (see all)

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