Hey everyone! We have a great new dear debt letter from Tyler Philbrook. Tyler runs the blog I Am The Future Me. He talks about his journey from being $29,000 in debt to becoming financially independent by cutting costs, making more money, and making good financial decisions.
Dear Debt,
What a song you and I have had. I remember the day we were formally introduced, my 18th birthday. Truth be told, I thought of you as my friend, one of my closest.
You helped me gain the respect of those my own age, and even those older. With the ability to go to every restaurant and even pay for everyone there. Giving me new clothes, and covering a bill or two along the way.
All year long I would spend and spend, and when tax time came, you would demand the refund for yourself, never leaving any for me.
The song was sweet perfection to me. I would get everything I wanted throughout the year and you would get what you wanted.
You helped me to impress my girlfriend, who later became my wife. And when she lost her job shortly after we got married, you paid the electric bill and car insurance. I was so appreciative that you were there to help.
But then the song turned sour. You wanted more — more than a simple tax refund could give. You wanted more than we had — more than I could give.
It was then that I realized that you are not a friend, you are a criminal. You beat me up every month, cause my blood pressure to go far beyond what one my age should have. You forced me to work longer hours, and even more than one job just so you could get what you want.
Instead of being a friend, you have caused pain wherever you are. My wife and I fight over you, I became unhealthy from working so much and eating so poorly. My wife even works extra now, and her health started to go because of you.
Not anymore debt, no, I refuse to allow you to have this much power, this much pull. We have set a plan to get rid of you. Instead of fighting each other, we are going to fight you together. All the effort we have put into anything else is all going towards getting rid of you.
As for our health, you don’t control that anymore either. We have learned how to get healthy even with you hovering over our heads. And, debt, I have never felt better.
This song is coming to an end, debt — soon it will be no more. Unlike songs that I hear on the radio and think of times of my life, there will be nothing to remind me of you. No, debt, when this song is over, not only will you be gone, but the memory of you will be too.
Goodbye Debt, thanks for nothing.
Tyler
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3 comments
Tyler, I’m so glad that you’ve had your wake-up moment! It’s a painful thing, but it’s the beginning of change, and it sounds like you and your wife are making that change together. Let your fights come and go. As you push forward, you’ll find they become less and less – simply because you’ll feel encouraged by the progress you’ve made. I speak from experience : ) All the best!
Thanks for your kind words, instead of fighting about money my wife will sometimes get upset about the mistakes made in the past that got us here. It’s better than an argument but still not fun to have to go through. I know it’s going to be a struggle but we’re going to make it together and it will be amazing.
Very powerful letter. Thanks for sharing Tyler!