Living Debt Free
The idea of living without debt is what first got me excited about personal finance. For years, I didn’t think it was possible. Debt felt like a given—a reality of modern life. But when I discovered that it was possible to live without it, everything changed.
I taught myself how to budget in a way that made sense for my family. I calculated how much my husband and I could put toward debt each month and how quickly we could pay it off. That simple plan sparked something incredible: clarity and hope.
Once we started making progress, I saw the possibilities unfold. Without debt, our money could go toward things that truly mattered to us—like saving for the future, traveling, or even working less. Before we paid off debt, we had no idea where our money was going. I started tracking every dollar and discovered that we had been spending thousands of dollars each month on what I call “who knows what.”
When the debt was gone, we suddenly had $2,000–$4,000 a month to put toward goals that aligned with our values. I would spend hours making spreadsheets, dreaming of the ways we could use that money. Could we retire in our 40s? Invest in a meaningful way? The possibilities felt endless.
The Freedom of Living Without Debt
Ultimately, my family chose a path that aligned with our deepest values: freedom and time with our kids. With our debt gone, we didn’t need two incomes anymore, so we took turns being stay-at-home parents to our two young children.
This choice wasn’t just about financial freedom—it was about creating a life where money supported our priorities instead of dictating them.
Debt, for me, wasn’t an overwhelming stress—it was a barrier. It was tied to decisions I wasn’t proud of, like law school debt connected to a career I didn’t love. Paying it off felt like shedding a weight I hadn’t realized I was carrying. Suddenly, I could make choices based on what I wanted, not what I owed.
For many people, though, debt is more than just a barrier. It can feel like an emotional burden—a constant source of stress, sleepless nights, and tension in relationships. It can weigh you down with reminders of decisions you regret or obligations that no longer serve you.
No matter what debt looks like for you, the path forward is the same: face it head-on, understand it, and create a plan to live without it.
Why Live Without Debt?
The benefits of living without debt are life-changing:
Freedom and Control: Your money is yours to spend on the present and future, not tied to past decisions.
Intentional Living: Without debt, you’re forced to make deliberate choices that align with your values.
Less Stress: Debt can be an emotional and mental drain. Freeing yourself from it creates space for peace and clarity.
Financial Security: Every dollar you earn works toward your goals—not toward interest payments.
Greater Opportunity: Without debt holding you back, you can dream bigger and act bolder.
The Power of Intentional Choices
Living without debt doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life—it means you’ll approach your spending with clarity and purpose. When you remove the option of borrowing, you naturally shift toward more deliberate decisions.
This doesn’t mean you won’t buy the car or take the vacation—it means you’ll do so in a way that doesn’t rob you of future opportunities. When you’re debt-free, every choice becomes an investment in your values, not a repayment of past decisions.
What’s Next for You?
If debt feels like a cloud hanging over your life, start by gaining clarity. Track your expenses. Understand your debts. Create a plan to tackle them. And most importantly, imagine what life could look like without them.
Could you save for retirement? Work fewer hours? Travel? Spend more time with your family? When you live without debt, the possibilities are endless because you are in control.
Your financial story doesn’t have to revolve around debt. It can be one of freedom, intention, and alignment with your values. The first step is deciding to change the narrative.