One of the best things that happened to me on my trip was that I got really inspired to pay off debt.
Being able to really be alone and sit with my thoughts made me realize a lot. More than anything, I really want to be out of debt.
I started thinking of how I could be out of debt as soon as possible and not the 2-3 years I’ve been thinking of. After looking at my income and doing some soul-searching, I set a crazy goal of getting out of debt in one year.
My mind is still grappling with this goal as it seems so crazy and out of reach. My debt is currently at $28,737.59 (I just recently put $2,200 to debt).
In order to accomplish this goal, I need to make 4k or more each month. I want to pay at least 2k to debt each month, live off of roughly 1k (see my low expenses here) and put 1k to insurance and taxes. If I make more, I will put more to debt and savings — and perhaps even investments. I’m getting the urge to dip my toes in the water and get started.
After a year of making 2k+ payments, I want to throw some of my remaining savings at debt and be done.
Once I did the math, I felt so motivated. Because my income was stalling for months, my debt free date was constantly 2-3 years away. But in March, I made some drastic cuts, and started focusing relentlessly on higher paying work. And I’m so freaking glad I did. Because for the past two months, I’ve made more than I have in my whole life.
If I can keep up at this pace, I’ll be looking at a $48,000 or more salary. That may be a modest salary to some, but considering my salaries have all been low to mid thirties, this is a huge jump. A palpable jump. I can see the difference in my bank account and it’s the only way I’m able to afford to put 2k to debt each month. It just reminds me that as much as I like being frugal and saving, sometimes it really is about earning more.
So how in the heck do I plan to make this happen?
Well, the move is off. I realized I cannot accomplish this goal if I moved to LA or NYC. At this point, both of the cities have lost their charm after my enchanting affair with European cities anyway. I’d love to move to Europe some day. But that’s a story for another day. The point is, I’m staying put in Portland for at least another year, or more to get my financial life in order.
Secondly, I’m going to continue to work my butt off (while continuing to prioritize self-care and rest) so that I can keep my clients happy and also secure more work when I need it.
Also, starting June 1 I am mostly giving up credit cards and opting for cash. I say mostly because I will still have my insurance and other auto pay things on my card. But I don’t want to be tempted at all to spend more, so I am sticking to cash for everything else.
I am also giving myself a strict $100 budget each month for fun. I plan on significantly reducing my restaurant and happy hour expenditures.
These are the strategies I am going to use to try to knock this debt out in a year. A year seems manageable. A year seems like if I work really hard and stay focused, I can be done with this forever.
I can start saving and investing 2k each month. I can travel for longer periods. I can rid myself of 99.9% of spending guilt.
Before I was burnt out and just surviving. Now I’ve had time to rest and really evaluate my priorities. I know money is a tool to help you get what you want out of life. I want freedom and travel and adventure. I know I can have all of those things, while still setting myself up for a nice future, if I get out of debt asap.
It feels weird and scary to share this goal. Especially because my income depends on me. I don’t have a cushy job where I can sit back and make $50k. I have to work, hustle, pitch, edit, revise, and manage my work to make a buck. And I’m so grateful for that. But I know that things can change with clients — budgets change, directions change, etc. So much feels out of my hands, but I will do my best to continue to work hard and if things fall through, make something else work.
Self-employment is for the resilient.
So, there you have it. My big, crazy, audacious goal. I am nervous, but I’m ready for a challenge.
I will be debt free by May 21, 2016. Let the countdown begin.
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46 comments
I think this is very doable! I’m glad you’re having a moment of renewed energy around your debt — you’ve worn it down to a point where you can really see the light at the end of the tunnel, and your plan sounds solid and workable. Good luck!
It feels sort of doable, yet insane. But I want it so bad. I can see the end and I want to taste freedom!!!
Inspiring goal and website! I affirm your success and intend to do likewise by December!
Bravo Melanie; your victory will give momentum to us all!
Thank you! I’m debt-free now. You can do it too!
Melanie, I have been following you for a long time but have been a lurker! This would be a fantastic goal, to be debt-free in a year. Have you read Kara’s story too? She is very close to debt free on a limited income. You girls are rocking it! You are a different person now, Melanie!
https://karaelizabethperez.wordpress.com/
So glad you commented! That means a lot. I have read Kara’s story, but it’s been a while since I checked in. Thanks for the reminder. I do feel like a different person from this trip.
Woohoo!!!!! This is SO freaking exciting Melanie!! I love that your amazing trip kicked you in the butt to do something like this and it further proves why traveling while being in debt is not the worst thing in the world. I am so psyched that I have a front row seat to your audacious goal journey and I can’t wait to see you achieve it!
Seriously, spending a little money on this trip was the best thing I ever did! Thanks for being such a great cheerleader, Shannon.
I think staying in Portland for another year is smart! It’s just so expensive in LA and NY and if you don’t have to add that to your list of things that might make you stressed, then don’t. I’m rooting for you (and first I wrote rotting-lol!) Melanie!
It just didn’t make sense to increase my rent 50% when I’m paying off debt. And I realized I could live in Madrid or Lisbon for the same price, if not cheaper than Portland!!
This is a great goal! Big goals can be so scary but once you’re committed they can also be crazy exciting. Good luck!!
It feels so crazy, but I want to work hard so I don’t fail!
You are such an inspiration, Melanie!
Thanks, that means a lot to me!
Good for you! I’m glad you’re inspired to pay off debt and you’ve reinspired me! Good luck! I’ll be following along!
Thank you for being a valued reader. Glad I could provide some inspiration. Honestly, my trip changed everything and I’m finally in the mindset and income to make this happen.
Great goal Melanie! I can’t wait to read your “debt free” post 1 year from now!! 🙂
Thanks so much! I’m feeling so pumped!
YES! Once you set a goal and a timeline, I found it made things easier. It keeps you focused and gets you excited. I’m so happy that you’re recharged and ready to hit it full on. You can do it!
And thanks for the shout out Lindy! =)
Thanks so much! I’m excited!
Wow! That must be an amazing feeling. Audacity is definitely a good thing here because even if you don’t reach it in exactly one year, it’ll be very motivating to see the end as it comes within reach.
Best of luck on getting there!
Exactly! If I “fail” I’ll still be much better off 🙂
I look forward to following your progress on this ambitious goal. I think staying put for another year isn’t the worst thing to become debt free within the year. Especially if you aren’t fully committed to LA/NYC. $2000 a month payments will put you at roughly $24000 in an entire year. So I think that if you are able to boost your income even more your plan is entirely do-able!
Yes, I plan to boost my income and use some savings to pay the rest down towards the end. I’m ready to be done!
You can do it, girl! I’m so excited to read about this big and important goal for you and I believe that you can make this happen — and then some 🙂 Will be cheering you on the whole way, and of course, don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything from me along this journey. Always happy to help and support you in whatever way I can. You will knock this out of the park!
Thanks so much, Kali! You have been instrumental in my career and bringing me this far. I owe so much to you. You are such a great supporter of me and I love you for that!
AMAZING. Can’t wait to see you accomplish this.
Thanks, girl! Your support means a lot. I love the encouragement — it helps with the fear 🙂
Wow, hats off to your calculations and they ways and means you’re going to pay off your debt.Nice post.
Eeeek, thanks!
That sounds good. The year will fly by, I promise. And after that you’ll be free forever from this thing called debt.
I know a year will fly by, which is why I’m committing to this. I can do it. I just want to be done and freeeeee.
Hey!
Wow that is one AUDACIOUS but inspiring goal!!
One thing to think of and just going off my personal experience don’t forget to maybe schedule milestone celebrations. When we were paying off debt we enjoyed seeing the numbers go down. Especially that interest number 🙂
But I can remember doing a little celebration dinner say we are at 10K or under 5K I think I can remember doing something just a little extra splurging within your fun budget just because your doing so well.
I know you can you do this girl and look forward to continue to read about your process of knocking debt in it’s mouth!
Great inspiring post!
I love that idea!
Melanie-I am 100% sure that you will ROCK this goal and finish a little earlier than you think you will. I am predicting that I will read your debt free post by March of next year. BOOM!
Awww your support means everything to me, Michelle!
There is nothing that is more satisfying than paying down debt. I am paying $2,700 month and living off $2,500 month so somewhat similar to you. I can tell you that it’s not easy but it’s SO rewarding seeing the amount go down.
You are doing an amazing job, girl! So inspired by you!
Wow! Love this goal! I know that feeling of just wanting your debt gone and I’m sure you can do it, you’ve got a great plan. I’m all about paying off debt ASAP because a year is not a really long time to give it your all and when you spend several years working toward a goal it’s easy to get burnt out. Good luck, you got this!
It’s a crazy goal, but I’m ready to try! I’m so beyond sick of paying off debt! I’m ready to start living my life.
This is so exciting! I’m rootin’ for ya, girl!!
Thanks girl! Your support means so much!
Hi!
I have the SAME goal! Pay off my student loans in a year. I’ll definitely be following along and hopeful be inspired and motivated. Here’s to celebrating in a year!
Awesome! Good luck and thanks for stopping by!
My favorite line: “I can start saving and investing 2k each month. I can travel for longer periods. I can rid myself of 99.9% of spending guilt.” That was definitely what helped me on my debt-free journey – the positive outlook. My family of 4 live on my husband’s income – which is under $40,000, but because we are debt-free, we can still save up, invest, and not feel the stress of outstanding debt. I cannot wait for you to experience that freedom soon!
Wow, that is so impressive and inspiring! I appreciate you stopping by and giving me a boost of encouragement. I don’t have that far to go, but enough time that I need to keep my motivation high.