Dear Debt, We’re Breaking Up

Hey everyone! Today we have a great dear debt letter from Heather. In the past you could find Heather at the mall stocking up on Coach purses, but these days you’ll find her blogging about saving money, minimalism, and simplifying life on Simply Save. She’s aggressively paying off her mortgage so that she can break up with debt for good!

Dear Debt,

We’re breaking up. I just don’t have room for you in my life anymore. You see, lately I’ve been embracing simplicity and minimalism. Anything that brings complications, negativity, or extra time and energy, has to go. And that means you. I’m making room in my life for the things that I love! I want more time and freedom to do what I want when I want. And that means getting rid of hassles, things I have to keep up with, and extra little tasks.

I know a majority of the world believes that debt brings the type of freedom I seek…to do what you want, when you want. But I don’t believe that myth anymore. Debt is a trap. Sure, it enables you to buy the things you want, but you won’t get much time to enjoy them because you have to work to pay off your debt. Debt traps you in places you may not want to be…like a job, home, or state. You don’t have the freedom to pack up and go on grand adventures and pursue passion projects. Because the bills keep coming. Debt can’t buy time.

I want my time back. All of it. I don’t want to deal with bills, balances, interest, paperwork, negotiations, maintenance and upkeep of the stuff I buy, anxiety, stress, worry, extra energy, keeping up with people I don’t even know…I don’t want all your baggage Debt!

We’ve had an off and on relationship for the past 10 years, Debt. You lure me and tempt me with your promises of fancy purses and shiny new cars, and then I remember I don’t like you and work like a madwoman to pay them off early. I don’t like the way you make me feel. And then you lure me back again…and the cycle repeats. But I’m breaking the cycle and untangling myself from your web.

I’m aggressively paying down my mortgage, slowly eliminating you over the next 7 years, or as soon as possible. That’s your only tie to me and it’s all the time we have left together.  I’m saving money and paying in full from now on Debt. No longer will you trick me into paying $235,000 for a $150,000 house, or $36,000 for a $30,000 car.

People say debt is “normal” or that some debt is “good debt”. Well then call me weird, because I’m done. I’m taking my time, energy, and money back. For good. Goodbye Debt.

Sincerely,

Heather

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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)

• Talking About Money and Mental Health - September 12, 2022
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