3 Listener Debt Payoff Stories – EP 188

We love a good debt payoff story, and what could be better than hearing the real-life experiences of frugal friends listeners?! Listen in as 3 brave souls share their journey to debt freedom.

Sponsors: 

  • Continuing Education! Paying off debt is a marathon, not a sprint. And any runner will tell you then training is a prerequisite to finish a marathon. We want to help you finish your financial marathon with a weekly dose of encouragement from the show and educational resources in our new digital shop! We’ve got a ton of affordable workbooks, challenges, and printables to keep you motivated and growing on your journey to financial freedom. And through the end of the month we are giving everyone A $50 credit to the store with the code 50FREEDOM. Visit us at frugalfriendspodcast.com/shop.
  • Cheese! Yup. it has nothing to do with today’s episode topic, theme, or really anything else we’re talking about today. Cheese just really wanted to sponsor us and we had to fit them in somewhere. Cheese: the desperate, but tasty sponsor.

AND if you want to hear more inspiring debt freedom stories check out these episodes:

Stories

  1. Tiffany from Kentucky – started the debt payoff journey in 2019 and has since paid off $55k in consumer debt! As of next month she will only owe on her mortgage! One key thing they did: raise their combined salaries from $79k to $99k working as educators.

Jen+Jill Take-Aways:

  • Don’t rely on others to fund your retirement
  • Be intentional with raising your income 
  • EXPECT set backs, stay the course
  1. Jocelyn from Connecticut – Began with $13K in credit card debt and $95K in student loan debt; started paying off consumer debt in 2012, then went on to pay off the student loans in 6.5years. Had some pauses along the way as she went to race as a triathlete in 2008/9 (which doesn’t pay much btw!). Earnings started at 50K but increased to 6-figures as a result of experience, negotiation, moving to low cost of living area, AND got employer to help pay off student loan debt. Best thing since debt payoff = having a child!! Not worrying about finances during maternity leave. Jocelyn’s advice – IT’S POSSIBLE! Know your worth.

Jen+Jill Take-Aways:

  • The journey isn’t always short! It took Jocelyn 7.5 years! That can feel like a long time!
  • Negotiation is key! Negotiate your bills lower, negotiate your salary higher, negotiate for more benefits!!
  1. Brittany in Asheville – Had $65K in debt and was making $25-$35K per year waiting tables. Eventually she moved to Korea to teach english, then opened her own business. The turning point was when she looked at how much she still owed after years of making the minimum payment and didn’t make a dent! Since being more diligent and putting more money towards debt payoff Brittany has been able to not only become debt free but also has begun putting extra money towards mortgage, will mean a paid off house 15 years early! Brittany’s advice – keep going, celebrate little wins, and find a way that works for you

Jen+Jill Take-Aways:

  • It is still possible to become debt-free even when living on a low income
  • Do what works for you in this debt-payoff journey! No individual person’s advice is infallible (take what works and leave what doesn’t)
  • Celebrate along the way!

BILL OF THE WEEK –  Thank you Brittany for sharing your bill about your oven that stopped working and how you watched youtube videos, problem solved and FIXED IT!!

If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill

This bill is sponsored by Ting Mobile! Bring your phone, your number, and get access to the best nationwide cell coverage in America as well as Ting’s award winning customer service if you ever need help. The Flex plan is just $10 per month per line and you only pay $5 per GB of data you use. Or get unlimited data for $45 per month. Head to frugal.ting.com to get a $25 credit when you switch!

Lightning Round 

What we’re most thankful for  about our debt payoff journeys

  • Jen- changed the trajectory of my life and led down a path of self discovery/ intentional living.
  • Jill- taught me simplicity and contentment (AND it allowed me to cash flow my masters degree)

Wrap-Up:

Thanks so much for listening! Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com AND share our most recent episode on social for a chance to win a copy of the Frugal Friends Workbook!

Thanks for listening! See you next week!

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