“You can wander into debt but you can’t wander out of debt.” – Dave Ramesy

So you’re probably wondering how does a 20 year old have $57,747 worth of  debt. I’m pretty sure you guessed it, majority of the debt was STUDENT LOANS!

It all started 7 years ago. I took out my first student loan in order to attend a private university that I couldn’t afford! The sad thing about it is that I didn’t even know what I was getting into. I didn’t know what debt was. I  didn’t even realize that It will be my responsibility to pay the money back. I just knew that I needed money to go to school and it was taking a burden off my hands at the time. Plus everyone else took out student loans so everything was fine.

While in college, I continued to rack on debt not fully understanding what debt was. My second year of college, I got my first car and car payments started to roll in. My third year of college, I then opened two credit cards after being influenced by family and friends. By the time I graduated college, I graduated with $57,747 in debt and my dream job. YIKES!

It wasn’t until September of 2017, that I realized the amount of damage that was caused and decided to follow the Dave Ramsey’s game plan.

“Don’t go broke trying to look rich.”

On September 23, 2017, I was scrolling on Facebook and I came across a video by MJ Harris titled “Stop Going Broke Trying To Impress People.” This video literally changed my perspective on money. For many years, I believed that the people with the expensive cars, luxurious homes and the designer clothes were the wealthiest people walking the Earth. I thought that if I accumulated the material possessions such as the ones listed above, I would be successful. Little did I know that the wealthiest people on this Earth are not flashy. The people that wear basic clothes, drive used cars, and live in modest homes are the ones with the most money. They live on less than they make. They save money. 

After watching this video, I knew I needed to change my mindset on money. I had to redefine success. I had to stop living by society’s standards of wealth.  I needed to control my finances. I had to reduce my expenses. I needed a plan.