It’s no lie that the debt-free journey can be an overwhelming one. It’s like you’re standing at the foot of a mountain and trying to figure out the easiest and quickest way up. What you need is a debt blog written by someone who has been at the foot of that mountain.
You’re thinking…
“Why is getting out of debt so hard?”
“I feel like I’m drowning in debt.”
“I just want to know how to become debt free.”
“I need debt advice.”
You need someone who has been up that mountain before and knows what the view from the top looks like. You need someone who has already taken the ride down the other side and knows about the joyous debt free life on the other side.
Well, you’re in luck. We have been debt-free and mortgage-free since we were 25. We’ve seen the view from the top and I promise you that it’s worth the climb up! I pour all of my knowledge and experience into this debt blog to make your journey easier.
Why is it So Hard to Get Out of Debt?
If you’re on your debt-free journey or thinking about getting started, you might be wondering, “why is it so hard to get out of debt?” The answer is because it’s so easy to get in debt. It’s easier to tell yourself “yes” than it is to delay gratification or even deny yourself something now because you have a bigger goal in mind.
When you see the perfect shoes, the smartest Smart TV, or the newest model of your favorite car, it’s easier to just go ahead and buy it with money you either don’t have or shouldn’t be spending than to say, “You know what? I’m happy with what I already own and I won’t be lured into buying that.”
That’s why you should be reading a debt blog and not just any debt blog. You should be reading Big House in the Woods because I can keep you on track so you can achieve financial freedom.
5 Reasons Why You Should Be Reading This Debt Blog
1. We Have Been Where You Are…That’s Why I Started This Debt Blog!
Once upon a time we had debt. I had student loans after college that I paid off as quickly as I could. Then, after I married, The Man and I took out a mortgage and bought a little house.
We never intended to have a mortgage. Debt is something we take seriously and we consider a mortgage to be debt. The thought of having a mortgage for 15-30 years sounded suffocating.
Just thinking about how we could have grandchildren before our house was paid for was just too much.
So, we set out to pay it off sooner than later. We laid out our plans and got busy. We paid our mortgage off in 13 months.
2. On This Debt Blog, I Will Show You the Exact Steps to Become Debt Free
We know a thing or two about debt and how to get rid of it.
Since the beginning of our marriage, we knew that we would never be happy if we owed anyone for anything…even our house. We would never feel free.
Becoming debt-free is simple…in theory. It’s about spending less money than you make then applying that saved money toward your debt.
You have to make a plan of attack and put it into motion.
Everyone has different situations with different amounts of debt. You must determine the best debt-free path that meets your needs.
3. There are Perks to Resisting Temptation and I Will Tell You What They Are
People who truly have money, have it because they don’t make a habit of spending it on things they don’t need.
Do I need to vacuum my house hands-free with a Roomba vacuum cleaner that costs me anywhere between $200 and $450?
I do not.
Being able to afford something and being willing to spend your money on them are two different things.
Being debt-free, building up your savings, having money, and possibly planning an early retirement is about respecting money and seeing things for what they really are.
It has nothing to do with whether or not I can afford these things. Because I can.
That’s the difference between “The Millionaire Next Door” and his neighbor. One of them buys things they don’t need and the other doesn’t think those things deserve his dollars.
We evaluate things before we purchase them. If we don’t need them or they don’t considerably improve our lives then we don’t buy them.
For example, let’s talk about a Keurig. Now, if that Keurig made me a cup of coffee (using stainless steel piping on the inside, of course) then delivered it to me in my bed as soon as the alarm went off, then I MIGHT consider it.
But, then again, for that price, I probably still wouldn’t buy it.
Read : Why I Won’t Buy a Roomba, Keurig, Apple Watch, or Yeti Anything
4. I Know Money-Saving Hacks that will Make Your Debt-Free Journey Easier
Like…
Padding your checking account is probably the easiest and most painless way to build up a little cushion. Having a cushion can help take away some of your financial stress. It’s also one of the first things you can do to start your debt-free journey.
And…
One of our “famous stories” we like to share is that when we were saving money to pay off our first (and only) mortgage, we ate pancakes three nights a week for supper because pancakes are cheap.
I can tell you how to save HUNDEREDS on your food bill every month and I promise, it doesn’t involve pancakes three nights a week. But, I learned very valuable lessons during that time!
5. I Will Help You Determine Where You Have Spending Leaks that are Keeping You From Your Financial Goals
I’ve seen SO many people who act like they have all the money in the world but the fact is that there is nothing in their checking account. They don’t have much of a savings and their plan for the future is kind of fuzzy. They have a “Big Hat” (big house, nice car, all the gadgets and gizmos, manicures, a new UTV, etc.) but they have “no cattle.” They actually don’t have any money at all. They are swimming in payments and debt. They are “full of hot air.”
-me
What always baffles me is the number of people who live this way by CHOICE.
Could they have money in their savings? Yes.
Could they build up a good fund for retirement? Yes.
Could they get out of the “rat race” sooner? Yes.
Well, why don’t they? I’ll tell you why.
It’s because they are wasting money EVERY DAY on things they don’t need. Instant gratification has them by the throat.
Plug your spending leaks and you will achieve your debt-free goals faster.
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Do attempt this journey alone! I can be your guide and help you along your way.
Sign up for my email list and be the first to know about all of my new articles. I will also pass along all of my budgeting and money saving tips to help you become financially independent.
Let’s do this together!
All the best,
Lindsey