We’re Halfway There

by Melanie

Whooooooaaaa, living on a prayer! (I’d be ashamed to admit how long I’ve been waiting to write that.)

I am officially halfway into my journey. After calculating my current numbers, my debt total is at $40, 205.61!

This is a far cry from the $81k total I have accumulated; $23k for my undergraduate degree and $58k for my graduate degree.

I have been paying off debt since 2007, but decided to go back to school in 2010, at which point my debt increased exponentially. It’s been a long process.

I am now in the middle. I look back and see how far I have come. I can’t believe I’ve walked so far. I want to cry in excitement. But then I look forward. I have the same distance looking ahead of me, as I do looking back. There it is. Again. The journey is trying, with tests all along the way. Rewards too, which I am seeing more of lately. I best put on my walking shoes and keep going.

So, what sexy number did I put toward debt this month? $1,441.52

It is now April, and I’ve finally reached my original goal of $1,300 per month toward debt. It is the second highest number I’ve put toward debt, since the Year of Being Uncomfortable began and I put $2,000 to debt in one month (when I had a savings account I was happy to deplete.)

This was only possible because of my work load in April. I lied, I did end up working almost every day. For May, I am completely focusing efforts on online work and select brand ambassador work.

I’ve had some really cool, and interesting things happen lately. Good things. Expect to see me other places on the web 🙂 I hope you will follow me there. In addition, some of these good things have forced me to come out. Like out, out. Like, it’s on my Facebook and LinkedIn, with my full name. I nervously slept last night and woke up this morning before my alarm. Although I feel nervous, I want to open myself to possibilities. I want to live up to my full potential and not be hiding in a shadow of fear. Darkness can be comforting, but I need the light to keep going.

Overall, it was a pretty good month, even though my going out spending still sucked. I truly believe working less/working from home will allow me to not feel like I need/want to go out to eat/relieve stress/feel like I have a life.

How was your month?

Melanie
Latest posts by Melanie (see all)

43 comments

DC @ Young Adult Money May 1, 2014 - 4:40 am

Wow getting halfway there is a huge accomplishment! We had about the same debt load from our undergrad and we have been slowly plugging away. I bet it feels great to know you are halfway done. Congrats again!

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deardebt May 1, 2014 - 7:50 am

It feels awesome. Once I can pay off an extra $300 (which will be soon), and get into the 30’s, I will be thrilled! 30’s just seems sooooo much better than 50’s and 40’s. How appropriate too, as I will be turning 30 in October 🙂

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Shannon @ Financially Blonde May 1, 2014 - 5:53 am

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!! And this is seriously my most favorite song ever!! What a great way to celebrate your halfway point!! You have accomplished SO much in paying down your debt! Congrats!!

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deardebt May 1, 2014 - 7:48 am

It’s so darn catchy 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement, Shannon!

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Erin May 1, 2014 - 6:35 am

Yay, halfway! We put $1,637.72 towards debt in April and $1,938.64 towards debt already in May! We were hoarding cash a bit until paychecks stabilized, but now we’re killing it 🙂

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deardebt May 1, 2014 - 7:47 am

You are killing it! Keep up the awesome work, girrrrl!

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Tonya@Budget and the Beach May 1, 2014 - 7:00 am

Yay!!! Congrats Melanie! So proud and happy for your successes! Looking forward to hearing more about your freelance stuff. As far as coming out of the blog closet, it’s really liberating. I used to worry all the time about who would find out, and now I don’t even care, but with that said I can’t say EVERYTHING I want to on my blog, like talking about job searching, which is my one big goal for the month. It could negatively affect my freelancer work and future employment. Hope May is great for you!

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deardebt May 1, 2014 - 7:46 am

Thanks, Tonya! I’m excited. I feel nervous now, but I know once everything settles I’ll be so happy that I don’t have to hide or worry. Who cares? I’m talking about becoming debt free! Not a drug smuggling business, lol.

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Shoeaholicnomore May 1, 2014 - 7:09 am

What a great post Mel. You did an amazing job and reaching the halfway point is so exciting! Has anything happened yet now that you’ve “come out” of the debt closet to people IRL? I know you said you were nervous, but did anything come of it yet? Keep us up-to-date 🙂

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deardebt May 1, 2014 - 7:44 am

I have received positive feedback on FB, but nothing else. I think as time goes on, I’ll realize it’s not that big of a deal.

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Shoeaholicnomore May 2, 2014 - 6:33 am

That’s great! I’m glad you haven’t gotten any negative feedback and if you do, just ignore the naysayers and keep on keepin’ on 🙂

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Alicia @ Financial Diffraction May 1, 2014 - 8:43 am

Congratulations Melanie! That’s a huge milestone! I’m so glad to see your progress. and $1,400 is huge.

And now I shall have Bon Jovi stuck in my head all afternoon… thanks for that 😉

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Chloe (Marriage and Money Blog) May 1, 2014 - 8:56 am

Woooooo-hooooo! That is amazing progress, and you definitely have reason to celebrate! I’ll definitely be digging through your archives looking for inspiration 🙂

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Girl Meets Debt May 1, 2014 - 9:04 am

As you know my last few months haven’t exactly been my debt repayments but that’s just how it goes sometimes. Congrats on a fabulous April Melanie! I am SO SO SO looking forward to seeing more of your awesome work around the net. You know I’m your #1 fan. 🙂

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E.M. May 1, 2014 - 9:45 am

Yay on so many fronts!! Congrats! I’ve been deliberating on whether or not to “come out of the blogging closet,” too. At least you use your picture and name – I’m still pretty anonymous. However, since I’ve moved, I feel like I have less to lose now. Google+ seems important to have, and I can’t do that without revealing my name. It’s a sacrifice that has to be made I guess!

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Debt Busting Chick May 1, 2014 - 10:12 am

Congratulations! You’ve paid off some much already and you’re still going. You’re doing well you must be so proud of yourself. Congrats on putting such a huge amount towards the debt this month.

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Kasey @ Debt Perception May 1, 2014 - 12:07 pm

w00t! Congrats on halfsies and coming out of the closet! 🙂

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deardebt May 2, 2014 - 7:41 am

Eeeek! Yes!!!!

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Morgaine May 1, 2014 - 12:42 pm

Congrats on hitting the halfway mark! I know it does seem that the road ahead of you is as long as the road behind but it really isn’t. Now that you’ve made the dedication to get to where you are and with paying less interest overall you’re gonna see that you will make bigger strides and pay off the debt faster now. Keep up the great work! (Well, and get some rest too!) 🙂

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deardebt May 2, 2014 - 7:41 am

Yes, less interest! I can’t wait to get my daily interest under $5. Ugh. I hate it so much. Thanks for the encouragement and support, Morgaine 🙂

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Cecilia@thesingledollar May 1, 2014 - 7:11 pm

That is fantastic! Halfway! OK, so there’s a ways to go…but tipping over that 50% mark is impressive and has to feel good. Here is a fist-bump of solidarity from someone else who went into debt going to grad school in New York 🙂

Also congrats on the opportunities! You’ll post some links to them here, right?

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deardebt May 2, 2014 - 7:39 am

Woo woo! Where did you go to school? I will share some links as time goes on. One of them, I do post here regularly, so check back 🙂

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Isabella May 1, 2014 - 7:40 pm

That is simply wonderful, Melanie! I wish you continued success. I think you can now believe in yourself. I really think the second half will be easier because you will be coasting and working toward zero, and you have proven to yourself that you can do this!

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deardebt May 2, 2014 - 7:37 am

Thanks, Isabella! Your support is lovely. I do feel more confident and motivated. This month when it gets into the 30’s will be magical and an extra boost.

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Emma @ Make Money Without a Job May 2, 2014 - 2:50 am

That’s brilliant, well done! You’re making great progress and you’ve got such clear and attainable goals that you’ll be there before you know it. Keep it up!

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deardebt May 2, 2014 - 7:36 am

Thank you! It feels slow, but hopefully it will just go faster from here on out.

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Amanda @ Passionately Simple Life May 2, 2014 - 6:16 am

Congrats on being halfway done! That’s an amazing accomplishment! Definitely take some time for yourself. Working everyday is not only harsh on the body and mind, but it makes work not as fun as the days go by!

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deardebt May 2, 2014 - 7:34 am

Yeah, I know! May is still lighter, and I’m spending more time at home 🙂

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Tre May 2, 2014 - 10:55 am

Congratulations! It must feel great to see how much you have accomplished.

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Debt Hater May 2, 2014 - 6:03 pm

Congrats on hitting the halfway point, hopefully the way downhill will be even quicker than the journey uphill!

It’s great that you were able to hit such a good milestone. It gives me hope when reading things like this, as I started out with a very similar amount of debt as you so it’s cool to see someone being able to do the same thing.

And there’s nothing wrong with some Bon Jovi 🙂

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anna May 2, 2014 - 6:59 pm

WOO HOO – Congrats Melanie!!! So proud of you for reaching the halfway mark, and so stoked that you referenced one of my favorite songs of all time! I can’t wait to see where your freelancing goes as I’ll be sure to follow, as well as you make your way down this second half with the tenacity and high motivation you’ve been doing! SO happy for you, my friend. 🙂

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Petrish @ Debt Free Martini May 4, 2014 - 10:05 am

You are so hardcore when it comes to paying off debt and I think this is awesome. Congrats! Thank you for inspiring us while on your journey.

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Mackenzie May 4, 2014 - 1:44 pm

Awesome news Melanie! Woo hoo! 🙂

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deardebt May 7, 2014 - 11:03 pm

WEeeeeee!! Debt be gone!

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Laurie @thefrugalfarmer May 5, 2014 - 5:26 am

Happy, happy for you, Melanie!!! You are just kickin’ it, girl!! Keep up the great work: that debt will be gone in no time. 🙂

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deardebt May 7, 2014 - 11:03 pm

Thanks, Laurie! Keepin’ keepin’ on ya know?

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Gina May 5, 2014 - 11:12 pm

Congrats on reaching the halfway point! I can’t wait to get there, too. 🙂

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deardebt May 7, 2014 - 10:34 pm

Yay, thank you! You will get there — just keep going.

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Lisa E. @ Lisa vs. the Loans May 7, 2014 - 2:00 pm

TAKE MY HAND – WE’LL MAKE IT I SWEARRRR!!!

Congrats, girl! I remember first sharing some of my stuff to my network on FB and LinkedIn – I was so nervous!

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deardebt May 7, 2014 - 10:14 pm

Ahh!! I want to do karaoke with you. It’s been a week and nothing has happened, lol. I think sometimes we make things into a huge thing in our heads, when no one really cares!

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DivHut May 11, 2014 - 2:23 pm

What an impressive number towards your debt. It’s always inspiring to see an open and transparent real life debt reduction happening before our eyes. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work. Your efforts will surely be rewarded.

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Petra June 3, 2014 - 4:49 am

The second half will be easier, because the interest that accrues is so much less. Congratulations and keep going!

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Melanie June 3, 2014 - 7:49 am

Yes, good point! Thanks for the encouragement.

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